How To Get Upgraded To First Class For Free

Everyone wants to get a free upgrade but is it possible? In this guide ‘How To Get Upgraded To First Class’ we will hopefully provide a few ‘Do’s and Don’ts on how to go about it.

Let’s be totally honest with ourselves here, do you really think that an airline will want to give you or any other person who is flying on an economy ticket, free flight upgrades to First Class if they have no need to?

Yes, free flight upgrades do happen on a regular basis but they are more common on busier flights, were the airline will overbook Economy Class. The airline knows that if needs be, they can always upgrade passengers from Economy to Business or First Class.

What you need to ask yourself is:

“Why would the airline give you the upgrade, instead of someone else?”

How To Get Upgraded To First Class And Chosen By The Airline

A seat in Business Class or First Class is considerably higher priced than that of one in Economy, so, if the airline upgrades a passenger for free, there will generally be a reason for doing so. There are several reason and factors involved as to why an airline will give someone a free upgrade to business class or first class.

Simply turning up at the airport check-in desk and asking for a free upgrade generally will not work. Yes, there are occasions when this may happen but more often than not, it won’t. You have to provide the airline or member of staff working for the airline a good reason to choose you over the hundreds of other passengers wanting the upgrade.

Here are a few factors that may help you and swing their decision in your favour:

Tips On How To Get Upgraded To First Class

If there are spare seats available in Business or First Class and Economy Class in full, then it is likely that the airline will upgrade passengers from Economy up to Business or First Class. If this is the case, it is generally a first come first serve basis and the first people to check-in will usually be offered the upgrade. Turn up nice and early for your check-in and your chances of the getting an upgrade will increase.
More often than not, if there are any seats available in Business or First Class,  there won’t be many. Usually, it is only one seat or maybe two. This is why, if you are travelling alone, you are much more likely to be chosen for an upgrade than if you are traveling in a group.

• Most airlines have their own ‘Members’ or ‘Frequent Flyer’ club and if you are a member of the club, and have a lot of air miles you are far more likely to be chosen than someone that is not a member. You can become a member of many clubs and increase your chances on lots of different airlines.

• Dress Smart – Business Class and First Class is often used by businessmen and women or wealthy passengers. The majority (not all) will generally be dressed smartly. Obviously, these passengers have paid a premium price to travel in these classes and the airline want to keep their prestigious image. As a result, they will only want to upgrade passengers who fit in with the passengers that frequent Business and First Class.

• Generally, if you are asked by one of the air stewards or stewardesses on the aircraft, if you mind moving or changing your seat, you will generally be given a better seat or better class for your troubles. Always accept the offer, as like I say, usually you will be much better off!

• Be pleasant and courteous. Manners cost nothing and nobody like ignorant obnoxious people. If you are this way inclined, do you really think the airline wants you in Business or First Class. Be pleasant and nice to the staff and they will be much more inclined to reward you than if you are not!

• Check For Deals And Upgrades at The time Of Booking: Most airlines will have deals on upgrades and you may be very surprised at just how little it will cost to upgrade your seat.  When you are booking your seat, take a few moments to check if any deals are available.

• Traveling with someone who is flying Business or First Class can sway the decision, especially if you mention to the staff that you would prefer flying together.

• If in the past you have had a bad experience or be badly treated by the airline, raise the point in conversation at the check-in. Don’t be too over the top and make yourself look silly but letting them know in a nice calm manner will have a much more desired effect than creating a commotion.

• Just Ask. Ok, I said at the beginning that simply asking doesn’t normally work but at the end of the day, if you haven’t been offered an upgrade at the end of check-in or when you are on the aircraft, chances are you will not be asked. As a last resort, just ask, all they can say is no!

There are many factors that determine how to get upgraded to first class and the more of these factors that you can provide, the better your chances will be.