Free Tool
Flight Upgrade Calculator
Should you use miles or pay cash for that upgrade? Compare upgrade costs across popular routes and find where your miles go furthest. A value ratio above 1.0x means upgrading with miles saves you money.
Upgrade Options on Air France
Routes where upgrading with miles may save you money compared to paying cash for the premium cabin.
New York to Paris
Miles Cost
53,000
Cash Diff
$3,800
FlyingBlue promo rewards can offer 25% off; excellent Business cabin
Upgrade Certificate Types
Global Premier Upgrade
United Airlines
Complimentary upgrade instrument for United 1K and Global Services members, valid on international routes.
PlusPoints
United Airlines
Flexible upgrade currency replacing Region Plus Upgrades. Can be used on domestic, short-haul international, and long-haul international flights.
Suite Night Award
Marriott International
Upgrade from standard room to premium suite at participating Marriott properties.
Systemwide Upgrade
American Airlines
Upgrade certificate for Executive Platinum members valid on any American-operated route worldwide.
Regional Upgrade Certificate
Delta Air Lines
Upgrade instrument for Delta elite members valid on domestic and short-haul international routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth using miles to upgrade a flight?
It depends on the route, airline, and cabin. Generally, long-haul international upgrades to business or first class offer the best value because the cash price difference is large. For example, upgrading JFK-LHR to business class with miles can give you 3-5x the value compared to domestic economy-to-first upgrades. Use our calculator to compare specific routes.
What are upgrade certificates and how do they work?
Upgrade certificates are complimentary or earned upgrade instruments given to elite members. United offers Global Premier Upgrades (GPUs) and PlusPoints. American Airlines has Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs). Delta provides Regional Upgrade Certificates (RUCs). Marriott offers Suite Night Awards (SNAs). Each has specific rules about eligible routes and fare classes.
How is the upgrade value ratio calculated?
The value ratio compares the cash price difference between cabins to the dollar value of miles required for the upgrade. A ratio above 1.0x means upgrading with miles saves you money compared to buying the premium cabin outright. A ratio of 2.0x means you're getting double the value from your miles. Higher ratios indicate better upgrade value.