Blog Around The World

Travel by air is undoubtedly a wonderful experience and it gets exciting when you get a flight upgrade. Most of the world travelers share videos and write blog posts about how great they felt when they were awarded a flight upgrade.

The question is; if they can get a flight upgrade then why can’t you?

Being awarded upgrades several times, here is a step-by-step guide to getting a flight upgrade, the method is tested and has always worked for me.

Just stick to these pieces of advice and you’re guaranteed to get a flight upgrade with no hassle:

#1. Dress Neatly

If you’re serious about flight upgrade, start out by dressing formally.

Look formal, have the greatest first impression, as if you are wearing a tank top or shorts, nobody will even want to sit next to you. Dress neatly and move on to the next piece:

#2. Ask Politely and Directly

Every other passenger is looking for a flight upgrade but the one who is good at communication wins.

Move over to the airlines’ customer support and start with a cheering face:

“If you’re upgrading passengers on this flight, I would like to be considered”, this is what Randy Peterson recommends. You can add “please”, too.

Rather than asking indirectly or creating some excuses, ask directly but stay polite and ask formally:

#3. Master Your Time!

After considering your dress and starting with the best of your communication skills, it’s time to arrive on time. Just like you are trying your luck for a flight upgrade, there are several passengers trying, too.

To make sure you’re the one to win a flight upgrade, be on time. Rather than showing up late when agents are busy in checking the passengers will not work at all. As you reach earlier, you can easily communicate with the agents and ask for a flight upgrade.

#4. Have some cash backup!

This is what we miss often.

The upgrades we require are not like some cheap fantasies, it may cost a bit when it is first class or business class upgrade.

Make sure you have enough cash backup to process the upgrade and enjoy the smoothest flight. Sometimes, the upgrades are cheap while most of the time, we require enough cash to win an upgrade.

#5. Travel Solo

The next tactic to try when asking for a flight upgrade is to go solo. There are better chances that one or two seats will be available in the first class. Make sure you travel solo and ask for an upgrade, it improves your chances for a first or business class upgrade.

#6. Travel during peak times

After the solo traveling tactic, it is suggested to travel during the peak time. It is due to the algorithms that airlines’ ticketing department implement. If a flight is less crowded, the upgrade chances are rare. So if you’re traveling during the peak times, flights will be crowded and you can get a hassle-free upgrade.

#7. Join the Airline’s Loyalty Club

Best of all, join the airline’s loyalty club as it gives you a special tag when asking for an upgrade. They consider you more than a customer and check each seat that is up for an upgrade.

Many airlines have loyalty clubs that keep track of passengers who fly more often. As you stick to an airline for some time and make regular travels, you will get surprised on the day of departure. So join the loyalty club and let the airline companies know how greatly you value their services that you’re traveling so often.

#8. Let them know if its a special occasion

I recently watched a Vlogger who shared a story that he was awarded a free upgrade just because he told flight attendants that it was his birthday.

This can be a surprise for you, too. Tell the crew that the day is a bit special and the excitement can be multiplied when you’re blessed with surprises and the airline will surprise you for sure.

#9. Give up your seat

Whenever flight crew asks for passengers who are willing to give up their seats, hands up as you can be upgraded to the next flight later on. I know you might experience a bit of a delay but it is totally worth it.

The Bottom Line

These nine tactics are what you should try when looking for a flight upgrade. Make sure to have the nicest smile and ask politely about the upgrade. Remember, you are talking to people who are decision-makers. Be polite from airport to the check-in and ask flight attendants whether they are considering passengers for upgrades or not and you’ll get the answer in no time. Be confident, have the best of your effective communication skills and enjoy the flight upgrade every time when moving in the air.

Remember, the way you dress and talk to the airlines’ team is what that decides your upgrade. There’s always a rush of passengers asking for upgrades but the one who wins an upgrade is the one that is good at making the greatest first impression. Make up your first great impression and win every time.

References:

https://www.inc.com/stephanie-vozza/10-ways-to-get-bumped-up-to-first-class-on-your-next-flight.html

https://www.smartertravel.com/first-class-free-get-airline-upgrade/

Written By Boyan Minchev