The jet-setter's guide to flying first class

That vast and oh-so-squishy leather seat. The musical pop of a reluctant cork. The shock to the system as a flight attendant deigns to smile. Where are you? First class, of course, or maybe in business.

Actually, you're probably not there (which is why you're reading this in the first place). More and more companies have banned luxury travel, once de rigueur for road warriors but now available only to the biggest of cheeses. But getting an upgrade remains the holy grail of air travel. Is there anything you can do to make it happen? 

1. Become an Elite Flyer: This is the year to reach elite status. Why? Because the airlines are hungrier than ever to get you to come directly to their websites to buy airfare (so they can sell you more perks like extra legroom and such, which is at the heart of American's ongoing dispute with Orbitz and Expedia).

2. Join the New "Upper Class": You can fly in the cheap seats and still get a superior experience if you spend a couple bucks more for "premium economy." Call it the new first class for domestic flights.

3. Check Last Minute Prices. If you must travel tomorrow or in the next few days, flying first class can sometimes be very close in price to coach fare. Not always, but it happens. For instance, earlier this week I saw a coach fare on American for a next day flight from Los Angeles to Seattle for $300. The price for first class was only $400.

Source: ABC News