How to get FREE flight upgrades
Let's get this straight. NO ONE likes to sit in economy for a long period of time. Small leg space, snoring neighbors, screaming kids, and the chatty lady sitting next to you. I've literally been through it all.
If you are like me, the closest you get to first class is looking at those beautiful closed curtains for hours.
Well, I have secrets to get you upgraded without spending a dime. Traveling in big groups, sometimes even pairs will makes your chances less likely. When Ian and I travel, we usually always get upgraded to business or premium economy. When we travel alone, it is A LOT easier to get that first class seat.
ALWAYS DRESS NICE!!!
I can't say this enough. When we were backpacking Asia, I had one flying outfit (leggings, teeshirt, flannel, and flip flops). WE NEVER GOT UPGRADED. They aren't going to give you an amazing seat if you don't dress the part. They want people to think only the BEST can get these seats. I know what your thinking, who would want to fly with a dress or slacks and a blouse? But guys, you can change! Bring an outfit in your carry on (its still better than economy).
If you don't have a lot of business looking attire, then fool them by wearing or showing off your most expensive things: jewelry, cameras, name brands bags, expensive headphones (literally anything that makes you look like a big shot)
NEVER TRAVEL DURING BUSINESS HOURS
The reason is obvious. People who do this often, usually have frequent flier points, or get recognized first. You won't stand a chance. When booking flights, make sure you book the ones where a lot of the business and first class seats are still available. You can take a gamble and not assign yourself a seat and hope all of economy fills up so you have no choice but to get upgraded. Book something in the afternoon or a red-eye flight.
FREQUENT FLIER ACOUNT
Speaking of frequent fliers- I'm not trying to get you to sign up for credit cards but if you have one, it will most definitely help you. If you don't have a credit card, what you should do is sign up for that airlines frequent fliers account. This will make you look like a loyal customer and they ALWAYS upgrade their fliers first. Its free! Status is everything to these airline companies. Some airlines are worth it, others not so much. Just depends how much you hate emails. (Small life hack - make an email account for all your spam accounts so that you don't to see it everyday)
BE A DECENT HUMAN
I hope this isn't even a tip and that most people know this BUT, have manners. Say please, thank you, and have a great day. It's crazy how people in customer service jobs get treated sometimes. Believe it or not, if you are being nice, you will probably stand out in the crowd of people. You are never too busy or important to be nice to other people!!
SIMPLY ASK
What are you going to lose? NOTHING! Show up to your gate early, be nice and kindly tell the front desk that if there are any seat upgrades available, you would love to be considered. If you did Tips 1-5, this will make your chances very likely. If you are celebrating something (honeymoon, wedding, birthday, etc.) it wouldn't hurt to let them know!
Good luck travel bugs,
The Nature Nomads
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