Imagine being on a long-haul flight from USA to India and getting more legroom during your journey. Oh! How comforting! Sleeping on a lie-flat bed will let you wake up fresh and relaxed. Also, you might get your hands on world-class amenity kits and get an option to pick delicacies from a well-curated menu. The complimentary alcoholic beverages are an added bonus! You will find all these and a lot more when flying in business or first class. 

Premium passenger seats in business class and first class are expensive but offer the most comfort and facilities to fliers. But did you know that even after purchasing an economy ticket, you can upgrade to a premium class without spending an exorbitant amount? 

If you are a frequent flier, you must be aware of seat upgradation. You might or might not have asked for a seat upgrade on international flights. Many premium airlines offer passengers an opportunity to bid for seat upgrades. This might be on select routes or on all long-haul flights. Although the bidding price differs from airline to airline, it will definitely be nearly half of the original cost of these premium classes. 

How Do You Upgrade to a Premium Class? 

Most of the airlines have the same process for bidding to upgrade seats. Once you make your booking, either of the two scenarios mentioned below might initiate the bidding process: 

1. You could receive an email offering you an opportunity to bid for an upgrade. 
2. You can check the airline’s website to see if your booking is eligible for bidding. 

Which Airlines Allow You To Bid On Seat Upgrades?

If you are planning to travel to India from US, here are some of the top airlines that offer you an opportunity to place bids for seat upgrades. 

Etihad Airways

The good news when flying by Etihad Airways is, no matter what your destination, you will be eligible to place bids for seat upgrades to a premium class. But if you have used any promotions, free tickets, guest seat rewards, redemption tickets, flier miles etc. while booking your ticket, you won’t be eligible for bidding. Etihad only lets you upgrade one class so if you have booked economy, you can go business or if you have booked business, you can upgrade to Etihad’s first class. Keep in mind that you will only earn Etihad Guest miles depending on the base rate plus 10 percent of the service bonus in case your bid is a success. Although you will be able to enjoy the inflight facilities, you will not be offered a chauffeur service when getting upgraded from economy. 

Lufthansa

Lufthansa allows you to upgrade from economy to premium economy only. Bids for seat upgrades are available on select long-haul flights that have premium economy. If you are eligible, you can visit the ‘myOffer’ section on Lufthansa’s website and place your bid. You might receive a bid acceptance notification at least 24-36 hours before your scheduled departure. 

Singapore Airlines

Bids for seat upgrades in cash (U.S dollars) or KrisFlyer miles are available via ‘mySQupgrade’ by Singapore Airlines. You will also get an opportunity to make, change or cancel your bid for up to 50 hours before your scheduled departure. A notification is sent 40 hours before your flight  in case your bid is successful. You can only upgrade to a class above your original booking but if you are flying business, you won’t be able to upgrade to Singapore Suites. 

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific also allows you to bid one class up but this is only available on select flights. So, if you book premium economy, you can upgrade to business and if you are flying business, you can bid for Cathay Pacific’s first class. 

Air India 

Popular Indian air carrier, Air India also allows passengers to place bids for seat upgrades. You can check if you are eligible by entering your PNR number on their website. Then you can place your bid and hope for the best. This airline even allows you to modify or cancel your bid for up to 60 hours before your flight. If your Air India bid for upgrade is successful, you will receive an email at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.  

Other Airlines Offering Flight Upgrades 

In case your bid is not successful, you can try getting an upgrade for a fixed amount or by using your travel miles from these airlines: 

1. Emirates
2. United Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. British Airways
5. Qatar Airways

Booking Cheap Business Class Flights with Indian Eagle

Didn’t find success in placing bids for seat upgrades? Indian Eagle’s business class flights are the best way to fly in comfort when traveling from USA to India. You will get the best deals at a surprisingly low cost. So, why wait? Contact us to book the cheapest business class flight from major American cities to India.

The post Travel in Comfort – Airlines that Allow Bids for Seat Upgrades on USA to India Flights appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Lufthansa (LH)

“Nonstop You.”

Bagging as many as three awards at World Travel Awards 2017, German airline Deutsche Lufthansa AG has proved once again why it is one of the best in the world. Known popularly as Lufthansa Airline, honors it took home included Europe’s Leading Airport Lounge, Europe’s Leading Airline – First Class, and Europe’s Leading Airline – Economy Class. Lufthansa (LH) has Frankfurt Airport serving as its major hub with a secondary one at Munich Airport. Lufthansa is also a founding member of the renowned and largest global airline alliance – Star Alliance.

A brief history of Lufthansa

Lufthansa (LH) can trace its history all the way back to the year 1926 when DLH or Deutsche Lufthansa AG was established in Berlin. Until 1945, it served as the German flag carrier after which services were suspended following the defeat of Nazi Germany. Subsequently, Lufthansa airline was formed and won approval to begin domestic and international flight operations in the year 1955. The airline has grown massively since then serving world destinations on a regular basis. Lufthansa flights to India are highly in demand and you can find the cheapest ones with Indian Eagle travel agency.

Destinations Lufthansa serves

Lufthansa (LH) serves 18 domestic destinations and about 193 international ones on a regular basis. The international destinations Lufthansa airline serves are spread across 81 countries spanning the continents of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Lufthansa flights to USA are also among the most in-demand ones. Other destinations include Denmark, UAE, United Kingdom, Ghana, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, India, Saudi Arabia, and Israel among several others. Lufthansa (LH) has codeshare agreements with airlines such as Air India, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, and United Airlines to name a few.

Lufthansa Airline Fleet

Lufthansa (LH) fleet consists of more than 250 aircraft which are various models of Airbus and Boeing carriers. All Lufthansa reviews have been positive when it comes to their aircraft. The airline ensures to consistently have its fleet of aircraft fitted with the best amenities ensuring maximum comfort to passengers irrespective of travel class. There are more than a hundred aircraft that have been ordered by Lufthansa (LH) which are yet to be delivered.

Services offered by Lufthansa

• Cabin

First Class cabin of Lufthansa airline comes equipped with seats that have laptop power outlets and can be converted into fully flat beds. Booking Lufthansa Business Class Flights will also avail you the same cabin benefits. Meals and entertainment are provided on board both classes. Depending on the aircraft, Premium Economy Class cabins offer a wider and more comfortable seat pitch than Economy Class cabins. Most Economy class cabins offer 31 inches of seat pitch and passengers can enjoy meals along with free drinks as well.

• Frequent Flyer Program

The frequent flyer program of Lufthansa (LH) is called Miles & More members of which can earn miles on not just Lufthansa flights but also on partner-Star Alliance flights as well. There are various levels of the program and each level has its own set of incredible benefits members can enjoy. Higher the level, more exclusive the benefits get.

• Lufthansa Airline Lounges

Apart from a top-notch terminal at Frankfurt Airport, Lufthansa (LH) operates four different types of lounges – Business, Senator, First Class, and Welcome lounges. Access to the Welcome lounge is limited only to passengers of United Airlines and the Lufthansa Group. Check the airline’s website for details on who can access the other lounges.

• Inflight Entertainment

Lufthansa (LH) inflight entertainment options are among the best ever. You can choose from a variety of movies, TV shows, music, radio shows, and other programs. There’s also the Lufthansa companion app which allows passengers to connect to the inflight entertainment system using their personal smartphones. The option of Live TV is available as well so you can watch sports, news, and other shows as they’re aired.

• Inflight Food Service

Lufthansa (LH) First and Business Class passengers will have the chance to enjoy gourmet meals on board and accompanied by a variety of award-winning wine collection. Premium Economy and Economy Class Lufthansa flights also offer freshly made high-quality meals on board. They also offer special meals for children and others with distinct dietary needs.

• Special Assistance

Passengers with disabilities who fly Lufthansa (LH) are offered special assistance prior to, during, and after their flight. From providing wheelchair assistance to aiding those with sensory impairment, Lufthansa airline ensures passengers have the most comfortable flight journey ever. There is a separate Lufthansa check in facility at Frankfurt Airport for passengers with reduced mobility.

• Lufthansa Apps

Traveling is made a unique experience with Lufthansa Apps. These will come in handy whether you wish to book cheap flights or simply check your Lufthansa flight status. The apps can be installed on smartphones, tablets, and even on Apple watches. There are Lufthansa special apps for children as well to keep them entertained during the flight.

• Baggage Services

First and Business class passengers can take up to two carry-on baggage items each weighing up to 8 kg. Passengers of Economy and Premium Economy class are permitted to take along one carry-on baggage item also weighing up to 8 kg. The permitted amount of free baggage allowance is displayed on the ticket receipt. Check the airline’s website for details on checked baggage, excess baggage, sports baggage, special baggage, and restricted items among other things.

The post Lufthansa (LH): A brief History, Destinations, Passenger Services and more! appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.