Be nice, be angry, go early, or go at the last minute. Here’s the conflicting advice travelers give when trying to get a free upper-class ticket. In a recent Skyscanner report, 61% of flight attendants said they upgraded economy class passengers to premium class, favoring well-dressed passengers, regulars, and more pleasant people. Visitors to this site have offered their tips for getting a class change, based on their own experiences.
1. Travel during off-peak periods
If there are more empty seats in front, you will have a better chance of occupying one.
2. Paying full price
Ticket agents will take pity on passengers who pay a lot for their economy seats, and will more readily seat them at the front than those who got them at a low price.
3. Accumulate points
Travelers with a subscription, even a basic one, will be better considered than those who do not have an airline card.
4. Arrive early
Opinions differ on this. Some passengers say that checking in early increases your chances of getting the last seats in first class. Others think the opposite…
5. Arrive at the last moment
It’s a game of chance, but some people believe that arriving late increases your chances of getting into first class, but only if the planets are aligned. For example, you’d have to hope that there are no more seats in the economy, which would send you into first class. It all depends on whether you like taking a risk.
6. Stay connected
Airlines contact travelers on the day of departure and offer to upgrade them to first class if the plane is full.
7. Throw a tantrum
This too may or may not work in your favor. Some say that getting angry can work well, but only if you don’t overstep the mark. Be discreet.
8. Being sad
Skyscanner calls it emotional blackmail. Use with caution as well.
9. Be kind
A traveler recounts the time he kindly agreed to switch seats with a man who wanted to sit next to his wife. As a reward for his effort, a flight attendant gave him a seat in business class.
10. Replace relaxation with elegance
There’s a certain cachet to sitting in business class. If you want to increase your chances of joining the elite of travelers, dress appropriately. You can bet that jogging will ruin your chances.
11. Have charm
If you’re a smooth talker, direct your compliments appropriately. Some say that complimenting the check-in agents or crew can earn you nice perks, like being moved to the front of the plane.
12. Get a diplomatic passport… or marry well
Okay, it’s easier for some than others, but it seems that the diplomatic passport is a pass to premium class.
13. Overweight
This is also debatable, but with the controversial stories about overweight passengers, some travelers say that someone whose economy seat is too small is more likely to be bumped up to the front of the plane, to a more comfortable seat.
14. Be friendly with company employees
They are your best chance to get behind the business class curtain.
15. Don’t ask
Check-in agents are unlikely to reward travelers who ask to be upgraded. But pleasant people who don’t ask for anything increase their chances of getting moved up.