Upgrade to Business Class for Free
Written by zoe on June 16th, 2009 in Travel Tips.
For many travellers, paying up to $5000 or more for a business class ticket in order to better enjoy the flight is not affordable. But, what very few people realize is that many air carriers will sometimes upgrade passengers from economy class for free - if they meet certain guidelines.
In this article, I will pass on some of the things that the gate attendants look for and require so that you can take advantage of the loopholes and get placed in first class at no cost to you. 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 holy grail of getting upgraded for free.
Tip Number 1:
Look the part.
Make sure that you are dressed smartly when you travel. There is very little or 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 sharp, but not like you’re trying too hard.
Tip Number 2:
Turn up early.
The check-in staff already know how many passengers are travelling on a particular flight before check time, so if there are extra seats in first class, they will already know it.
Tip Number 3:
Be Polite.
What if you were the ticket agent. Would you reward a person who gives a hard time, or someone who is friendly and polite. There may be 250 people in the line behind you, make yourself stand out in a good way. Flirt, smile, use their name, be nice, and you may well win the upgrade contest.
Tip Number 4:
Be a Frequent Flier.
If you belong to an airline’s frequent flier program, you are far more likely 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 will only take a minute or two and is well worth the effort.
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 check in staff look stressed, 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 are impressed with your demeanor, when they ask you if you have any specific seat request, be cheeky and say “Business Class” to them. It could be your lucky day!