How do you get a free upgrade with an airline company (Virgin Atlantic)?

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your pete

1. Asking a question like this on this site would go against you.

2. Sleep with the crew

Richard B

Some good answers. But arriving near not two minutes to check in closure. If business class is not full and passengers on stand by want to fly the you may possibly get up graded to premium economy not upper class, the airline would lose to much money.
Certainly dress to impress, but not like a hollywood star, they will see right through it. Or try non uk airlines. BBC's airport programme did it a lot, but very rarely BA or Virgin, because they would rather keep business class empty. Scheduled flights go whether 1 person is on or a full plane. It's just luck, but good luck trying.

mariamayo9

I'ver heard it's better if you check in later rather than too early, so that they know how many seats are left. It is worth asking, as long as you look smart and are polite.

ribena

No chance from economy to first class. Possibly from economy to premium economy and only if you appear business like. 1ST class costs too much and nobody will honour that at the airport.

dummy

If you can find out something that works, you can sell the instructions on eBay and always be able to fly first class yourself!

dlgrl=me

Yes, here is a novel idea........PAY FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Would you ask for free food in a restaurant or ask for free merchandise at a store????????????? Same theory.

duskydawn10

Be polite and dress up rather than down, ask nicely, put your best shades on and take only branded luggage............they will still say no, but its worth a try... Good Luck x

kasey

I managed to get a free upgrade when i flew home from Australia as i had an ankle injury and asked for an aisle seat so i could stretch my leg out but none were available so i was upgraded to business class.

tezse

You can only get upgraded if tourist class is full and no more seats for you. It depends though, cause if you are not properly dressed, you won't get upgraded. Business and First has a dress code. Usually, no shorts, t-shirts and stuff. It depends on how many are over booked. All airlines upgrade crew members first, then the passengers ONLY IF TOURIST CLASS IS OVER BOOKED. Crew travels in tourist too if they have seats.

sofiarose

chat up the person at the check in desk.... more often than not it doesn't work though.
a more fruitful way is if there is big queues for check in, the bus/1stclass desk takes some of the load... if you manage to get checked in by them, they will up grade you if you ask nicely and look the part.
the last alternative, is ask the head hostess on the flight...if you are a frequent traveller with virgin on the other hand, with bags of airmiles with them, they may upgrade you without you having to ask.

but don't hold your breath, they, more often than not, it doesn't work. more a question of luck.

lunarsky

If you want to be in buisness class, pay for it like everyone else.

fiona s

you can get a free upgrade if you have their frequent flyer card at the top level. But if you did, you probably wouldn't be flying economy! When looking for upgrades they will go through the passenger lists and look at the FF card holders first.
Some airlines just won't do upgrades so much these days- don't know if Virgin is one of them.
You could always try a sob story to the Hairy One!

nonconformiststraightguy

The Best away to do it is book your ticket on a full flight.
Arrive dressed for the part, and at the departure desk, ask if they have a better seat.Never request a up grade.

richiesown

Just because they're called Virgin doesn't make them inexperienced with all the dodges.

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