2006-08-07 22:40:10 · 10 answers · asked by gerbilisimo 2 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
I assume you are in a frequent flyer's programme? Because you fly a lot does not mean every airline will upgrade you.
Most airlines will only upgrade when the economy class is overbooked. They take the top tier flyer's first then down the list to new joiners, this assumes you are in the frequent flyer's club.
You may also try asking at check in, be nice not arrogant.
If you are in the UK then Virgin is probably the best to get an upgrade for frequent flyer's. KLM used to be very good from Amsterdam
2006-08-07 22:51:16 · answer #1 · answered by John B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Airlines deliberately overbook some flights in case of 'no-shows' - people who do not show up for the flight so that the flight is full. If you are travelling in economy on an overbooked flight, you may get a lucky break and get upgraded to business or even first because there are no more seats left in economy. Keep in mind that for the best chance of an upgrade, you should arrive later when most of the passengers have checked in.
Or join a frequent flyer programme or just ask nicely...
2006-08-09 01:48:20 · answer #2 · answered by Jobfinder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly im working in an airline. Most of the airlines credit certain points to your Frequent Flyer Card, when u travel thorugh them. These points can be redeemed for free tickets or upgradation at any time. They have also set points for different sectors.
2006-08-08 05:50:44 · answer #3 · answered by ckm1975 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get to check in as soon as it opens-we have upgraded to USA 5 or 6 times out of 10 journeys/flights BUT never on the return flight!
2006-08-08 07:18:40 · answer #4 · answered by Gordon R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be at a "premium" member level.
Pick flight times or routes that are unpopular.
But most of all grin and bear it - airline traffic levels are so high, and Internet deals and airline "arrangements" are conspiring to fill the seats with paying passengers. Not much room left for freebies.
2006-08-08 05:46:02 · answer #5 · answered by Steve D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just ask nicely and if they say no accept it.
I have found recently a lot of airlines are cracking down on giving free upgrades
The only way to guarantee an upgrade is to pay for it
2006-08-08 05:45:45 · answer #6 · answered by Steve C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you a member of any particular airline's frequent flyer program? Stick to one for most of your travels, they usually do a study of how much you fly. They automatically upgrade their most valuable clients when economy gets full. My mom usually gets upgraded when she flies Cathay Pacific even without her asking. They even upgrade her companions, who is usually lucky me. =)
2006-08-08 05:58:06 · answer #7 · answered by AvantG 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I travel a lot on business. You need to fly enough to get an "elite" status with an airline. Usually that requires traveling 35,000 to 50,000 miles on a particular airline.
Once you have reached an "elite" status you can sometimes be upgraded to first class for free. It happens to me a lot on America West and US Air. I have over 120,000 miles on those airlines....this year!
2006-08-08 05:47:08 · answer #8 · answered by David T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be very polite with the check-in clerk. Ask how they are with a genuine smile. Then ask, "How full is the flight today?" If it isn't very full, you can ask very politely, "Is it possible to get bumped up to business today?" If you aren't comfortable with this, you can always ask for a seat that doesn't have any neighbors or the exit aisle.
2006-08-08 05:49:46 · answer #9 · answered by CaymanSunrise 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask for a bulk head seat
2006-08-08 05:47:10 · answer #10 · answered by Big Ben 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋