How to get a free flight upgrade

When it comes to air travel most people opt to fly economy purely on cost. The price difference varies depending on airline, route and even day of travel, but it’s substantial – between five and ten times to fly business and ten to twenty times to reach the rarified air of first class. For many people, it’s simply out of the question, but there is a solution – get upgraded.

What could you get with an upgrade?

If you succeed in boosting your status on a flight you can expect a much more relaxing trip in a comfier seat with more legroom, perhaps one that folds back for sleep purposes on long-haul flights. The menu will be better quality and feature a wider choice. You’ll also get access to the airline’s business lounge before your flight which can include shower rooms, areas to catch up on sleep and Wi-Fi.

How can I get upgraded on a flight?

You may not have the cash but it’s possible to get a free upgrade to business or first class without paying.

Here’s nine ways to increase your odds of being upgraded on flights:

1. Look smart

   The surest way to avoid an upgrade is to wear shorts or a tracksuit. Wear a suit or at the very least dress smart casual and you increase your chances of a better seat hugely.

   

2. Be an early bird

   Business and first-class upgrades are popular but they are limited. A good way to increase your chances of getting one is to arrive at check-in several hours early. You might well find you have a lot of time to kill but then you might end up with significantly better seats. If you have time to kill regardless you may as well kill it at the airport.

   

3. Ask for one

   If you don’t ask you don’t get. So dress well and inquire politely about a flight upgrade at check-in or as you board and you may well get a pleasant surprise. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

4. Travel solo

   If you’re a lone traveller your chances of being upgraded on their flight are significantly improved. Those nice seats are at a premium, a family of four has no chance but a well-dressed traveller on their own tips the balance of probability significantly.

5. Be loyal

   Regular flyers who are members of a frequent flyer scheme and build up their air miles to reach gold or premier status are right at the front of the queue when it comes to upgrades. Even if you don’t fly frequently it’s still worth being a member - you stand a better chance than someone who isn’t.

6. Have a good excuse

   Did you have surgery relatively recently? It could increase your chances of DVT - a blood clot. Or perhaps you have a bad back problem or you’ve sprained your ankle badly. Explain your situation politely and ask if there’s a chance of an upgrade to spare you further discomfort.

7. Don’t be messed about

   If you’ve been bumped and delayed then the service you’ve had has been well below par. Bring your bad experience with the airline to their attention there and then in a firm but polite way.

8. Be prepared to be bumped

   Offer to move. If you’re not wedded to your seat and happy to move so two people can sit together then offer to give it up and ask if there’s a chance you might be upgraded in the process.

9. Talk to your agent

   If you’re booking through a travel agent, you could put your request for a potential upgrade in there and then. If the agent has a good relationship with the airline, then it might improve your chances.