Two Ways to Upgrade to First Class with Miles
There are two fundamentally different methods for using miles to get into First Class — and they work very differently:
- Book a full award ticket in First Class using miles instead of cash. You pay miles + taxes/fees and receive a First Class ticket from the start.
- Upgrade an existing Economy or Business Class ticket using miles or upgrade instruments (upgrades, stickers, certificates).
Method 1 is simpler and more reliable. Method 2 is more complex but can offer extraordinary value if executed correctly. This guide covers both.
Method 1: Book First Class Awards Directly
The cleanest approach: accumulate the miles needed for a First Class award and book it as your ticket. The award is booked exactly like any other — you pay miles + taxes/fees and receive a First Class boarding pass.
The Best First Class Award Options
| Airline · Product | Route Example | Miles (OW) | Programme | Miles Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates First Class A380 | Dubai → London | 85,000 | Skywards | $1,318 |
| Singapore Suites | Singapore → London | 92,000 | KrisFlyer | $1,518 |
| Japan Airlines First | Tokyo → New York | 80,000 | Alaska Mileage Plan | $1,136 |
| ANA The Suite | Tokyo → London | 95,000 | Virgin Atlantic | $1,349 |
| Cathay Pacific First | Hong Kong → London | 70,000 | Alaska Mileage Plan | $994 |
| Etihad First Apartment | Abu Dhabi → London | 65,000 | Etihad Guest | $975 |
The cost in each case is the miles required times the per-mile purchase price. At our live per-mile rates, even the most prestigious First Class products cost less than $1,600 in miles.
Method 2: Upgrade an Existing Ticket
Upgrading a purchased Economy or Business Class ticket using miles or upgrade instruments can offer even better value — but requires more planning and flexibility.
Upgrades Using Miles
Most airlines allow mileage upgrades — paying a fixed number of miles to move up one or two cabins. The miles required vary significantly:
- Emirates — unique in allowing day-of-departure upgrades using Skywards miles on any fare class, including award tickets. No status required. Economy to Business on long-haul: 30,000–50,000 miles
- British Airways — Executive Club Avios upgrades available from the time of booking through to day of departure. Economy to Business on transatlantic: 15,000–25,000 Avios + cash co-pay
- Cathay Pacific — Asia Miles upgrade requests available for cash ticket holders. Economy to Business: 20,000–40,000 miles depending on route
- Singapore Airlines — KrisFlyer upgrade requests for paid ticket holders. Success rates vary significantly by route and date
Upgrades Using Status and Certificates
Airlines also offer upgrades through:
- Elite status upgrade certificates — many programmes issue complimentary upgrade certificates with elite status. These are typically only valid on the airline's own metal and require booking in certain fare classes
- Systemwide upgrades — high-tier members at some airlines (American AAdvantage, United MileagePlus) receive systemwide upgrade certificates valid on any available fare
- Complimentary upgrades — for the highest status tiers, upgrades to First Class are sometimes automatic on eligible routes when capacity permits
The Emirates Day-of-Departure Upgrade: A Special Case
Emirates' day-of-departure upgrade system deserves specific attention because it's unique in global aviation. Any Skywards member — regardless of status — can request an upgrade at the airport on departure day. If seats are available, the upgrade is confirmed using Skywards miles.
Strategy: book the cheapest Economy Class fare, arrive early, request an upgrade at check-in or at the gate. On routes like Dubai–London with A380 service, Business Class regularly has unsold seats that Emirates would prefer to fill at reduced cost via this mechanism. The cost is typically 30,000–50,000 miles for long-haul Economy to Business.
Which Method Is Right for You?
Choose Method 1 (direct award) if you:
- Want certainty — you know exactly what you're getting before you travel
- Are flexible on dates and can search for availability
- Are flying a specific route where you know the premium product
Choose Method 2 (upgrade) if you:
- Already have a cash ticket booked (for work, for flexibility, or because you needed a specific routing)
- Are willing to accept uncertainty about whether the upgrade confirms
- Have elite status that makes complimentary or discounted upgrades more likely