How to fly first class for next to nothing

From Dr. David Eifrig in Retirement Millionaire:

Desperate to attract as many high-value flyers as possible, many national airlines are trying to swell the ranks of their elite-status programs - and steal those customers away from their competitors.

They aren't advertising these programs, but the carriers are making it easier to join programs that offer a variety of perks, including free (or deeply discounted) business- and first-class upgrades.

I've just taken advantage of the American Airlines "premium" status challenge, which has put me in first class on about half of my flights in the past two months. Here's how it works:

American has an "elite challenge" program.

With American, you earn gold or platinum status if you accrue 5,000 (gold) or 10,000 (platinum) elite qualifying points within 90 days. If you're planning some long flights (for instance, if you're going to attend our S&A Alliance conference in Zurich, Switzerland), you can cross those thresholds with just a few flights. Normally to get gold or platinum status, you must compile 25,000 or 50,000 points, respectively.

Points are similar to traditional frequent flyer miles, except each mile is worth 0.5-1.5 points depending on how much you pay for your flight.

If you qualify for elite status, you can enjoy cheap ($30) upgrades and early boarding, which guarantees a space for your bag. Plus, you'll get to check in through the first-class lines and not pay for baggage for the next 14 months. That's worth at least a couple hundred dollars each year.

To try for elite status, call American at 800-433-7300 and connect to the AAdvantage desk (that's its frequent flyer program). Tell them you want to "challenge" for elite status. If you complete the challenge, you gain the elite status until the end of the following membership year. In this case, it's until March 1, 2012.

Crux Note: Dr. David Eifrig is the editor of Retirement Millionaire. Each month, "Doc" Eifrig shows his readers safe and simple ways to save money, stay healthy, and live a richer and fuller life.To learn about Doc’s favorite elite program and how you can get a year's subscription for an unbelievably low price, click here.

More on airlines:

An easy way to save big on airline travel

4 Hour Work Week guru names airlines you shouldn't fly with

Attention airline passengers: This may be the best $10 you ever spend

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