How to Score a Free First Class Upgrade

Everyone wants to stretch out their legs and experience the pleasure of flying at the front of the plane but most can only do so if they find a way to fly first class cheap. Of course the only thing better than cheap seats is a free first class upgrade. You may have to strategize to win the upgrade but it is actually easier to get a free upgrade than a really cheap first class deal.

Some travelers think the easiest way to get a free upgrade is to pitch a fit about some minor annoyance in the plane. This is risky today since uncooperative passengers are more likely to be escorted off the plane than treated to an upgrade. Rule out bad behavior.

Count Your Points

The easiest way to get bumped to first class is to collect points or miles and trade them in for an upgrade. You still pay for this in a way since you have to fly frequently or use a credit card or other program to earn your points. Yet it saves you from paying for the upgrade and spares you from groveling at the feet of flight attendants.

You cannot assume that just having the points to trade in for an upgrade will automatically get you into the front of the plane. Even if you are considered a preferred flyer or Platinum flyer on a particular airline if you are flying high traffic routes there may be stiff competition for the few open first class seats. If you can schedule at off times that are not as crowded or fly into a different airport for certain legs of your trip you may have an easier time getting the upgrade you desire.

Start with Image

If your goal is to fly first class cheap or free show up looking as if you belong in first class. If you look like a broke college student or a stripper on her way back to Vegas you are much less likely to be seated in first class without paying your way. If you look professional are well groomed and wear a smile on your face then you may have better luck when asking for a first class upgrade.

Early Bird Gets the Worm

Make it your goal to be the first checked in for your flight. When coach hits an overflow passengers are going to be booted off to other flights. Yet if there is a seat open in first class there could be a free first class upgrade to enjoy. In some cases they will automatically bump the first passenger checked in to that first class seat. If you were there early that could be you.

In other cases flight attendants or counter attendants can be a bit picky about who they move to first class. If you were there early dressed nicely and took the time to greet the staff and express your interest in first class then there is a chance they will be nice and hook you up.

When all else fails consider volunteering to be bumped from your flight. You will typically be offered a free ticket for the trouble and you can ask nicely to receive a first class upgrade on your new flight instead. Sometimes this doesn't work but oftentimes if there is an open first class seat on your new flight it will work.

Keith Chandeler has had loads of experience travelling with a first class upgrade. Keith wants to share some thoughts with you on how to fly first class cheap but sitting in a first class seat.

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