An upgrade certificate is an elite benefit that lifts an existing booking into the next cabin, provided the airline has released upgrade inventory.
An upgrade certificate is an elite benefit that lifts an existing booking into the next cabin, provided the airline has released upgrade inventory.
Also called: Systemwide upgrade, Upgrade voucher.
How it works#
Its practical value rests on two conditions: the fare booked must be eligible, and a dedicated upgrade booking class must be available. On popular routes that class is frequently closed, which is why certificates so often expire unused. Anyone planning to use one checks availability before buying the underlying ticket, not afterwards.
Not to be confused with#
An upgrade certificate is not the same as a mileage upgrade: the certificate replaces the miles but needs exactly the same inventory to clear.
In German#
The German term is Upgrade-Gutschein. German version of this term
Related terms#
- Upgrade: An upgrade is the move into a higher cabin or room category than the one booked, paid for with miles, cash or granted as an elite benefit.
- Fare class: A fare class is the single letter on a ticket that identifies the fare and decides mileage earning, change rights and upgrade eligibility.
- Elite status: Elite status is a tier in a loyalty programme that grants extra benefits for a limited period once a qualification threshold has been met.
Articles that use this term#
TopicEvery article and term onStatus and lounges.