There’s no need to lead an on-board mutiny or deploy Macchivelian mind-tricks, here’s how you get first-class airplane seats for cheap.

There’s a breed of hidden first-class seats, known as Q-ups, Y-ups or Z-fares, available at a discount. When surfing your favorite travel site, search by fare type. Look for fare codes prefaced by “Q” or “Y” or “Z.” A recent Delta fare was labeled “QUPBV.” Quoth the Wall Street Journal:

“At FareCompare, for example, bargain hunters can click “Trip Search,” then enter the desired route and “business/first class.” Using Expedia, select “Additional Options” and then check the box to search for seats in business class or first class. Both sites search for the lowest fare in the chosen seating cabin.

Expedia’s Q-up fares can be seen by clicking on “Rules and Restrictions.”

Now if we could only find to find the coupon codes for those special mile high club seats.

“How to Buy a Cheap Seat in First Class” [WSJ via Consumer World]

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