✈ How to Get Upgraded on Your Next Flight, JetBlue and United Launch Partnership & More News From TPG ✈

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October 23, 2025 View in browser         Together with     Together with

It's easier than you think by Tarah Chieffi, Senior writer Beyoncé and I have a lot in common. She once famously sang, "Partner let me upgrade you," and I am here to tell you how to get upgraded to business or first class on your next flight. Upon further introspection, the similarities end there, so I'll just get to the top ways to get upgraded on a flight. Elite status: Aside from purchasing an upgraded seat outright, holding elite status with an airline is probably the easiest way to get upgraded on a flight. On Delta Air Lines, for example, you are eligible for upgrades if you have Silver Medallion status or above. On United Airlines, MileagePlus Premier members are eligible for complimentary Premier upgrades, but only Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members receive PlusPoints that allow you to confirm upgrades sooner. Remember, certain credit cards can put you on the fast track to earning elite status, allowing you to be eligible for upgrades sooner. Travel alone: On flights where I have been eligible for an upgrade, I occasionally move to the top of the list if I am traveling alone. Even if other travelers on the list have higher status, if there aren't enough seats for their entire travel party, I've been able to pull ahead of them and fly in comfort. Airline miles: If you aren't eligible for an upgrade via elite status and don't fly often enough to store up your miles for a free flight, you can trade your miles to upgrade to a premium cabin on major airlines like American Airlines, United and Delta. Pending upgrade availability, you can usually do this during booking or after, online or in the airline's app. Wear a sparkly outfit: Just kidding … that only works if you actually are Beyoncé. I can't help you with that, but this additional reading might help: Here's how to use airline miles for a first-class upgrade Sit up front: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta flights How to get upgraded on United Airlines flights The best credit cards to reach elite status How to upgrade to first class without spending a ton of money Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page. Photo Credit: WERA RODSAWANG/GETTY IMAGES.

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Today's top stories Now live: United-JetBlue 'Blue Sky' partnership begins with earning, redeeming on either airline You can now earn and redeem miles across both airlines. Read more Cheapest places to travel for the holidays in 2025 Here's how to find the best deals for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's travel. Read more 'This is a marathon, not a sprint': TPG's Gen Z staff members share credit card tips TPG's Gen Z staff members share tips on rewards, maximize points and turn points and miles into aspirational travel benefits. Read more My 4 favorite things about Hyatt's Andaz Tokyo and how to book with points You can book this stunning Japanese hotel with as few as 40,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Read more Lufthansa's big plan for ITA Airways: Planes, US flights and a single loyalty program ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart outlines the airline's expansion plans as a full member of the Lufthansa Group. Read more

The latest 1. American Airlines will bring its swanky new Flagship suites to its oldest long-haul planes 2. 9 destinations that are best seen on a guided or small-group tour — including some you wouldn't expect 3. Delta Air Lines unveils meals by celebrity chef José Andrés 4. Air France to launch new route from Las Vegas to Paris in 2026 5. $150 Squarespace credit added to American Express Business Gold Card 6. Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard review: For those who fly American Airlines 4 times a year 7. Best-ever welcome offers: Earn up to 125,000 miles with a Delta Amex card 8. Lyft launches cash rewards program for loyal riders — does it make sense for you? 9. Fast-growing Viking hits major milestone with 100th cruise ship 10. Spirit Airlines confirms merger talks, outlines postbankruptcy plan

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