We're going to be traveling to Raleigh Durham international 8 times over the next 2-3 months. Coach seating is a beating for me, I can't get comfortable no matter what I do. Medical issues such as neuropathy, makes it very unpleasant.. I'm not a world traveler, never have been, but I thought I'd reach out to see if anyone knew any way to upgrade that doesn't involve great amounts of money.
Thanks in advance.

It�s difficult to upgrade, without paying cash, out of DFW and flying to another hub unless your a top tier loyalty program member. At least on American Airlines.
It might be easier if you�re flying on Delta or United. Maybe someone else knows...

Show some cleavage?

Fly with your emotional support peacock

Pony up for better seats?

I don't know of any secrets. Seems like every seat on American has become a premium seat and requires extra money unless it is a middle seat. I just pay extra and do exit row.

You may try getting a mileage rewards credit card from Chase, or Capital One, and using the points to get better seats. Also, look to see the configuration of the airplane and find one with the most room.

That's just good advice for every situation.

Consider looking into an AA credit card and using it for bookings. I know with United you can pay alittle bit of an annual fee to upgrade your flying status and then you accumulate points faster.

I have found that getting bumped up to business class just doesn't happen unless you are flying really really late at night. There is a large contingent of folks who travel for their jobs and have a huge amount of miles/status with their airlines. For someone who only flies occasionally you might be inline for an upgrade but you are 15th on the list and there are only three unbooked.

The only other suggestion is try doing some research at flyertalk.com, they seem to have experts on every rewards program possible.

If by upgrade you mean moved to first class it is not going to happen unless you have many miles with that airline.

Which airline are you flying? If they offer online check-in, you can sometimes purchase a seat upgrade if you do it at the earliest check-in time available (with Alaska airlines, their online check-in is 24 hours before the flight).

The other option for you, since this is just regular domestic flying, is to do an expedia search for the best available first class airfare. If you're not buying at the last minute, you may be able to lock in decently priced first class seats.

If you�re going to Raleigh/Durham for what I think you are, I hope everything goes well.

I�m no help on getting upgraded for free. I can barely get a seat in the first two thirds of the plane and I�m gold status.

As a frequent flyer for work, it is pretty difficult to get upgrades these days. I am gold status on American, and I am usually #14-17 on the list to upgrade on domestic flights...even further down on international. In 3.5 years in this job, I have gotten upgraded once on a work flight. I have been upgraded twice on personal trips at Christmas time. Without status, your best bet is to just fork out the cash for the seat or use any miles you might have.

Ask for the mile high club and you'll get bumped up.