Return to main articleTop Travel Myths | 2008
Myth: Airline loyalty program members are likely to be upgraded.
Reality: In the old days, a frequent-flier member wearing a nice suit had a fair chance of being bumped up to business or first class if the flight was overbooked, or simply if a seat up front wasn't filled. These days, in an era when so many travelers belong to airline loyalty programs—and when airlines are considerably stingier with rewards—membership has lost its prestige and its value. Carriers tend to give upgrades on the spot only when forced to, due to overbooking. If that's the case, upgrades go to the most elite loyalty members—typically die-hard business travelers with thousands of miles they will never have the chance to use. Current Advice: Regular travelers have almost no chance of scoring a free upgrade. If your heart is set on sitting up front, accumulate points however you can (airline credit cards are the easiest way), and book a first- or business-class seat. Or, check out airlines offering less expensive business-class seats.
