Airline Travel

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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When you book international flights, especially cheap flight tickets, double check all the details to ensure that there are no errors. Ensure that all your tickets have the right time and date. Ensure that your passport is valid and has a validity of at least three months after you plan to return. Understand the concept of time zones and prepare for it. Especially research the time zone that your destination lies in as it will help you get acclimatized and adjust faster. Avoid jet lag and read up about it on the internet. Consult your local doctor on how to avoid jet lag, as being jet lagged can put a damper on your vacation plans. Another good idea is to purchase an overseas travel insurance that covers all the activities that you plan to do abroad. These insurance plans are not costly and very helpful in case you are faced with a medical emergency while you are abroad.

Make at least 3 xerox copies of all your important documents and keep them safe and separate. This includes your passport, visa, tickets, travel plan and a list of important phone numbers. In case you are travelling in group, it's a good idea to make a travel plan and hand over a copy to every member of the group. Nowadays with smartphones and free WiFi, it's a good idea to email a copy of the travel plan to yourself so that you can access it from anywhere that the internet is present. While travelling abroad also split the money that you will be carrying into three parts and carry one part in your wallet, one part with your important papers and one small part in your baggage. This will ensure that in case you are pick pocketed or your baggage gets lost or delayed or misplaced, you still have some cash in hand.

Another important thing while travelling abroad for the first time is to read up and familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of the place that you are visiting. This helps you to navigate your way in a foreign land and ensures that you do not inadvertently offend your hosts. Check out and research very carefully the city and the hotel that you will be staying in. Search the internet for user feedback about the service and standard of rooms in the hotels that you are booked in. These standards differ from country to country and hence it's a good idea to check. Also check out what local travel you can do and find out if your hotel will arrange a sight-seeing tour for you. While travelling abroad, if you suffer from a medical condition or need a regular medication, it's a good idea to find out the name of the drugs that you will require. Also check availability and medical facilities in the place that you are visiting.

Flying abroad for the first time is always exciting. Choose a correct online travel agent and book cheap flight tickets and also book hotels online prior to avoid surprises at the last minute.

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