How to get a first-class upgrade on a flight without having to pay for it
You can improve your chances of an upgrade by being a regular in first class, well-dressed, on-time – and, of course, asking for one
Bubbly, caviar and showers in the sky. Who does not want to travel in the utmost comfort at 35,000 feet, but is there a way to experience first class without paying for it?
1. If you are on an overbooked flight, take up the offer to fly later in exchange for an upgrade (or vouchers, accommodation).
2. You must be a member of the airline’s frequent flier programme. If you aren’t loyal to them, they won’t be loyal to you. I have seen/heard cabin crew tell a passenger he was not entitled to a free upgrade because he was not a member.
3. Travel alone. Your family of four is just not getting an upgrade – there aren’t that many spare seats in first, and even if there were, they wouldn’t be together anyway.
4. Pay full price for your ticket. If you are on a discount fare, they’ll bump someone who paid more than you.
5. Be early, or at the very least, on time. Contrary to what others here have said, showing up late is not a way to get bumped up. Any spare first class seat will have already been allocated by then.
6. Dress well. A sweatshirt and T-shirt won’t cut it. Business attire is better. (e.g., suit and tie for men, classic elegance for women.) This is regardless of how old you are. You need to look like you belong in first class. Think of it from a paying passenger’s point of view: you paid top dollar for first class, and here is some jumped up so-and-so who got in free. So look and act like you paid for it, and don’t brag otherwise.
