How do people get free upgrades when flying?

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giucy

Hi there I work for BA in checkin, the best way to get a "free" upgrade is dont ask or beg or even demand .
Please spare a thought for all us check in agents out there, on an average day we check in hundreds or even thousands of people, and you can imagine on a normal shift how many times we get asked that question "is the flight full today" or "im a gold card holder i have to be upgraded" or "I had a bad flight with u guys 2 years ago i need to have an upgrade" or the medical condition ones are just a few to mention. If i could take Â£1 off every person that has asked me for an upgrade i could of retired a very rich person by now.
If you want to upgrade then either pay for it or simply be urself dont ask be polite to the check in agent and dress smartly . We only ever upgrade if a flight is oversold to accomodate everyone that is booked and we firstly look at our frequent travellers first then anyone that the checkin agent has recommended for upgrade.
So next time you fly please spare us a kind thought!!!

richardpaul34

you don't stand a chance with a toddler only single travellers who dress smart get upgraded

eurojoe

unlikely on charter flights but on scheduled flights always dress smartly. Regret however that I have never seen anyone get an upgrade with a child. Remember most (but not all if one discounts the freebies) has paid a hell of lot more than the economy fare to travel in business or first class and they won't want to be seated with untidy types or couples with children. It doesn't of course follow that all the 1st and business class passengers will be dressed nicely but, they've paid the price so it's their choice.

Bmw

if u have a child its unlikely particularly if 3 of ur travelling. u could always ask some people do. i once checked in from dubai to london, a bit late, the guy said theres a surprise for u, i said oh no, no seats or thought id missed the check in, he said no im going to upgrade u, it was great luxury for 7 hrs

luludoodie

Sorry no chance!

Upgrades are not doled out much now anyway. Having a toddler is a definite no-no as you will upset all the paying Business Class customers!

Angel

Not a chance with a toddler.

gffrymartin

I have had 3 upgrades in 65 flights, but it is purley luck,I think it might help if you have one of the airlines frequent flyer cards when they come to look who to upgrade .

devonian2001

Not much chance really The only time I managed to get upgraded was when I had come from hospital having had an operation It was great.

kapn

I always ask...dress smartly....the guy with the dreads and rings in his nose won't make it....self-expression is a minus when asking for favors

Susan T

Check in early. Dress well with tidy luggage. Smile nicely and ask if there is any possibility of an upgrade. Make sure your toddler is not yelling etc. You can only get one if the plane is full in economy. I have had 4 - out of many flights. Try and Good Luck.

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