Flight Upgrades

[Uzoma]

I've heard many stories about people being upgraded on flights to business & even first class. Does anyone have any tips on what to do, say or wear to increase their chances of an upgrade or what airlines look out for?

[beenee]

I've always been very lucky with upgrades and it works best for me when I'm travelling alone. I make sure I'm very early for check in (like, when the check-in counter opens: this is not as sad as it sounds, because for my long haul flights, I hate having to queue and would rather spend my hours browsing the duty-free than be rushing and queuing with screaming children). Anyway, when checking-in I always ask to be sat away from children and then as if in passing I ask whether there's a 'possibility of an upgrade' and even if the answer is 'no' I ask to be put first on a list in case there are seats available in first-class after everyone's checked in.

Of course it always helps if you're well-dressed and flirt a bit with the guy behind the counter - believe me, all worth it when the deal's between pelvis-crushing seats amongst restless kids and a peaceful 8 hours with 4 course meals in first!

[sddsddean]

Do you get free upgrades beenee, or do you have to pay?

[apricot]

Yes I always ask on BA and have been successful on many occasions. You must have paid full price for the ticket, a cheapo from a bucket shop will never get an upgrade. I dress smartly, if you had paid full price for club class and some dork in dirty jeans sat next to you free you wouldn't be too pleased would you? Always go early and smile. Upgrades are free.

[beenee]

Yes, you get them free. I forgot to add that the way it normally works with me is that they give me a regular boarding pass and then tell me to check with the attendants at the boarding gate if my name's been forwarded onto first class.

[BenDToy]

I have sometimes (not often) been upgraded at the check in desk. The last time it happened I asked the girl why I had been selected and she didn't know. Apparently it had just come up on her screen. Sorry but I realise this isn't any help.