Imagine checking into the airport and being graced with a golden ticket of luxuriousness. An upgrade that lets you swan around first class, be waited on hand and foot and drink endless bottles of champagne until you’re passed out in your reclining leather chair.
Yes. Please.
It’s the thing of dreams, but it could be a reality if you play your cards right from booking to check-in.
So far, I’ve been upgraded twice in my life, and while I can’t say these tips and tricks will work for your next getaway, they’re a step in the right direction towards you yelling out “See ya, suckers!” to everyone else in the boarding lounge as you strut your way over to the fab side of the plane where you belong.
#1 Fly solo
Sad, but true. It’s easier to upgrade one person than it is to upgrade two people travelling together. Math, right?
#2 Book with points
Get on that frequent flyer points train and book part or all of your trip with points. Wait, that means you’re flying for free, right? Yeah, but it also means that you’ve plugged that much dosh into the airline that you’ve got enough points to purchase an entire airfare. Now that’s something that should be rewarded.
#3 Bid for your spot
Heaps of airlines offer auction upgrades where you literally bid for a better seat. They’ll typically email you a few weeks before your trip with details of at least one free seat on your flight that could be yours for the right price.
#4 Look the part
Fact: First class is where all the fabulous people sit. So kit yourself out in your best threads before presenting yourself at check-in to increase your chances of walking the catwalk to first class.
#5 Get in early
The early bird catches the worm. Make sure you’re at check-in when the counter first opens to snap up that upgrade before the next economy flyer takes it.
#6 Don’t pre-select your seat
Airlines, especially budget airlines, are renowned for overbooking seats. If they’ve booked out economy and you don’t have a seat, they’ve little choice but to move you somewhere else. Say, up a class or two?
#7 Travel during busy periods
You may have heard that travelling during quieter periods is better for snagging an upgrade, but that’s not technically true. After all, why would they bump you up when you fit perfectly fine in economy? What you want to do is travel during busy (but not peak) periods when there may still be a few first class seats free but economy is starting to get squishy. This gives them room and an excuse to move some people around.
#8 Mention your special event
Getting hitched or on your honeymoon? In the politest way possible, let the check-in staff know. They may bump you up as a special treat.
#9 Just ask
Doesn’t hurt, right? Just be nice about it when you do and don’t push it if they say no.
#10 Make rich friends
Can’t afford to fly with the high society? Travel with rich friends who can, and pull the poor card on them. Because friends don’t leave friends in cattle class… right?
Stephanie Yip is the Travel Editor at finder.com.au, the site that compares virtually everything.
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