Upgrade strategies for First Class travel to Hawaii can be more expensive nowadays, owing to some recent changes.
One of the best carriers on the mainland to Hawaii route, American Airlines, now imposes a $300 cash surcharge on mileage upgrades for First Class travel to the Aloha State.
Continental Airlines, one of the worst carriers to Hawaii, imposes a cash surcharge of $400 to $900 round-trip for upgrading to First Class.
If you're not already a First Class Flyer subscriber, click here to receive a FREE TRIAL ISSUE
The Continental award chart, which contains the full schedule of upgrade fees, is a thicket of confusion. You'll need an experienced, sympathetic Continental OnePass agent to help you make sense of it.
The Northwest and US Airways upgradeable fares to First Class travel are decent, if not good, so try to upgrade with miles.
Our favorite for an upgrade to First Class travel to Hawaii is United Airlines.
United allows upgrading to First Class travel to Hawaii with its lowest fares, and imposes no upgrade surcharge, which makes it a much better deal than American and Continental.
If you're not already a First Class Flyer subscriber, click here to receive a FREE TRIAL ISSUE






Send to a friend
Print this tip
Email Sign Up (Free)
Add to del.icio.us

I have two economy class award reservations on United. My wife and I are going on Tuesdday to celebrate our ten year anniversary. United is telling me i can't upgrade to first ot business because that's their policy. IS THERE ANY WAY AROUND THIS? Thanks.
Have something to say?
Add your insider tip! Your personal experiences are an important part of the FlightBliss knowledge base on flight ratings, the quality of airlines, seats, schedules, mileage programs and fares. Post your comment on this FlightBliss Tip below.