Google Trends analysis has shown a significant increase in searches for ‘how to upgrade flight’ and ‘flight upgrade’, with increases of 207% and 146% respectively this year. This surge has led to these search terms reaching their highest levels in the past two decades.
In response, lifestyle magazine Dailybase conducted an analysis of 49 international airlines that offer business class cabins, aiming to determine which are most worth the additional cost of upgrading. The study compared the experience of flying in economy versus business class, considering factors such as seat size and type, the difference in seat size between classes, in-flight entertainment and food reviews, Wi-Fi availability, and overall Tripadvisor review scores.
Each factor was given a weighted index score to create a ranking of the best airlines to upgrade your ticket with. The study concluded that Singapore Airlines is the top choice for an upgrade, scoring an impressive 87.46% on the index, equivalent to a total index score of 61.23 out of 70.
The standout feature of Singapore Airlines’ business class is the comfort provided by seats that convert into flat beds and offer an extra 9.5-inch width on average.
This is the highest of any of the 49 airlines considered. In addition to its four out of five stars, the airline’s in-flight entertainment, food, and overall customer experience have received positive reviews, according to SKYTRAX and Tripadvisor, reports the Express.
Spanish airline Iberia was ranked the second-best airline most worth upgrading a ticket on, with an overall index score of 57.82 out of 70 across all factors considered, totalling 82.59% in the study. According to the findings, business class passengers with the airline will be able to enjoy the luxury of some of the most legroom of any business passenger across all the airlines analysed.
The study found an average of 40 inches more legroom in business compared to the airline’s economy cabins, as identified on Tripadvisor’s Seat Guru comparison charts. Delta Air Lines ranked first among US-based airlines analysed in the study and took third place overall, achieving 81.64% in the index.
With a total score of 57.15 out of 70, Delta is also the only North American airline to place in the top 10. Equalling first place airline Singapore Airlines, Delta Air Lines has also received an overall Tripadvisor review score of four out of five stars, having won the website’s Travellers’ Choice Awards numerous times and gaining more than 25,000 ‘excellent’ reviews by customers.
Top 10 airlines most worth upgrading:
1. Singapore Airlines – 87.46%
2. Iberia – 82.59%
3. Delta Air Lines – 81.64%
4. Qatar Airways – 81%
5. Air New Zealand – 80.87%
6. Virgin Atlantic – 78.72%
7. Japan Airlines – 78.18%
8. Korean Air – 78.18%
9. SAS Airlines – 77.61%
10. Hong Kong Airlines – 77.42%