Has anyone ever succeeded in getting a free uprade from economy, how did you do it? Flying to South Africa soon, its an 11 hour flight, would love to be in business! Any ideas?
2006-08-05 00:23:18 · 15 answers · asked by TR 2 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
1. Asking a question like this on this site would go against you.
2. Sleep with the crew
2006-08-05 00:28:19 · answer #1 · answered by your pete 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-08-05 02:43:13 · answer #2 · answered by Richard B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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!
2006-08-05 00:52:06 · answer #3 · answered by fiona s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-08-05 02:09:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-08-05 01:14:39 · answer #5 · answered by kasey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-08-05 00:43:55 · answer #6 · answered by sofiarose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-08-05 00:44:00 · answer #7 · answered by nonconformiststraightguy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-08-05 05:02:40 · answer #8 · answered by ribena 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-08-05 02:06:48 · answer #9 · answered by mariamayo9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can find out something that works, you can sell the instructions on eBay and always be able to fly first class yourself!
2006-08-07 15:52:24 · answer #10 · answered by dummy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋