Top Tips for Securing Flight Upgrades

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about Top Tips for Securing Flight Upgrades

Every day, hundreds of airline passengers are given free upgrades from economy seats to business or even first-class ones. There, they enjoy greater privacy, legroom, plush upholstery, and more attentive service. 

You’ve probably heard stories about people securing these upgrades. People generally react in two ways. The first is to dismiss them as urban myths, but actually, it is sometimes necessary to upgrade passengers, for example, if the plane is overbooked or in order to make the plane more balanced. The other reaction is to ask “Well how come they’ve never picked me?”

While there is no way to guarantee that they will pick you, there are some things you can do that might increase your chances. Here are some of the top tips for securing a free flight upgrade. 

Top Tips for Securing Flight Upgrades

1. Look the part and arrive early

First impressions matter. Airlines are more likely to offer upgrades to passengers who appear professional and respectful. Arriving at the airport early shows preparedness and might give you a better shot if last-minute upgrades are available.

Most people dress comfortably on flights. T-shirts, hoodies, shorts, or tracksuit bottoms are the norm. However, this might be hurting your chances of being bumped up to business or first class. There, passengers tend to dress up more. Either intentionally or subconsciously, the crew are more likely to upgrade people who look like they belong with them.   

Picking up some smart clothes in the city you are departing from, whether that’s tailored suits in Melbourne or a flattering dress in Sydney, can go a long way towards increasing your odds.

Pro Tip: While there’s no need to don a full suit, “smart casual” attire can make you stand out. Think of neat, clean clothes like a blazer or well-fitting trousers. Polished shoes can make a world of difference too!

2. Be flexible and Volunteer to be Bumped

We would all love air travel to be completely stress-free, but it involves so many factors that are out of our control. One of these is overbooked flights. For travellers with a flexible schedule, however, these can be opportunities to get that coveted upgrade. 

When flights are overbooked, airlines may ask for volunteers to take a different flight. Those who volunteer are usually given some kind of sweetener, often an upgrade or some spending money, and occasionally both.

Pro Tip: Mention that you’d be willing to volunteer for a bump at check-in, especially during busy times when flights tend to be full. While not guaranteed, being helpful can lead to extra perks like a flight upgrade, lounge access, or travel vouchers.

3. Join the frequent flyer program

The first place many agents look to when they have the opportunity to upgrade someone is the frequent flyer list. Airlines want you to keep flying with them, especially if you take a lot of flights each year. They don’t want you to switch to another airline, so they try to keep loyal customers happy with upgrades when they have the chance to do so.

Pro Tip: Stay loyal to one airline where possible. Building status with one specific airline can open the door to free upgrades, especially if you travel often.

4. Book Directly with the Airline

While booking through third-party sites may save a few dollars, booking directly with the airline can increase your chances of securing an upgrade. Airlines typically prioritize upgrades for customers who booked through their own platform.

Pro Tip: Sign up for the airline’s newsletters and follow their social media channels for promotions, sales, or special upgrade opportunities that might not be available elsewhere.

5. Use Airline Credit Cards

Airline-branded credit cards often come with perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and—most importantly—enhanced opportunities for upgrades. Some cards even offer complimentary upgrades or the ability to redeem points for better seats.

Insider Tip: Look out for cobranded credit cards that enable you to earn miles anywhere credit cards are accepted while accessing major perks.

6. Upgrade with Miles

If you’ve been diligently collecting frequent flyer miles, using them to upgrade is one of the best ways to fly in luxury without paying full price. Many airlines allow you to use miles to upgrade from economy to business class, saving you significant cash on longer flights.

Pro Tip: Check if there are upgradeable fare classes when booking your flight. Not all economy tickets are eligible for upgrades, so it’s worth checking before spending your miles.

7. Don’t book a specific seat

It is often less work for those who can grant upgrades to give them to passengers who have not yet selected a seat. Making life easier for them can’t hurt your chances.

This comes with some risk, however. If you don’t get an upgrade, you could end up anywhere, even in a dreaded middle seat by the toilets.

Pro Tip: If you want to sit as a group then this option is not recommended.

8. Ask About Upgrades at Check-In

Sometimes it’s as simple as asking! If there are available upgrades, check-in staff might offer you the chance to snag a business or first-class seat, especially if they need to free up economy seats due to overbooking.

Tip: Be polite and friendly when you inquire about an upgrade. While nothing is guaranteed, a positive attitude might just work in your favour.

9. Consider Last Minute Upgrade Offers

So, you have to pay for this last option, but it may not be a significant amount and/ or you may be able to pay with miles.

Airlines sometimes offer discounted upgrades at check-in or even just before boarding. If you don’t mind spending a little extra to upgrade, these last-minute deals can be a bargain compared to booking a premium ticket upfront.

Tip: Keep an eye on your airline’s app or emails after booking your ticket. They may send offers to upgrade for a reasonable price—far less than booking a business or first-class ticket outright.

Final Thoughts on
Top Tips for Securing Flight Upgrades

Securing an upgrade may not be easy, but it is possible and you can use these tips to help shorten your odds. However, remember that although there are a lot of perks in the front cabins, it is not a licence to do as you please, and there are still limits to what you can bring on a plane. 

I hope you enjoyed this feature about Top Tips for Securing Flight Upgrades, and you can also have a look more of our travel features.

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