Before you get too excited, these tips offer no absolute guarantee for securing a free upgrade on your economy seat, because if they did, everyone would be doing it. Rather, they are suggestions as to how you increase your chances of getting an upgrade, both in the early stages of booking your flight and once you get to the airport….

Increase Your Chances of a A Flight Upgrade – Time to Fly 1st Class

Join a Frequent Flyer Scheme

Even if you’re not planning on booking a flight or holiday any time soon, it’s well worth your time joining a frequent flyer programme. Most of them are free to sign up (which means you can join as many as you want) and when it comes to upgrades, being a member automatically puts you in a better position than if you’re not. Ok, so if you actually fly frequently and build up your points then you’re going to be in an even better position, but even if you don’t, you’ll still have one up on someone who isn’t a member.

Use Your Travel Agent’s Connections

Many travel agents have good relationships with certain airlines, so if you mention that you’ll be in the market for an upgrade at this early booking stage, they can put in a good word for you, or mention this in the notes when processing your booking.

Use Your Professional Title

If you a Doctor. Professor or Reverend, it’s a good idea to use your professional title when booking your seat – this adds a layer of respectability that could draw the attention of check-in staff if a business or first class seat becomes available. But one important point to remember – the name on your booking must match the one in your passport, so if your title differs then don’t risk it.

Dress Smartly

And now we get to what you can do on the day of your flight. The first thing is make sure you’re on the smart rather than the casual end of the attire spectrum because if you rock up to the terminal in flip-flops, board shorts and a vest then your chances of being upgraded are going to minimal to non-existent.

Be Punctual…Or Arrive Late

Rather unhelpfully arriving early AND turning up late could both work in your favour when it comes to allocating upgrades, but the former is probably the safest bet if you don’t want to risk missing your flight. Don’t rely on public transport to get you to the airport and consider taking your own car and using airport car parking facilities (if you book ahead in advance, you can secure a good price using an airport parking promotional code), but don’t forget to check for traffic updates before leaving so you don’t get stuck in a jam.

Be Flexible

This is really something you either are or aren’t. For example, if you’re travelling in a group then your chances of getting that upgrade are going to be much lower than if you’re on your own. Another thing to consider in this respect is meal requirements – if you have any special dietary considerations (vegan or vegetarian meal for example), then you’re not going to be in a great position as most airlines don’t cater for any additional special meals than aren’t already booked. Another way to could move yourself towards the front of the upgrade queue is to make it known that you’re willing to be bumped off your flight for an upgrade on a later one if your original plane has been overbooked.

Be Polite

As the old saying goes, good manners don’t cost a penny and in this case, they can go very far indeed. Demanding an upgrade is most definitely NOT the way to go, but being courteous at all times could put you in good stead. However, on the flip side, going on the charm offensive could also have the opposite effect – check-in staff encounter people trying to get upgrades all the time, so read the situation as best you can and adapt your demeanour accordingly. Another trick they’re wise to is people saying they’re on their honeymoon. So if you are genuinely on your honeymoon, think about taking your documents with you as proof (at the very least, you could be treated to some free bubbly on your flight).

Consider Other Deals

Some airlines offer discounted business class seats at check-in if paying cash (sometimes for as little as a few hundred pounds) and these can be particularly good value if it’s a long-haul flight. Talking of long-haul flights, we recommend you pick your upgrade quests carefully – haggling for a better seat on a short-haul one probably isn’t worth the effort as the difference between economy and a better class isn’t going to be huge. However, the chance of securing a free or discounted bed on a longer flight is well worth it.

 

It always pays to ask because what’s the worst that can happen? You get to keep your economy seat and everyone gets on with their day. But if there’s the slightest chance you could be relaxing with a glass of bubbly in first class, then where’s the harm?