First class travel is the dream of many people, but most people can`t afford it at all. The best we can expect is to get free upgrades that airlines sometimes give lucky passengers.
In fact, trying to upgrade for free is very difficult. This is really due to luck and departure in the right place at the right time. Still, you can do something to increase your chances of eventually visiting the first class lounge. So you can increase your free upgrade opportunities in the following ways.
1. Travel on busy flights
You`ll think the more the flight is, the more you get the chance to get a free upgrade, right? In fact, on the contrary. The airline is rarely given free upgrade information just because there is a free upgrade opportunity. You`d better choose a busy flight that is full or overbooked.
When the economic class is full or too crowded, but the superior cabin has room, you have a much greater chance of upgrading than both cabins. Traveling to popular destinations at busier times will also increase your chances of upgrading.
Take the initiative to give up your seat and let the big family sit togethe
It is very rare to upgrade for no reason. But if it`s good for other passengers to change seats, it`s usually a good reason to upgrade your cockpit (from an airline`s point of view). If you sit in the middle of a big family and break them up, you can kindly advise the staff that you are willing to change seats and let the family sit together.
In some cases, this will cause you to move to other parts of the box. But if you are lucky, you may eventually be transferred to the superior cabin. It all depends on how busy the flight is.
3. Show off your impressive title
If there is a good time to brag about your name, it is when you try to get a free flight upgrade. As a doctor or judge, it shouldn`t theoretically have any effect on whether you upgrade or not, but it is. According to money-saving experts, if you have an impressive title, you have a better chance of promotion.
When you try to go this way, make sure you know in advance that your title is the title name you are scheduled to use, or put the trip on record. Just make sure it matches the name on your passport.
4. Get some help from the travel agency
When it comes to travel, it may help you upgrade. After all, it`s not what you know, but who you know. Smart Travel explains that some travel agencies have special relationships with certain airlines, allowing them to book special seats.
When upgrades are available, your trip is likely to be easier to get than anyone else, so you can jump to the top of the queue. As we mentioned, your trip can take notes on your documents and increase your chances of upgrading.
5. Dress like you deserve an upgrade.
When you want to upgrade instead of spending money, you really have to get dressed to make an impression. This means dressing like a person traveling in business or first class, rather than wearing dirty clothes. If you can`t fit into high-end house, your chances of being in it are greatly reduced.
This is not to say that if you dress well, you will automatically upgrade. This is just one of the techniques that can increase your chances. If you get dressed, you may get to the front of the plane faster.
6. establish relationship with airlines through loyalty programs
Sometimes the best way to get an upgrade is to join an airline`s loyalty program and set up a relationship with an airline. Some airlines allow frequent pilots to accumulate points and then use them for upgrades or flights without paying.
When you maintain a good relationship with the airline and become a top member of the airline, when the upgraded seat is available, you jump to the front of the queue. If you have some kind of relationship with an airline, even if you are not a senior member, you are more likely to get an upgrade.
7. if you have dietary requirements, please bring your own food
Unfortunately, having a special diet doesn`t increase your chances of sitting in front of the plane. In fact, when you need gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan food, it`s hard for airlines to put you in advanced class at the last minute, because there are few spare foods like this.
This just means you bring your own snacks, not let airlines know you like a special diet. So you can still eat on the plane without ruining your chances of upgrading.
8. Tell them when you`re on your honeymoon.
If you want to get a free upgrade on your trip, you must want to tell them about your honeymoon trip. Although this is rare, airlines often increase the number of passengers when celebrating such special events. So it is likely that the airline will give the first passenger an idea to upgrade his cockpit free of charge.
When you celebrate your anniversary or any other special event, you can also let them know that they will feel given special treatment. This is not a reliable way to be knocked down, but there is no defense against trying.
When airlines cause you inconvenience, let them know
If you are a frequent traveler, it is inevitable that airlines will cause you inconvenience at some stage, although simple things such as losing luggage or repeating reservations should also be used to increase your chances of upgrading, and when things happen, politely let them know that they have caused you inconvenience. Many airlines attach great importance to customer service and want to compensate you in some way-which may include upgrading you.
Remember, don`t complain and be rude. Otherwise, even if the airline is wrong, it may keep you away from any available upgrades! Just let them know that the airline has caused you inconvenience.
Always remember your manners when asking questions.
This leads to our next point of view. Sometimes you can try your luck and ask if there is a free upgrade. Ask, you can get it, right? It is important to remember that you should always be polite when asking questions. You can say a compliment or two, but don`t get carried away, or you`ll risk exposing your plan.
It is best to ask the check-in counter, not the crew, because they tend to have more control over the plane`s seating list. You might want to ask if everyone else has checked in so that you know if there are really premium seats.
