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How to score an upgrade

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

By Kim Wildman
MSN NZ Travel writer

Without a doubt the holy grail of travel is the free airline upgrade. While there is certainly a degree of luck involved in getting an upgrade without paying extra, there are also a few ways you can improve your chances.

Have your say: have you ever been upgraded on a flight? How good are you at securing an upgrade? Share your secrets below.

Join a frequent-flyer program
The best way to get an upgrade is to become a top-tier member of a frequent-flyer program. So no matter if you travel for work or pleasure, if you fly regularly you should seriously consider joining a program. Being a member of course won't necessarily mean an automatic upgrade each time you fly, but it will increase your chances. Just bear in mind that there are bound to be other more longstanding members also vying for an upgrade.

Dress for success
Like applying for a more prestigious job, if you want to get an upgrade it's important to look the part. Remember the other passengers will have paid for their tickets, so while comfort is an important consideration, particularly on long haul flights, you're much more likely to upgrade your seat if you're well-dressed. That means no jeans, no tracksuits and no athletic shoes.

Check your attitude
The way you treat airline staff will determine your success at attaining an upgrade. So keep your attitude in check by smiling and being friendly and polite. Remember airline staff are not obligated to upgrade anyone for free, thus by being rude you will certainly lose any chance you had for an upgrade.

Gone on, ask
One of the certainties in life is that if you don't ask, you won't receive. So take a deep breath and swallow your pride and politely ask if an upgrade would be possible. The worst that can happen is the ticketing agent will say "no". Just remember to be respectful and tactful and to ask, not demand.

Board late
This option can be a little dicey as you run the risk of annoying the flight crew and other passengers not to mention finding no space in the overhead luggage bins for your carry-on bags and losing the fight for the armrest. However, airline agents often scan the boarding gate for last-minute passengers to upgrade. I discovered this once on a flight to Bali when, due to a hold-up in ticketing, I arrived at the gate late and to my surprise was upgraded to business class without even asking.

Use your points
As mentioned previously, being member of a frequent-flyer program doesn't necessarily guarantee a free upgrade. So if you've been faithfully collecting those points and have some to spare, you might want to consider using them for an upgrade. If you're travelling on a long international flight, you'll be glad you did. Just be aware that you'll only be able to redeem your points as long as there are allocated seats on the flight available for upgrade.

Buy an upgrade
The simplest way to get an upgrade is to pay for it. It is sometimes possible to purchase an upgrade on the day of your departure for a fraction of the cost, but you should also keep an eye out for sales on business-class tickets, especially on international routes. Many airlines these days also offer premium economy fares whereby you pay a little extra for more comfortable features such as wider seats and additional legroom.

Of course there is no sure-fire way of getting an upgrade. The best you can do is dress the part and be polite and discreet when making a request. Then cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Good luck!

Have you ever been upgraded on a flight? How good are you at securing an upgrade? Share your secrets below.

User comments

Two friends and I were upgraded when travelling from Auckland to Sydney on a work-sponsored flight with Thai Airways. We were in line to check in and enjoying ourselves when suddenly were asked whether we'd like to be upgraded. I think it was due to us looking happy and patient even though there were a lot of people in the queue. Also it was just prior to Bathhurst weekend and we were possibly the most likely contenders?! One of us had never flown before and was extremely nervous, so being given the wonderful experience we were was a bonus for her. Going back to economy on the way home was a let down after the pampering we received in first class. It definitely was first class treatment all the way!

Over past ten years I have enjoyed several upgrades whilst travelling on overseas flights. The common factor was not my dress code, was not asking for an upgrade (have never done so), was not waiting till last to board BUT was simply being patient, courteous and cooperative with airline and security staff.

My family always travels Business premier with air NZ, flown Business with Emirates and Qatar Airlines, never first class though. To be honest i think 1st class isnt as good as Business simply because 1st class is more suitable for 1 passenger travelling because ypu get your own cabin, and none to talk to

You have more chance of a free upgrade when you fly with the national airline of your own country and or identity. For example if you are a kiwi use Air NZ, if you are an aussie use Qantas, if you are chinese use Cathay Pacific

All the above comments have good advice and it's been an interesting read! So many of you say that you have been or are more likely to be upgraded if you are dressed nicely, wearing demure clothing, long pants etc - just generally well dressed. I'm wondering why this is - it seems like some sort of snobbery on the part of the airline to only pick pretty, well dressed people. If I had paid for a business or first class seat I would expect to be allowed to wear whatever I liked (within reason) and would probably wear jeans and a sweatshirt as these are my preferred travelling clothes. How do paying business & first class customers know who else in their section has or has not paid for that upgrade? I certainly wouldn't know who'd been given a freebie...and therefore wouldn't expect those who had been given a free upgrade to look the part. I would rather be comfortable than look the part any day...

My husband & I have been fortunate on 2 occassions to get an upgrade from London to NZ, plus £250 compensation each for 'our co-operation' with the airline's overbooking. If you're flexible, always ask at check in if flight is overbooked and if it's looking likley, do not check in your bags and wait by check-in in counter until it closes. On SQ airlines, we only had to wait 3 hours for the next flight and relaxed in the business lounge while we waited! On the other occasion with Cathay, they also paid for a night in an airport hotel and we flew 10 hours later! Absolutely the best way to travel and with extra cash in the pocket, was a real bonus. But always dress smartly, as will not get the offer otherwise!

I used to work for Emirates in Auckland Airport, i have one piece of advice if you want an upgrade. DO NOT ask for an upgrade. Check in staff get very annoyed at this and will normally turn you down. I turned many people down just because they asked me. I would normally upgrade someone if they are nice and dressed well. No kids allowed either sorry

Your advice sounds like an excercise in abject crawling to me.

Fortunately a family member got my bub and I onto the Premium seats for free. It was great. Had alot of space and there was a nice chest like thingy right next to me where my window was. I stored our bits and pieces in there and my bub had a nap ontop of it after i had cushioned it with blankets and pillows i had asked for. Recieved complimentary newspapers etc. Great to know someone that works for an airline as there are perks to it as well as recieving extra kgs.

My husband and I were upgraded when we arrived at the airport in Hong Kong and discovered that the flight was overbooked. The check in agent was very helpful and was willing to upgrade us provided we changed into long trousers, which we quickly bought at the airport! What luxury on the long flight to Amsterdam, we slept for seven hours!