I'm going on holiday for my 30th birthday in a couple of weeks and have often heard about people getting upgraded to first class for special occassions.
Is this really possible?
Has it ever happened to you? How??
How do I go about asking?
2007-11-15 23:15:20 · 13 answers · asked by Wafflebox 5 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
Yes, if you don't ask you don't get! Explain your reason, and of course be extra nice and smiley. As most people have said tho, look smart - the last thing the airline will want to do is let the people who have paid crazy money to fly first class see that us 'normal' peeps are paying for cattle class and getting free upgrades!
My fiance and I were upgraded on Virgin, so it is possible.
2007-11-15 23:31:50 · answer #1 · answered by SunRae 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes... it's all possible. and like everyone said before.
Your chances better if you are dressed smart, frequent flyer member of the airline (can enroll online) and you can ask your agent to put a note on your booking saying that it's a special occasion.
Unfortunately they go for honeymooners or people who's going for ops or funerals 1st.
But if there's availability on the higher classes then they might do it as they don't loose any money by upgrading you.
Tip tho... If you check in later, nearer to when the gate close, they have a clearer idea on how many seats available on the higher classes. And the chance that they can give you your preferred seat, so might upgrade you. I've managed this one about 5 times, but you stand the risk of having a bad seat if they cant upgrade you, you might have a crap seat. It's all a game really!
2007-11-16 21:05:39 · answer #2 · answered by a3human 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the airline and the route. For US domestic flights, I get upgraded several days before departure, so I just show up for first class in my comfortable jeans - never dressed up, and never asked for upgrades. I see people practically begging at the gate all the time. But seems to me most of the first class cabin is already full by the time you get to the airportfor airlines with a policy of giving complimentary upgrades to frequent flyers.
International flights have much bigger first and business cabins. There is a chance at the airport, but again, some people are already earmarked for upgrade days before departure. My experience has been you're more likely to get upgraded if something bad happened to you (death in family, airline done you wrong, etc. since the airline knows this in advance), than when something good happened to you (celebration, honeymoon, etc. airline does not know this in advance - it's not info entered in your reservation).
Also, you have a better chance if the person checking you in is a higher ranking agent like a supervisor or someone at the first class counter.
2007-11-16 02:14:05 · answer #3 · answered by averagebear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it has happened to me. A couple of years ago I was going to Germany from Catwick and being met at Lippstadt. The weather was terrible and there was much flooding around Kent and Sussex. I departed home very early for the flight, pushing the car quite often through floods and what have you.
I did arrive within the stated time to be informed that the flight was full. I was surprised at the way I controlled my temper I suppose I realised it was not the girls fault. I did say that I was a very unhappy bunny and they had better do something about it. The girl asked me to wait and then informed me that I had been upgraded. One up to the airline Keeping in line with you question I don't know f you can ask its more then a matter of circumstances
2007-11-16 00:13:38 · answer #4 · answered by ERIC S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have got more chance if you are a member of their frequent flying scheme. You could always ask how much it would be to upgrade, that way you find out if any upgrades are available anyway and they might upgrade. End of the day, whatever happens be polite.
2007-11-15 23:58:02 · answer #5 · answered by JohnnyOneLung 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there's room in economy, that's where you stay. Occasionally, economy gets overbooked and they have to shove a few people in business or first class. I've managed it occasionally - when asked whether I want an aisle of window seat, I smile and ask if there are any comfy seats at the front available.
2007-11-15 23:24:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on what airline you fly with but yes you can dress smart and get there early and ask
unless flying with a budget airline IE jet2 or easyjet lol
2007-11-15 23:24:54 · answer #7 · answered by vikki w 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does happen occasionally. You have to look really smart so you 'belong' in first class. They definitely won't upgrade you if you look like a sack of washing.
2007-11-15 23:20:05 · answer #8 · answered by chris n 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes! I was going to a funeral and British Airways put me in First Class
2007-11-15 23:24:46 · answer #9 · answered by EnglishDenis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was due to fly for 2.5 hours and as I made my way to the front of the check in line...the check in lady recognised my face...
After chatting for a bit, she realised I worked in the airport and immediately upgraded me to business class...
hehehe it was awesome!
2007-11-16 00:29:09 · answer #10 · answered by Ҡʁɨᶑῳᴲᴎ ® 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋