Upgrade to Business Class for Free
For many travellers, spending $5000 or more for a business class ticket in order to better enjoy the flight simply isn’t an option. However, what very few people realize is that many air carriers will sometimes upgrade passengers from economy class for free – if they meet certain criteria.
In this article, I will pass on some of the things that the check in staff look for and require so that you can take advantage of the opportunities to get your upgrade for free. These five top tips come direct from the check in staff of some of the best-known airlines, and are considered by many regular travellers to be the best chance you have of getting something for nothing.
Tip Number 1:
Look the part.
Make sure that you are presentable when you travel. There is almost no chance of getting a free upgrade if you are wearing shorts and a scruffy t-shirt, so at the very least, check in wearing a shirt and pants. There is no need to go overboard and wear a suit – unless you really want to. The key is to look smart, but not like you’re trying too hard.
Tip Number 2:
Check in early.
The check-in staff know exactly how many passengers are travelling on a particular flight well in advance, so if there are extra seats in first class, they will know right away.
Tip Number 3:
Be Polite.
Put yourself in the place of the check in staff. Would you reward a person who gives you attitude and starts complaining, or someone who is well mannered and pleasant. There may be 250 people in the line behind you, so make them remember you. Flirt, smile, use their name, be nice, and you may well get a pleasant surprise.
Tip Number 4:
Be a Frequent Flier.
If you belong to an airline’s frequent flier program, you have a much better chance to be rewarded with an upgrade because the airline will want to reward you for your loyalty. Even if you do not fly regularly, go to the airline’s website and join their program online. It doesn’t take very long and is will really increase your upgrade chances.
Tip Number 5:
Ask.
As they say that if you don’t ask for something, you won’t get it, so make sure you ask – but do it at the right time. If the ticket agents are very busy, and no amount of charm has elicited a smile, don’t bother to ask them, wait until you get to the gate. If the gate attendants have responded well, when they ask you if you have any specific seat request, be cheeky and say “Business Class” to them. You might just get lucky!
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