10 ways to upgrade to first class, if you're lucky
These tips aren't guaranteed, but they work
As seasoned travelers, many older adults have witnessed a decline in the overall experience over the years. Flight delays, disruptive behavior, and cramped seating in economy class have made traveling a harrowing experience. However, there are ways to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. While I consider myself a seasoned traveler and have found ways to travel well, I'm always looking for tips that will assist me in upgrading my seat assignment.
As most of us know, upgrading has become more difficult, but flying first class can make our trip a little more tolerable by offering more comfort and some luxury. Let's explore some practical tips that may increase your chances of getting upgraded to first class during this busy travel season.
1. Participate in Loyalty Programs and Earn Elite Status:
Joining a frequent flyer program and accumulating miles or points with your preferred airline and its alliance partners can be highly beneficial. Major airlines value loyalty and offer priority upgrades and other perks to their most loyal customers. Climbing the ranks in terms of status increases your chances of succeeding..
2. Upgrade Certificates:
Some airlines provide upgrade certificates or vouchers as part of their loyalty programs. By meeting specific program requirements or making qualifying purchases, you can earn these certificates and increase your chances of securing a first-class upgrade. Airlines within alliances often prioritize their best customers when assigning upgrades, so your loyalty can pay off in this regard.
3. Utilize Airline Branded Credit Cards:
While airline-branded credit cards do not guarantee upgrades, they provide an opportunity to accumulate miles. I have two, one from United and one from American. My United miles came in handy during a trip to Puerto Rico last year. I was booked on a full 777 airplane from San Juan to Newark. I was able to use some of the 60,000 miles that I received getting the card and meeting spending requirements at the gate and upgrade to business class to get a more comfortable seat.
In addition, with a five-hour weather delay in Newark to catch my flight to DC, I was able to use one of the complimentary United Club passes to escape the madness in the terminal and relax in the lounge that offered complementary food and beverages. These cards also often come with benefits, though, like free checked luggage, access to lounges, and priority seating. Some offer upgrades under certain circumstances. Before you choose an airline-branded card, read the fine print and understand exactly what you’re getting.
4. Check-In Early:
Arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight allows you to secure an early check-in. If there are any available first-class seats, the airline might consider upgrading passengers who have already checked in.
5. Dress Appropriately:
Making a positive impression on airline staff can potentially enhance your chances of being considered for an upgrade. So many travelers today when flying look like they're going to bed or they're homeless. Dressing smartly and professionally shows that you value the travel experience and may make you stand out from other passengers.
6. Travel during Off-Peak Times:
Choosing to travel during off-peak times, such as mid-week or Saturdays, increases the likelihood of finding empty seats in first class. I've always chosen to fly during off-peak times unless it was absolutely necessary for business purposes. I was told years ago by a friend who was a flight attendant that mid-week flights were best. I also found Saturday to be less busy as well, which with Tuesday and Thursday became my favorite travel days.
If a flight is not fully booked, the chances of an upgrade become more feasible. Continuously monitoring seat charts and flight occupancy can help identify upgrade opportunities if a flight is not fully booked, getting an upgrade becomes more of a possibility. Even after I've finalized my reservations, I monitor the seat charts to see just how full the flight will be and what upgrade opportunities may be available.
7. Travel Solo:
While traveling with a group or your significant other is enjoyable, upgrading multiple seats in first class is unlikely. However, if you are traveling alone or are booked as a single, there may be a higher chance of finding a single empty seat in first class, increasing your odds of an upgrade. But even if you are in a group, but booked as a single and don't mind leaving your friends behind, by all means, go for it. They may hate momentarily, but they'll get over it.
8. Volunteer to Be Bumped:
During busy travel times with oversold flights, airlines may seek volunteers to take a later departure. Offer to be bumped to a later flight in exchange for an upgrade to first class. Polite and friendly behavior throughout the check-in and boarding process is crucial when requesting such arrangements.
9. Be Polite and Friendly:
Treat airline staff with kindness and respect throughout the entire travel experience. A positive attitude and good manners can leave a favorable impression and potentially increase your chances of an upgrade. Remember, airline employees have the power to make decisions that may affect your upgrade eligibility.
10. Guaranteed Upgrade:
If obtaining an upgrade is essential, the only 100% guaranteed way is to purchase a first-class or business-class ticket. However, various travel websites specialize in finding affordable business and first-class tickets. These sites can assist in finding deals and making your upgrade more accessible. In this regard, Google will be your best friend.
While these tips can improve your chances of getting an upgrade, it's important to note that upgrades are typically offered at the airline's discretion, based on availability and other factors. By participating in loyalty programs, being proactive, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can increase the likelihood of a more.
In a recent New York Post article a flight attendant with 3.1 million followers shared her travel hacks including how to get upgraded to first class for free. Cierra Mist shared her travel secrets.
Being “nice to your gate agent,” she said, is one of the best ways to secure an upgrade. In the article, she also said, “The miracles we can work when we’re given some Starbucks or a bag of chocolates,” she said. “Especially those long days when we have back-to-back flights and don’t even have time to go get some food.”