Your shortcut to first class travel

Welcome to UPGRD, your resource for elite status, earning and redeeming airline miles and hotel points. We want your reward points to work for you, because we believe everyone deserves an upgrade.

Maximize your travel,
get the most from your points.

Read trip reports and travel tips from our Frequent Flyer Experts.

Learn More

Recent Posts

No Compensation from American Express for $200 United Airlines Gift Certificate Purchase

Just a small data point here --  One of the many benefits of the American Express Platinum Card is $200 in annual airline credit on the major airline of y ...Read More

Great Drone Tour of Hong Kong outskirts

I came across this today courtesy of Gizmodo.  The context is unnecessary (transferring chocolate across the territory by drone) and a little corny.  The views however, are outstanding! For those that ...Read More

United Slashes Partner Earning Rates

With cuts coming left and right in the world of airline loyalty programs, I must admit I no longer wince in pain when a new devaluation announced. The question of devaluation is not if, but when and how much. Unite ...Read More

American grows international network after highly profitable FY2014

American Airlines current route network to Asia, with DFW-Beijing launching May 7, 2015   American Airlines Group is expanding its international route profile in Asia and Lat ...Read More

The Le Meridien Parkhotel Frankfurt

I've stayed in Frankfurt many times on layovers.  This time, thanks at least in part due to having more time with a late afternoon arrival, I decided to leave the airport area to stay in the city.  I decid ...Read More

Elites Can Skip the Upgrade Queue on US Airways - Secure a First Class Seat

It comes to nobody’s surprise that frequent flyers enjoy elite upgrades more than any other benefit the airline offers. As frequent flyers move up the food chain, upgrad ...Read More

Major British Airways Executive Club Devaluation in Late April

British Airways has announced changes to how you earn and burn Avios effective 28 April 2015 and let's not kid ourselves -- this is a massive devaluation. Our one reprieve is that short- ...Read More

January New York Miles and Points Meetup Tomorrow Night!

The new year means resetting your balances to zero and starting over again on elite status. Come talk about your plans at the next Reach for the Miles event tomorrow night from 6pm to 9pm in the ...Read More

Downtown Dallas Dining - Walt Garrison's Rodeo Bar & Grill - Restaurant Review

While going through content in the queue to post to this blog, I realize that I've gotten very, very far behind with my restaurant reviews, with 7 currently in waiting.&nbs ...Read More

Getting Started with Points and Miles

A simple guide to getting started with loyalty, elite status and points.

Learn More