Sometimes you book your trip with the best of intentions but, when departure finally rolls around, the thought of sitting in economy really kills your travel buzz. While there are many travel myths around getting an upgrade on your ticket, there are some tricks you can use. If you’re wondering how to get an upgrade on a flight, this guide will help.
How to get an upgrade on a flight: Understanding the upgrade process
When it comes to getting an upgrade on flights, it’s good to remember that airlines generally want to fill every seat and will upgrade passengers if they have the capacity. Although it’s never guaranteed, you always have some chance of bumping up your airline seat.
There are a range of things that airlines consider when deciding who to upgrade. Understanding how airlines make these decisions can help you be the one who gets a flight upgrade, like arriving at the airport later or buying slightly more expensive tickets.
9 tips on how to get an upgrade on a flight
Whether you’re taking a quick flight for work or jetting off around the globe, these tips could help you snag a free ticket upgrade to business class, first, or premium economy. Here are the 9 best tips for how to get an upgrade on a flight for your next adventure.
Tip1: Buy a slightly more expensive ticket
If you want to score a last-minute first or business-class upgrade, you will have a better chance if you’ve already bought a more expensive ticket. Airline staff often prioritise passengers who have already paid for a higher-quality experience, such as flying premium economy or business class. While it’s a bit of a gamble, choosing a slightly higher travel class can increase your chance of getting an upgrade.
Tip 2: Put those frequent flyer miles to good use
Passengers who are always on the go can build up frequent flyer miles with every trip they take. If you’re wondering how to get free upgrades on flights using air miles, you’re more likely to get your seat bumped up if you often fly with the same airline as this can earn you loyalty points.
Tip 3: Buy an upgraded seat
Most airlines allow passengers to buy a seat upgrade if one is available. If you’ve got some slack in your travel budget or some spare loyalty points, you can pay on the day to upgrade your seat. Of course, getting an upgrade on the day is subject to availability so, if you want to be guaranteed a spot in first or business class, contact your airline a day or two in advance.
Tip 4: Volunteer your seat
Wondering how to get upgraded to business class for free? One way is to volunteer your seat if the flight is oversold. Airline staff are usually grateful when customers are willing to help out as it saves them time and effort. Often, airline staff will bump volunteers up to empty seats in higher airline classes.
If I’m booked in economy, I always volunteer to move seats if the opportunity comes up – you just never know where they’ll put you instead.
Tip 5: Check in slightly late
Although most advice about how to get upgraded on a flight focuses on arriving early, getting to check in slightly late could also work to your advantage. Checking in late on a busy flight may mean that you have a better chance of upgrading as the plane fills up. If the flight is quiet, there may be spare seats after most other passengers have checked in. Either way, it’s worth asking.
Tip 6: Travel during off-peak times
If you want a seat change, you should think about the best time to upgrade a flight. Travelling at quieter times of the year increases your chances because your plane will likely be quiet and there will often be some seats going spare. This is also often when flights are cheapest in general.
Tip 7: Be flexible with your seat assignment
If you don’t have strong feelings about snagging a window seat or who you sit next to, you can sometimes leave your seat assignment open when you book. People who have not selected a seat are more likely to be upgraded. Staying flexible in economy – and we don’t mean in-flight yoga – could be your ticket to first or business class.
Tip 8: Travel alone
Solo travellers are far more likely to be upgraded than those travelling in groups. Airline staff will usually avoid separating parties seated together and will often only have single seats available. This makes it easy for staff to move solo passengers because they won’t have to persuade anyone to leave their companions in economy. While you can’t always choose to travel alone, this trick can be a handy perk when you are flying solo.
Tip 9: Be polite to airline staff
Sometimes, the best tips are the simplest. If you’re wondering how to ask for an upgrade on a flight, politely check with staff when you check in or board. General politeness is also a bonus. If a seat comes up, staff are far more likely to remember the pleasant passengers and will usually be happy to assist you.
Tips for getting complimentary upgrades at check-in
It’s always worth asking about a flight upgrade at check-in, as you never know when you’re in with a shot. To maximise your chances, be courteous with staff, keep track of your frequent flyer miles, and travel at times when upgrades are most likely to be available. You can also check out your airline’s upgrade policies online before you fly.
