Halfway through a 12-hour flight in economy, your leg muscles start to cramp. The kid behind you kicks your seat. Your seatmate spills a ginger ale in your lap.

Next time, you think,  I really need to upgrade to business class.

Flight upgrades are expensive, but sometimes they can turn a miserable trip into a heavenly one. How do you know if it’s worthwhile?

I’m booking my trip now. Should I upgrade my flight?

If you need to make a quick decision, here are the questions to ask yourself:

• Is it a really long flight? Flight upgrades are often worth it if you’re traveling overnight—especially west to east—so you can sleep and get a head start on recovering from jet lag. On short hops, your seat level doesn’t matter as much.
• Are you a taller or larger person? Having that extra legroom and seat width can make a world of difference.
• How well do you manage discomfort? Older travelers often lose their tolerance for being scrunched in an economy seat with no sleep. And if you have back pain or joint pain, a seat upgrade is well worth it.
• Do you travel a lot? Once you’ve experienced the comfort of business class or first class, it can be tough to go back to economy.
• Are you always running late? Flight upgrades typically include expedited check-in, security screening, and boarding.
• Are you going on your honeymoon, or traveling to celebrate a special occasion? If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, why not travel in style?
• Are you traveling alone? A seat upgrade can be easier to justify if you’re flying alone. Don’t abandon your travel companion in economy!
• Do you have something important to do when you arrive? If you’re presenting at an international conference or officiating a friend’s wedding, you want to be as fresh and well-rested as possible. If you’re just planning to relax at a resort, you may choose to save the money on an upgrade and just catch up on sleep at your destination.
• Can you easily afford it? Do not, under any circumstances, go into debt for the sake of a more luxurious flight. There are cheaper ways to be comfortable on a long flight! Book an exit-row seat, or buy a foot hammock and a high-quality travel pillow. Get more tips: How to Fake First Class

Can I upgrade my flight after booking?

Yes! Most airlines make it easy to upgrade your seat, and some even send emails inviting you to do it. If you have travel rewards points to redeem, you can request an upgrade using those points. Airlines each have their own policies, however. United Airlines, for example, allows members to change or upgrade their seat at any point up to boarding, and sometimes on board. Not a member? You can only upgrade to Economy Plus at check-in.¹

Does travel insurance cover flight upgrades?

It can, as long as you update your plan to cover the additional costs. As long as you haven’t already departed on your trip or filed a claim, you may be able to add trip costs and change other details. For fastest service, use our online plan management tool.

What if you upgrade your flight with reward points? If you have to re-deposit points in your frequent traveler program because your trip is canceled for a covered reason, certain travel insurance plans can reimburse you for fees charged for re-depositing awards back into your account (up to the benefit limit listed in your policy’s letter of confirmation.)

Is it worth it to upgrade to premium economy?

Will flying premium economy change your life? No. Will it make a long flight more enjoyable? Yes.

Premium economy is that middle ground between basic economy and business class, offered on international flights and some long domestic flights. You typically get a few extra inches of legroom and seat pitch (the distance from one seat to the one in front of it), plus a wider seat and a larger screen. It might not sound like much, but having additional room all around allows for a comfortable journey. Depending on the airline, other perks of premium economy may include:

• Free checked bags
• Priority check-in, security screening, and boarding
• Better meals (on flights with dining)
• Complimentary alcoholic drinks
• An amenity kit with lotion, an eye mask and other comforts
• Free Wi-Fi
• Noise-reducing headphones

But is premium economy worth it? That depends on how much you pay. “Price-wise, premium economy tickets are usually 85 percent more expensive than standard economy, but that gap can come down to 35 percent closer to your departure date,” Travel+Leisure reports.²

Is it worth it to upgrade to business class?

Business class perks vary by airline and route. Usually, you get everything included in premium economy, plus:

• Angled or lie-flat seats with even more legroom
• Dividers for privacy
• Airline lounge access
• Plated, chef-created meals

Which airline has the best business class? Frequent flyers praise Qatar Airways’ Qsuite business class. Each suite has movable privacy panels, ambient mood lighting, fully lie-flat beds and lots of storage space. On long-haul flights, you get pajamas and slippers from The White Company. Another favorite is Japan Airlines’ business class, with extra-comfy seats, headrest speakers, and phenomenal food.

But is a business class upgrade worth the cost? Typically, a business class fare is 3 to 5 times the cost of economy.³ Pro travelers use the $100 rule: If business class costs $100 per hour or less on an international flight, then it’s worth it.

Is it worth it to upgrade to first class?

Flying first class sounds like an ultra-luxurious travel experience... but it’s not always a major upgrade from business class.  Airlines are constantly rebranding their service levels, and business class on an international flight is a lot fancier than first class on domestic flights. On a U.S. flight, first class typically means bigger seats, free drinks, and great food.

First class on an international flight can be a next-level travel experience—so delightful that you feel like it’s part of your vacation. Flying first class on the world’s best airlines might mean an enclosed suite with furnishings and a bed, Dom Perignon and caviar, five-star food, and attentive service.

How much are first class tickets on an international flight? $5,000 to upwards of $15,000.⁴ You may be able to score them for much less with clever use of reward points and airline loyalty programs, however.

Read more: When to Fly First Class

How can you get upgraded to first class for free?

Chances are, you’ve heard someone share their story about getting bumped to first class. Sometimes, it’s because of an overbooked flight. Sometimes, it’s a glorious tale of karma: When an obnoxious passenger tries to steal your seat or screams at you, a flight attendant will right those wrongs by offering you a first-class seat.

However, this magical upgrade probably won’t happen to you. Airlines give free seat upgrades to their big-spending, top-tier, most loyal customers. In fact, if you’re an elite-status frequent flyer on the airline, you may get upgraded without even asking for it.

What if you’re not a high-status flyer? You might get lucky one day. Many people wonder what to wear to get an upgrade on a flight. If you’re wearing a suit—or heck, a wedding dress—does that help?

Not really. All you can really do is ask. If you see that business or first class is far from full, and if things aren’t too hectic at the gate, you can ask politely if an upgrade might be available. If you have a compelling reason, you can mention it. “It’s my birthday” probably won’t work. You might get a better response with “I’m pregnant” or “I’m recovering from foot surgery” (as long as you’re telling the truth).

Most importantly, be kind. If you’re sympathetic and helpful when dealing with flight attendants and gate agents, there’s a chance they’ll give you that coveted seat upgrade. If they don’t... well, better luck next time.

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