How to get upgraded to first class for free

by Jordan Running (RSS feed)
Oct 11th 2005 at 2:13PM

First Class

First class is the holy grail of air travel, and, especially on international flights, for good reason. Back in the halcyon years of air travel, it was sometimes possible to get an upgrade to first class just by asking the flight attendant nicely, or at least that's how we want to remember it. Nowadays that's no longer the case—in fact, flight attendants are strictly forbidden from moving a passenger without the permission of a supervisor on the ground or, in case of emergency, the pilot. Now there's no fool-proof way to get an upgrade—apart from paying for one—but there are still ways to increase your chances of a free upgrade.

The best way to improve your chances for a free upgrade to first class is to be an elite member of the airline�s frequent flyer program. If there are unoccupied seats in first class, elite members are the first to be offered upgrades. Some airlines require members to call ahead of time to request upgrades, and others can only upgrade you if you ask the ticket agent at the airport. The higher your status (i.e. the more miles you have), the more likely you are to get an upgrade. Even if you�re not an elite flyer, just being a member of the airline�s frequent flyer program can improve your chances�members in low standing are still more likely to get upgraded than non-members. And even if you don�t fly very often, watch for promotions that can earn you elite status. Many such promotions aren�t publicized, so it�s best to call the airline to find out what promotions are currently running. Finally, your frequent flyer miles can be spent on upgrades, and doing so is often a better value than saving them up for your next big trip.

The most likely scenario for a free upgrade is on a flight where economy class is full and first class is underbooked. If economy is overbooked, the agent will prefer to bump you to the front of the plane than to a different plane. In fact, overbooked flights can work to your advantage in another way: If your travel plans are flexible and the flight is overbooked, offer to give up your seat in exchange for a better one on a later flight. Often in exchange for making the gate agent�s life a little easier they�ll put you in first or business class as a reward.

If you�re willing to pay a little more for your ticket, many airlines offer free upgrades to first class on full-fare coach tickets. These don�t guarantee you a spot in first class if the plane is full, but if there�s empty seats your upgrade will be free. If you happen to have been inconvenienced by the airline, your chances of getting an upgrade improve considerably. Don�t raise a stink, but do tell them that you have been inconvenienced and that you wouldn�t mind being upgraded for your trouble.

It may be a clich?and it may work with decreasing frequency as more and more first class travelers dress casually for travel these days, but dressing professionally can also improve your chances. A jacket and tie alone won�t get you an immediate upgrade, but you�re more likely to get placed in first class dressed like that than dressed in gym shorts and a tank top.

Like the lottery, you can�t win unless you play, and you, so your best bet is to ask early and ask often. Call the airline a week or two in advance and ask about upgrades. Try again 24-48 hours before your flight, and then again when you get to the airport. Be as friendly and polite as possible and be willing to compromise. Do not act as though you are entitled to a free upgrade. Being humble and accomodating will always yield better results.

Got a great upgrade story or technique? Post it in the comments below!

Sources

Filed under: Wings

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Chris Kalanderopoulos Dec 18th 2005 6:13PM

My dad has a Ph.D., and therefore, his Visa shows Dr. as the title. Whenever there are free seats in first class, we get bumped up, especially if we act like we hate the service, or just manage to bad mouth the service while the beverage cart is going by (hehe).

Funny thing is, my dad IS a doctor, but not a physical doctor...he has his Ph.D. in chemistry.

iDriveX Dec 18th 2005 6:13PM

On America West, first class is NEVER booked. And it's very nice service. So when you get to the airport, if you ask the ticket agent for an upgrade, it's first come first serve at VERY low prices. From LA to Phoenix for example it's $25, and from Phoenix to Cancun it's $50. Across the country is only a $100 upgrade. I always fly America West, get to the airport at least an hour early and guarantee my spot in First Class.

Jason Dec 18th 2005 6:13PM

I have done the America West thing too... they actually offer the upgrade at the kiosk when you pickup your ticket!!

However,their business/first class is nothing like American or the other airlines. It's basically a much bigger seat and not much else due to the size of their planes.

However, like you're saying for
$25 or $50 how could you not?!?!?!

Albert Dec 18th 2005 6:13PM

First Class is very nice. Especially on international flights, but some first class service aren't as great as others. The only time I've been on first is for Cathay Pacific and United. United doesn't really have a great lounge, but when I was in Hong Kong this past summer Cathay Pacific had a great lounge with food, alcohol, and etc.

fever Dec 18th 2005 6:13PM

First Class is always nice, but I consider it a must on flights longer than 5 hours. I always try to dress well, even for short flights, because it does seem like you get treated better. I'm also fairly sure I've been bumped to First just for looking good.

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Tom Dec 18th 2005 6:13PM

Strange it doesn't work that well in Europe. Beeing a frequentflyer member of Swiss Int., I haven't been upgraded once. Anyway, I do know more now, and I'm flying over to the states in a few weeks - we'll see..

Neil Sparkman Dec 18th 2005 6:13PM

Nice Picture in your article. This is from the aircraft I work on full time. This is not a typical first class arrangement. The aircraft shown is a privately owned aircraft and belongs to a professional sports team.

Gulas Dec 18th 2005 6:13PM

I work for one of the best airlines in the world (according to awards won) and our policy is NOT to upgrade on departure for any other reasons than overbooking.
And in those cases we will first select Gold members, then Silvers and then finally basic FFP members. Another interesting fact is that our commercial upgrade policy is to select passengers who look professional and well travelled... Therefore most of the passengers being upgraded tend to be of European or Western origin despite most of our passengers being of Asian origin.