How do I get into first class?

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getlostinaz

Sometimes all you have to do is ask at the counter as you check in. It all depends on how full the flight is....and what kind of mood the counter agent is in. I have been upgraded before....and I have been told no before. It never hurts to ask (just make sure you do so politely!)!

Rachel C

Here's a few I found:
-Be polite and friendly
Upgrades are usually at the discretion of check-in staff so a bit of flirtatious charm can go a long way.

-Be subtle and discreet
Staff are unlikely to upgrade you if other customers are within earshot. â€œHave you got seats anywhere else on the plane?â€ is a rather nice way of asking for an upgrade, or alternatively request â€œan aisle seat next to the window!â€ â€“ think about it!

-Scrub up well
Staff will prioritise customers who look the part, so that rules out any jeans and beach wear - however much you're in the mood for a tropical holiday! There's no need to wear a full suit as this can be uncomfortable on long flights; smart trousers and a shirt should do it

-Join a frequent flier programme
If you're a frequent flier, then you should definitely consider becoming a member. After all they're completely free to sign up to and usually you'll be given priority over low fare economy ticket holders when upgrades are available or necessary.

-Get friendly with staff
Having friends or family who work for the airline will always help. Also, if you regularly fly on the same route, get to know the staff and they'll be more likely to keep you in mind.

-Avoid regular business hours
Flying during the working day obviously means more business people taking up seats and less opportunity for you to fill them. If possible, fly at the weekend or unusual hours to increase your chances.

-Fly on planes with larger first class sections
It goes without saying the more first class seats there are, the more likely it is you'll get one. You can either check the airline's website or use a site like www.seatguru.com to investigate a specific plane's layout.

-Get bumped off
Companies often over-book flights, especially in busy times like school holidays, and hope people will cancel or not turn up. Then they'll ask passengers to voluntarily fly on the next available flight and more than likely offer you an upgrade as well as compensation for the inconvenience. (If you're flight has been delayed new rules mean you're entitled to compensation

-Celebrate in style
If you're celebrating a special occasion like your honeymoon always let the staff know. A good tip is to take your marriage certificate with you so you can prove it. You never know, you may get lucky!

-Use Frequent Flyer Miles
If you prefer a guaranteed way to travel in comfort without shelling out, you can always use your Frequent Flyer miles to top up the flight.

-Ditch the family!
It's easier to get upgrades when you're travelling on your own. Families and groups aren't likely to be offered them.

-Chat up the travel agent
Try and get the travel agent to annotate your booking with SFU (suitable for upgrade) or CIP (commercially important passenger), while it won't assure an upgrade, it should increase your chances.

Wal

Pay more money, a lot more I would think

scorpio_queen_2003

just say at the desk that if there are any problems on the flight you are happy to move to first class. you may feel bit foolish but at the end of the day you may be the winner!

I have been upgraded three times on flights between Perth, Australia and London flying with Qantas, and it makes a huge difference because it's a very long flight and comfort is a big thing. The other people who are contributing answers have it right. As a rule, appearance counts but also if you are a frequent passenger on the same airline, they will generally recognize your name and offer you the upgrade at check-in. If you want to be upgraded again, don't say anything to anyone. Just join the passengers in first class. There have been instances where people have been upgraded from economy to business or first and have told passengers in economy about it. This can leave a bad taste because they will be wondering "why him?"

MrAnonyMuss

join the military, and wear your uniform on the plane...

Mike R

Either pay for it or fly enough with the same airline to get enough miles for elite status and then you can get free upgrades (you really have to fly a LOT to get that though).

cubalishus

Ask when you book in at the desk for your flight, you might just get lucky one of these days.

mmuscs

The best way is to sign up for the frequent flier miles and fly enough to get elite status on that airline. I have elite status with one airline and get upgraded more often than not.

oldgreytoon

hi i was lucky enough to get into business class on a quanta's flight from Bangkok to London. all i can say in my favour was that i was alone it was a very busy flight with economy full. i was dressed smart but only casual. if your wearing torn jeans or look like you have not shaved for a week . i think you can forget it helps if your polite at check in.
there were only 16 seats in the business cabin and including me only 12 seats were taken so you do have a slim chance it could be your turn next good luck.

Veronica Alicia

If you have paid for Economy, it is unlikely that you will be upgraded to First Class, but you might be fortunate enough to be upgraded to Business or Club Class if they are looking to fill vacant seats.
Because these classes are paid for and occupied, often by business men or older people spending their kids inheritance (and they have paid out quite a lot more than Economy passengers), you won't be upgraded if you stick out like the proverbial "sore thumb".
Dress smartly and tidily. Be polite to the check-in staff. It's easier to get an upgrade if you are travelling alone (there may be only the one vacant seat left in that class).
Ask, quietly and politely if there is any possibility of an upgrade.
Sometimes they will upgrade a couple who are perhaps on honeymoon or celebrating a significant wedding anniversary.

Penfold

A free upgrade is not garaunteed. These are just tips and pointers to improve you chances of getting a free upgrade.

I have noticed that there seems to be a hierarchy of events that must take place before you can get a free upgrade. Some events you have control over; others you don't. Remember that you will only get bumped one class up i.e. you will go from economy to business, not economy to first.

1) The class you are in must be overbooked and there must be availability in the next class up.
2) You must have a reasonably priced ticket, preferably as close to a full fare as possible rather than a heavily discounted ticket.
3) Don't look scruffy.
4) Remember that the check in clerk is likely to be dealing with passengers who ask the same questions and give her the same crap everyday. Make polite interesting conversation, if possible, to differentiate yourself from every other punter she has had to deal with that day.
5) Be the first person to ask as you want to be as close to the top of the upgrade list as possible.

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