Top 10 Ways to Secure a Flight Upgrade
What to Do to Increase Your Chances of Sitting in Business Class
Aug 15, 2009
Only successful businesses or the very rich can afford to upgrade to first or business class on flights during these credit crunch times. But not all is lost. There some simple rules which can increase your chances of getting an upgrade without flashing more cash.
Do Dress For Business
It may be ok for the rich and famous to dress down but when a business is paying top dollar for their workers to travel in comfort, they expect a little style. The last thing they want is to sit next to someone who looks as they have come straight from the beach. Wear clean, smart clothing, preferably a suit or, at the very least, a jacket or smart jumper. When the airline is looking to upgrade because they are overbooked in economy, they will be looking people who are smartly dressed.
Do Use Charm
People who get what they want are often good at establishing a rapport with people. Smile and be polite and friendly with the check-in staff. After all, they are human and are much more likely to offer an upgrade to someone they like.
Do Arrive at the Airport Check-in Early
The chances are that the check-in staff are more likely to be in a good mood at the start of their shift than at the end so arrive early.
..Or do Go Late
On the other hand, check in late and it is just possible that ll the seats in economy have been allocated and you will be first in line for an upgrade.
Do Join an Airline Frequent Flyer Scheme
This is one of the easiest ways to secure an upgrade. They’re free to join and, although frequent flyerss are not automatically entitled to flight upgrades, they are sometimes given priority over economy ticket holders if space becomes available.
Do Avoid the Airport Rush Hour
Business people want to fly at the most convenient times and they pay a premium for doing so. Avoid flying early morning or evening and opt for weekends, late morning or early afternoon when business class seats are unlikely to be occupied.
Do Volunteer to be Bumped Off a Flight
No one likes to be bumped off a flight but it can reap rewards. Airlines often overbook flights, especially during busy times, to allow for cancellations and no shows. Volunteering to go on the following flight, which is often just a few hours later, can result in financial compensation as well as the chance of an upgrade. It's worth asking anyway.
Do Collect Airline Frequent Flyer Miles
Collecting lots of frequent flyer miles entitles travellers to an upgrade. It requires very little effort other than showing a card at check-in or registering when booking online.Watch out for airline special promotions which offer double the number of miles of flights taken at certain times of the year. It's a quick way to an upgrade.
Do Ask Friends and Family for an Upgrade
Having relatives or friends who work for an airline is a great way to secure an upgrade. Have a word with a best mate, remind him or her of any favours that need repaying. Hopefully, they will be able to have a word in the right ear.
Do Check in Online Early
Even if there is little chance of securing an upgrade, all is not lost. Check in as early as possible online to secure the sought-after bulkhead seats which offer extra leg room.
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