Is it possible to get airline ticket upgrade for free?

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Not a chance in hell of getting a free upgd, especially with virgin.

You will find that the price difference between here and the states is because the fare basis is worked out in accordance with currency strength and average income, apparently in the uk we earn the most and as we know the pound is very strong against most currencies hence we pay more.

The only way you may be considered for an upgd with Virgin is A) They need to be looking to move people (ie they are overbooked in economy) and even then it will only be from economy to premium economy.

and B) be nice to the ticket desk/check in agent. if you antagonise them you will be sat opposite the toilets.

I know this cause i work on the ticket desk for virgin atlantic at heathrow.

BUNGLE!!

Gone are the days when you could mention upgrade at check in and they would..

Only way i have found to get an upgrade is to have frequent flyer points or similar loyalty award scheme with airline of your choice.

Do not pay for those 'upgrade secrets' on ebay, i have worked in the industry, i know that upgrades are few and far between, maybe if fully booked in economy you MAY get an upgrade. But highly rare, they do not upgrade everyone that asks to business/first or they wouldnt make any money.

Your best bet is to buy an economy ticket and use any earnt loyalty points to upgrade. If you get a free upgrade its very rare.

Fiona I

You'll find that most airlines will try to avoid upgrading passengers whenever they can.
Also, on carriers such as BA they will have an economy cabin, premium economy, business and then first.
If you've booked an economy ticket the best you could ever hope for is an upgrade to premium, its unlikely they'll upgrade you two or three cabins.
You're best bet is to join their frequent flyer schemes, but if you really want to fly first class i'm afraid the only way it probably gonna happen is if you pay in full

Eugene

It happens less often but it still does happen.

Chances are good if you hold some status with an airline like Frequent Traveller or something. An iron rule is that if someone will be upgraded, airline staff is told to upgrade those people who are dressed immaculately and look as if they can behave.

The last thing they would do is put you in first class if look like a hippie and the risk might be that first class passengers complaint.

So be nice, dress to impress and just try to be a nice passenger.

VirginGold

Of course it is if you are a frequent flyer with the airline. Although I agree with the others that it is rare. I noticed that I was upgraded to Upper Class when I transitioned from silver to gold. However, if you are not a loyal and very frequent flyer, I am a little annoyed that you are trying to get a seat that is intended, well.. for me, actually.

alwaysbombed

Usually when you get free upgrades, you're a frequent flyer.

You use airline miles for an upgrade to one class above what you paid for.

They don't give out first class upgrades from coach, you could get one to business, but you must use airline miles.

tfoster14uk

NO. But you might no make it onto your original flight and so you will be booked onto the next flight and airlines usually upgrade small parties or individual passengers. Thats what happened to me when I few to New York with American Airlines

Palmisan

I don't think that is possible - you have to pay some fees for the same - I have learned one thing - in this world nothing is free..

lowflyer1

Anything is possible.
Likely? No