Many travelers don't see paying thousands of dollars for a business class ticket in order to fly in greater comfort as an option. But what most people don't realize is that a lot of airlines will upgrade passengers from economy class for free as long as they meet certain guidelines. These tips come direct from the check in staff of some of the best-known airlines, and are considered by many regular travellers to be the holy grail of getting something for nothing.
You Need to Look the Part. Make sure that you are dressed smartly when you travel. If you are wearing shorts and a scruffy t-shirt, then there is almost no chance of getting a free upgrade so at the very least, wear pants and a shirt when you check in. Wearing a suit and going overboard is not really necessary but you can if you want to. Although the key is to look smart, you don't have to look like you're trying too hard.
Turn Up Early. If there are seats to spare in business class, then the check-in staff will know straight away because they know how many passengers are traveling on a particular flight well in advance.
Being Polite is a Must. Try to imagine yourself in the place of the check in staff. Would you reward a person who gives you attitude and starts shouting the odds, or someone who is pleasant and gives them the time of day. There may be 250 people in the queue behind you, so make them remember you. You may well get a pleasant surprise if you smile, flirt, use their name, and be nice.
Are You a Frequent Flier? If you join an airline's frequent flier program, you are far more likely to be at the front of the queue for an upgrade, as the airline will want to reward you for your loyalty. You may not fly regularly, but you can still go to the airline's website and join their program online. This will be well worth the time and it will only take a minute or two.
Ask Around. You may be aware of the fact that unless you ask for something, you won't get it so make sure that you do but also make sure that it's at the right time. If no amount of charm has elicited a smile from the check in staff and if they look stressed, then don't bother asking them and wait until you get to the gate. If the counter staff have responded well, when they ask you if you have any specific seat request, be cheeky and say "First Class" to them. It might just work.
You Need to Look the Part. Make sure that you are dressed smartly when you travel. If you are wearing shorts and a scruffy t-shirt, then there is almost no chance of getting a free upgrade so at the very least, wear pants and a shirt when you check in. Wearing a suit and going overboard is not really necessary but you can if you want to. Although the key is to look smart, you don't have to look like you're trying too hard.
Turn Up Early. If there are seats to spare in business class, then the check-in staff will know straight away because they know how many passengers are traveling on a particular flight well in advance.
Being Polite is a Must. Try to imagine yourself in the place of the check in staff. Would you reward a person who gives you attitude and starts shouting the odds, or someone who is pleasant and gives them the time of day. There may be 250 people in the queue behind you, so make them remember you. You may well get a pleasant surprise if you smile, flirt, use their name, and be nice.
Are You a Frequent Flier? If you join an airline's frequent flier program, you are far more likely to be at the front of the queue for an upgrade, as the airline will want to reward you for your loyalty. You may not fly regularly, but you can still go to the airline's website and join their program online. This will be well worth the time and it will only take a minute or two.
Ask Around. You may be aware of the fact that unless you ask for something, you won't get it so make sure that you do but also make sure that it's at the right time. If no amount of charm has elicited a smile from the check in staff and if they look stressed, then don't bother asking them and wait until you get to the gate. If the counter staff have responded well, when they ask you if you have any specific seat request, be cheeky and say "First Class" to them. It might just work.
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