Finding cheap airline tickets is simple on Cheapflights.com, but getting an upgrade to business or first class is never a sure thing. In general, airlines give passengers upgrades based on seat availability, type of fare paid and frequent flyer status. Here's our advice for getting a free - or affordable - upgrade on your next flight.
Quick tips to improve your chances of landing an upgrade
- Check your attitude: Always ask; never demand. Be respectful and tactful. Don't just make up an excuse for why you should be upgraded. Rather than declaring "I need an upgrade!" try: "Am I eligible for an upgrade today?"
- Don't rely on charm, the way you speak to an airline agent is always important, but the days of smooth talking your way to an upgrade are over.
- Be polite: airlines don't have to upgrade anyone for free; being rude will automatically eliminate you from consideration.
- Use your frequent-flyer program membership: being an elite or top-tier member in the airline's frequent travel program will improve your chances. But understand that there may be other elite-level flyers or more longstanding members who are also vying for upgrades.
- Board late: agents scan the boarding gate last-minute for passengers to upgrade.
- Dress well: a sloppy appearance will hurt your chances; wearing professional attire, such as a suit, can up the odds in your favor.
Arrive early and request an upgrade at check in
- Book flights that leave early in the day and get to the check in counter before the crowds arrive. There are often fewer flyers competing for available upgrades and agents are often less-pressured and more receptive to requests.
- Airlines generally sell out economy-class seats first, but seats are often empty in the up-front cabins. When the economy section is overbooked, passengers are moved up front. So check-in early (but not more than about three hours in advance) or you could miss a chance to be upgraded.
Time Your Request
Use your common sense. If the agent is super busy or having a bad day, don't bother.
Redeem Frequent-Flyer Miles for an Upgrade
- Frequent-flyer program status won't always guarantee a free upgrade. So if you've got miles to spare, use them to "buy" an upgrade. Redeeming those miles for an upgrade, especially on long, international flights, can be an easy route to a great air travel deal.
- You can review upgrade opportunities by airline frequent-flyer program at Web Flyer's Award / Upgrade Index page.
Consider the Type of Fare You Are Buying
If you have to fly at the last-minute and must pay full-fare anyhow, ask for a Y-UP fare. These are not always available, but are considered non-restricted fares and put you on the shortlist for an upgrade if one becomes available.
Leverage Your Position - But Don't Abuse It
Your profession, your employer or your position within a company may enhance your odds of being upgraded. Ministers, employees of some non-profit firms and members of humanitarian organizations, for example, are often given special consideration. Employees of large companies that have negotiated corporate fares with a carrier and the top execs of major or well-known companies are also candidates for upgrading.
Ask the agent to add an "OSI" (other significant information) message to your PNR (passenger record). The OSI might indicate that you are a missionary performing humanitarian work or the head of a Fortune 100 company, which may net you an upgrade. The key here is to not expect or demand an upgrade simply because of your position.
Pay a Little, Get a Lot
Pay for an upgrade? Absolutely. The days of free upgrades may be numbered. Modern airline systems allow airlines to fill seats more efficiently, which reduces the number of last-minute upgrade opportunities. Sometimes, the simplest way to get an upgrade is to pay for it.
Check for available upgrades when booking or at check-in. You might be surprised at how little you'll have to pay to fly up-front.
Take Advantage of Business- and First-Class Discounts
If you can't trade in miles or aren't able to buy an upgrade, consider discount business- or first-class fares. The airlines offer significant discounts and promotional fares on some routes, so don't overlook this option. (Cheapflights.com makes it even easier by flagging these fares separately.)
Don't Miss Out on the Best Airfare Deals on Your Route
Sign up for your free Cheapflights Deals Alert e-Newsletter and let the best airfare deals find you!
Use your common sense. If the agent is super busy or having a bad day, don't bother.
