How to Get Free Upgrades
For many travellers, paying up to $5000 or more for a business class ticket in order to fly in greater comfort is not affordable. But, what very few people realize is that most airlines will sometimes upgrade passengers from economy class for free – if they meet certain criteria.
In this article, I will pass on some of the things that the gate attendants look for and require so that you can take advantage of the opportunities to get placed in first class at no cost to you. These five top tips are the ones mentioned by the ticket agents of some of the best-known airlines, and are considered by many regular travellers to be the holy grail of getting upgraded for free.
Tip Number 1:
Look the part.
Make sure that you are dressed smartly when you travel. There is very little or no chance of getting upgraded if you are wearing shorts and a scruffy t-shirt, so at the very least, check in wearing a shirt and pants. There is no need to overdo it and wear a suit – unless you really want to. The key is to look well dressed, but not overdoing it.
Tip Number 2:
Check in early.
The ticket personnel already know how many passengers are travelling on a particular flight well in advance, so if there are extra seats in first class, they will already know it.
Tip Number 3:
Be Polite.
What if you were the ticket agent. Would you reward a person who gives a hard time, or someone who is well mannered and pleasant. There may be 250 people in the line behind you, so make them remember you. Flirt, smile, use their name, be nice, and you may well get a pleasant surprise.
Tip Number 4:
Be a Frequent Flier.
If you belong to an airline’s frequent flier program, you are far more likely to be at the front of the line for an upgrade as the airline will want to repay you for your loyalty. Even if you do not fly regularly, go to the airline’s website and sign up for their program online. It will only take a minute or two and is will really increase your upgrade chances.
Tip Number 5:
Ask.
As they say that if you don’t ask for something, you won’t get it, so make sure you ask – but do it at the right time. If the check in staff look stressed, and no amount of charm has elicited a smile, don’t bother to ask them, wait until you get to the gate. If the gate attendants have responded well, when they ask you if you have any specific seat request, be cheeky and say “Business Class” to them. You might just get lucky!