How can I blag an upgrade on a long-haul flight?

Answer 1

Check in early and ask at the desk. I got one from Jakarta to Paris without even asking. Be nice and friendly. I don't know if they are stricter about upgrading now, with security alerts. give it a go anyway. You could try saying you need extra leg room due to long legs or clostraphobia or something. if you're not with a man then you can't claim you're on honeymoon really. i bet they're used to hearing that.Good luck and have a nice flight.

Answer 2

This idea of getting an upgrade for free if you ask is a big urban legend. With some airlines, a gate agent who upgrades someone without justification can be fired, so I don't most would do it.

Most of these "free" upgrades occur more out of a convenience for the airline, and NOT because the passenger asked. Some reasons include economy being oversold, or that they just need to get the plane out on time, so they'll give out whatever seat they have.

However, when these "operational upgrades" (as they called) occur, the airline will reward their most loyal customers first, and this goes by status, then fare paid.

I will have to admit, there's always that small (1%) chance of this urban legend coming through, and in that case, the best way to increase your chances is to be ABSOLUTELY polite. But naturally... just think how many times these gate agents hear the honeymoon story. They can call you out on it. But just be friendly, and stand nearby without hovering or being pesky. But this usually only works within status levels... sorry, but you can dress nice and be polite all you want... the fact is, my slobby butt can breeze in and take my upgrade before you.

OH, and one last thing... I know of at least one airline where, if you ask for an upgrade, you will be put on the BOTTOM of the list of those to be upgraded.

So overall, it doesn't work. And on those times where it does work, that person better go buy a lottery ticket too.

Answer 3

the best answer is not to ask. I work for an airline in check in and if you gave me £1 for everytime in one day that we get asked that anoying question the I could retire a very rich person. You have to remember that we get asked this all day everyday and the honeymoon trick is used all the time also "I have a bad leg or back and i have to sit in a business class seat." The best solution is to be polite dont ask the question and dress smart then you may be the lucky one in getting the upgrade, which is only done if a flight is overbooked.

Answer 4

At the airport, I generally have the best luck by being very polite and dressing well. I have traveled with people who were dressed very sloppily (jeans, t-shirt, sneakers) and I wearing a suit. Both asked for an upgrade, I got mine they have without an exception been stuck in steerage. These people had the same status that I have with the airline.

Answer 5

You could just ask. I have done that several times with varying sucess.

Or you could fake an injury such as a bad leg that you couldn't possible fit in to a cattle class seat. Of course you got injusred only a few days ago, and didn't think to informa the airline before hand to book an aisle seat.

Answer 6

placed on unfastened ethereal outfits and gentle shoes. On maximum long haul flights you will settle for return and forth socks to dodge possibility of clots. they appear like undemanding socks so which you will placed on them in case you like. i might advise you to get a stable relax in the previous the flight and don't consume something heavy. Drink particularly some fluids in the previous and by the flight and flow approximately as much as you could or a minimum of flow your feet as they swell alot. I easily have given you those training to maintain jetlag to a minimum. attempt to dodge alcohol in the previous and by the flight additionally or a minimum of save your intake to a minimum. stable success. No harm having a sweater with you interior the plane because of the fact the blankets are very easy. many of the time the plane is very heat particularly if quite complete, yet at situations it may get cool.

Answer 7

You're wasting you time to be honest.
It's hard enough for us staff to get an upgrade when we're on duty travel never mind on personal flights.
Carriers sometimes offer a discount on the published fare at check-in so you'll get a good deal but that's the best you'll do.

Answer 8

Look good (as in don't be too scruffy) and be polite. Ask for an upgrade when checking in. If they have oversold, you are likely to get an upgrade.

Answer 9

If I remember correctly the book 'Schott's Original Miscellany' suggests putting your tickets in a plain envelope upon which is stamped 'VIP - Upgrade Where Possible' (they suggested you buy the stamp yourself :o) )

Answer 10

Hopefully you get a man at the check-in desk and you just flirt like crazy.