A Quick Guide To Getting A Free Flight Upgrade

When waiting in the queue to board a flight we all dream of hearing those magic words asking if we’d like to be bumped up to first class.

We hear all kinds of stories of it happening, but very few of us actually see it happen, so is it true?

Do airlines just pick a lucky chosen few to be upgraded if there are spare seats to be had?

Well, the answer is that while it does happen, it is quite rare, so you need to be on the ball. Luckily, we’re here with some of our top tips to grab a free upgrade.

Frequent Flyer Schemes

To begin, we spoke to cheap flights booking agent Globehunters, who said: “Without doubt, the most likely way to bag yourself an upgrade is by joining a frequent flyer scheme ad building up some points.

“Of course, this takes a lot of work, and only applies if you’re a regular traveller, but if you do put in the miles, it puts you right in the airline’s good books and to the front of the queue if an upgrade should become available.”

Even if you aren’t going to fly enough to get yourself an upgrade, it’s worth joining anyway, just to give yourself that little advantage.

There’s also the chance that you could be able to use your points to buy an upgrade at a discounted price.

The two main programmes in the UK are Avios and Virgin Miles, and you can see a great comparison of the two over at uSwitch.

Use Your Charm!

A nice smile and a bit of charm go a long way in life, and this certainly applies to getting a flight upgrade.

Airline staff usually have to put up with a lot of grief so they’ll really appreciate it if you make an effort with them.

Of course, you don’t want to overdo it too much, but it always helps to be nice to people!

If you’re celebrating a big occasion such as a honeymoon, anniversary or landmark birthday, this could also work in your favour, and at the very least, you might get a free glass of bubbly out of it!

(Although be warned, people do try to pull the wool over airline’s eyes, so you may be asked for ID!)

To Ask or Not to Ask

There’s no real right or wrong answer on whether you should ask airline staff or wait to be asked.

Some people just have that knack, and can get away with asking for an upgrade, but for others, it just makes you look rude.

If you do ask, be sure to be very polite. In many cases they’ll offer you the seats at a discounted price, but if you say no, they may offer you them anyway, but don’t assume anything and always be grateful!

Look the Part

It may seem a bit snobby, but remember that people have shelled out a lot of money to be in first or business class, so it’s important that you’re going on holiday.

While this doesn’t mean you have to but suited and booted or wearing your best dress, it does mean that you might want to wait until you land before getting into full on beach mode.

Short Haul Flights

Unfortunately, it usually simply isn’t worth your time trying to get an upgrade on a short haul flight, and it definitely isn’t worth spending frequent flyers points or cash on one.

You won’t receive the types of privileges you would on a long-haul flight, probably just some extra legroom and free food.

On the other hand, long-haul flights will give you great benefits such as your own private cabin and a flat bed.

For much more information on how to bag yourself an upgrade, check out this post from Money Saving Expert.A

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