Which frequent flyer programs offer free upgrade coupons to elite members?

I’ve recently been looking at alternative frequent flyer programs, thanks to British Airways nuking theirs. It’s been interesting seeing what others offer and one thing that stood out were free upgrade coupons.

Since I live in Ireland, I know that Aer Lingus offer complimentary one way business class upgrades. Their Platinum members receive one, while their Concierge members receive four. Naively, I thought they were an outlier, but it seems a couple of other airlines have similar perks.

Who else offers free upgrade coupons?

Royal Jordanian’s Royal Club offer complimentary upgrades in the same way Aer Lingus do. Their Gold Sparrow members receive a single complimentary upgrade to Crown Class when they reach the status and at every renewal. Platinum Hawk level receive two upgrades every 12 months.

TAP Air Portugal also offer the same for their highest level Navigator members. People reaching this level will receive two free upgrades during their annual qualification period, so presumably each year they stay at the status.

All three have something in common in that they are moderately sized airlines. They probably don’t have all that many high level members in their program, and would likely have business class seats to spare to allow this.

As a frequent flyer, you would be far better of as an elite member of a smaller airline you fly regularly, than one of the giant airlines. Being a big fish in a smaller pond would probably be better than being just a number at one of the huge global carriers. Food for thought, really!

Overall Thoughts

Free upgrade coupons seem to be a really nice perk. I know I’d be happy to buy an economy class ticket and use one of these to upgrade a long-haul flight for nothing. It would be particularly good on any 10 hour plus services as they can be quite tiring.

If you have these benefits at your airline, do you use them? How does that work out for you? Are there any other airlines that offer these in addition to Aer Lingus, Royal Jordanian and TAP Air Portugal? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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Featured image by Sean D Silva on JetPhotos.net via Wikimedia Commons.
TAP by Aero Icarus via Wikimedia Commons.