What is the best way to improve a persons chances of being upgraded from economy on a long haul flight?

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Melon Farming Gypsy

I tried to get upgraded when I went on honeymoon, and got rejected. I won't mention the airline but needless to say I used to like that bearded hot-air balloonist but not anymore.

andy b

A few top tips:

Dress smartly.
Flash a frequent flyer card (if you have anything above the regular one).
Turn up late if you believe it will be a full flight (they tend to upgrade towards the end of the check in times...but you may run the risk of getting a bad seat - so when booking your ticket reserve a better seat!)
Always smile! And try to compliment the check in lady!
Ask!!!

...and if unsuccessful in getting an upgrade ... try to book one of the back seats. Be the last to get on the plane - and whilst walking towards the back of the plane you may well find 4 seats to yourself! Plonk yourself on them.

Happy travelling!!!

Frank Rizzo

1 - Get to the airport early
2 - Ask about being put on the waitlist for free upgrades
3 - Ask if you can pay for an upgrade
4 - Be an existing high traffic client for the airline, your flight profile history may give you an edge
5 - There has to be room on the flight
6 - It also helps if you are a preferred flier (e.g. platinum medallion member, etc.) as you'd get first dibs if there was room for an upgrade

Alba the Scot

1. Travel Alone
2. Smart Appearance/Dress Code
3 ... most importantly ... Ask!

If you have time to spare on your travel, suggets at the check in that you would be prepared to change flights. Remember, all laung haul flights are overbooked by about 3%, so they are always looking to shift people around. If you dont ask, you won't get.

I've done it loads of times.

giucy

I work for an airline in check in and If you gave me Â£1 for everytime someone asked me for a free upgrade then i could retire a very wealthy lady. The best way is dont ask because you have to think how many people the checkin agent has had the question asked to them thru their day, if you are polite well dressed and dont badger the agent for an upgrade you may well be chosen. however the airlines generally look after their regular travellers first before they consider anyone else but that is only if a flight is oversold otherwise if there are seats empty the airline can not justify the upgrade. enjoy your holiday and remember dont pester the check in agent the more you ask the less likely u will get it. If you want to pay for upgrade then go to the airlines ticket desk they will tell you if your ticket is upgradable or if you need to buy another ticket, one other bit of advise if you are a frequent traveller dont flash the card before you aknowledge the check in agents existance cos it wont do you any favors and be relatively smartly dressed too. Also dont mention ur on honeymoon, have a broken, bad leg or the worst travel agents or any other excuse that people say are good ways of getting an upgrade cos we have heard every excuse put to us and before u even ask the question check in agents know exactly what ur after just by the way you approach their desk.

stuart e

I've heard make a fuss at check-in ,my wife's Nana at check- in at JFK said to the check-in girl "I really hope you don't lose my luggage again!!" she was upgraded there and then

Peter M

Travel alone, dress smart, be very nice, ALWAYS use the title Doctor or Reverend. Its worked for me on a few occasions. Be careful though I once got asked to take a look at someone with severe chest pains. I told them my doctorate was in physics!!!! they seemed a bit pissed but I had a good flight.

aveitpeter

Become a travel agent and keep your business cards or get married and take you certificate on your honeymoon flight!

Seriously, at busy times like just before xmas, easter and july, august, check in as late as you possibly can and you may get bumped off the flight as over booking tends to occur at these times with schedualed carriers

Frequent flyer program cards help too but there is no guarantee with any of these.

If however you are physically impeded, you have more chance.

CAPTAIN BEAR

I was in Rome airport where I met a very pretty Japanese
girl with a bandaged leg. I helped carry some of her
luggage to the check-in counter and voila, both of us
got upgraded to business class. Needless to say my
trip was very pleasant.and I must thank the ground staff
for their gracious hospitality for upgrading our tickets
without our asking them.

assassin

Wear business dress and pay full fare for your economy ticket

oldsoulchild

just ask,,,,i only asked once, and was upgraded with no trouble

jane c

dress smartly and act posh!!! and be extra nice to the staff

Joshua Z

It's possible.

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-an-Upgrade-to-First-Class

This link gives you good tips on how to score it.

chewhwee

Be polite, dress business-like and lots of luck :)

Mexico Traveler

First of all, where are you flying to, what airlines are you flying, what are the dates, and what type of fare for the ticket do you pay, ?

These are the most important questions for now to get a specific answer.

Yes being upgraded happens a lot. It happens a lot more for people who are frequent flyers of the airlines they travel. Do you belong to this airlines frequent flyer program?

Are you a frequent flyer of the airlines you will travel internationally? Or of any airlines and is it a partner or code share of the airlines you will be travelling?

I have flown 3 times between Chicago and Sao Paulo Brazil a 10 hour flight. I was on United sitting in their Economy Plus Section. Not the best or the roomiest, but was ok. I choose my seats using the information gained at: www.seatguru.com

If you know the model of plane you will be flying then you can check what seats are good, average, and bad on the airlines of travel.

Ask if there is anyway to upgrade at the gate.

It helps if you are dressed nicely, look sharp, and have good manners.

Mr Chops

I have had 6 flights in business class,,mainly coz I have a frequent flyer card with Gulf Air,,once I was on the flight I was just cheeky enough to ask for a better seat and always with a smile on my face,,they just moved me into business class without any fuss

Some peeps try lots of things but they say dressing smartly and being very polite. But others say dress casually and ask nicely. Let us know if it works

Put your hand in your pocket and pay for it!!!!

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