The plane is packed. Your nerves are shot. Ready to trade stale peanuts in coach for in-flight manicures in business? Getting an upgrade may be harder than ever, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few tricks of the trade.

Go the Extra Mile
What are you saving your frequent-flier miles for? You’ll never take that trip to Yemen. The number of miles required for an upgrade can vary from 15,000 to 180,000, depending on the carrier and the destination, but one thing is certain: the higher your status, the better your chances. So stay brand loyal and use alliance and codeshare partners. If you don’t have the miles, you can buy them to top off your account. (You can spring for elite status, too.)

Class System
The cheaper your ticket, the tougher the upgrade. Y and B coach fares are pricier and more flexible. (Letters vary, so check when you buy.) When purchasing your ticket, ask about an upgrade — some are available in advance. Most airlines won’t give up business class seats until the day of travel, but they’ll note your request in the computer, and persistence can pay off. (Of course, it could also make them hate you, so mind your manners.) Preferred customers get confirmed faster — three to seven days before flight time for elite status, the same day for a regular flier. And don’t forget to dress the part: Look good and act right at the airport to improve your chances of snagging what’s called an operational upgrade (when coach is overbooked but the front of the plane isn’t).

Oh-So-Friendly Skies
Every carrier handles upgrades differently. American and Virgin allow same-day upgrades at the counter; British Airways requires a three-day notice on paper tickets. In general, US Airways, United, Northwest, and American are the easiest upgrades; Continental, Delta, and America West are the toughest. Another trick: Fly to an alternate airport. Newark and Gatwick don’t get as much demand as JFK and Heathrow.

Plane English
For the most bang for the mileage buck, fly midday or pick long-haul flights. (Larger planes have more seats in every class. Duh.) Check the model before you buy your ticket on seatguru.com or the carriers’ sites. In general, 747s, 767s, 777s, and Airbus 330/340s are all good bets. Shorter flights and smaller planes just aren’t worth the hassle. Unless you are on a 737-800 or a 737-900, all you’ll get is a few extra cashews.

Weekend Warriors
Everyone (and his agent) wants a flatbed seat on Sunday’s LAX-JFK red-eye. Improve your upgrade odds by flying less-trafficked days like Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are when full-fare business travelers fly. And their superstar status trumps whatever you’ve got.

Speaking of Agents
It may not pay to DIY. A savvy travel agent can score deeply discounted long-haul business class tickets with a 50-day advance purchase. Prices could end up competitive with coach fares.

Airstyles of the Rich and Famous
Need further incentive to live large in flight? On Singapore Airlines can you preorder dinner (lobster Thermidor, rack of lamb), lounge in Givenchy PJs, and pen your wish-you-were-heres on fancy stationery. Virgin Atlantic offers door-to-door car service (leaving more time for the chic Upper Class bar). The film library on Qantas includes more than 50 flicks. Oh, you’re in Sydney already?

Time flies when you’re flying right.