And you walk and walk through the airplane cabin and finally reach business class, with its wide leather seats, ample leg room and free champagne. You trudge until you find your narrow back-of-the-plane seat in row 32. We’ve all been there, right? But what if I were to tell you there are legitimate ways to land those valuable upgrades and never shell out more than the price of your original ticket?
Being bumped up to business or first class is not just about luck. And there are strategies that definitely increase your odds of an elevated flying life, insider tips and tricks and habits of the savvy that can help get you as close to premium ether as possible. From there, whether you’re an infrequent flier or a road warrior, this guide will walk you through exactly how to maximize your chances of receiving that free upgrade.
So let’s delve into the realm of flying upgrades to see how you can easily turn your next flight a far more comfortable one, without spending a fortune to do so.
How Airlines Decide Who Gets Free Upgrades
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s discuss the “why.” Airlines don’t just toss out upgrades like a free pack of peanuts because they’re feeling generous. There is, in fact, a business strategy behind it.
There are also empty seats on business and first class sections, especially on certain routes with lower demand. Rather than take off with those seats empty, airlines would rather fill them with passengers who may become repeat customers. Consider it a marketing cost. After you get a taste of business class, you’re willing to pay for it.
Airlines also give upgrades to their most loyal customers as a reward. It’s a thank you, plain and simple — a way to keep you coming back rather than deserting them for the competition. And, of course, operational realities such as economy-class overbooking routinely lead to airlines needing to bump passengers up a class.
Build Your Loyalty Game Strong
The No. 1 best way to get free upgrades is through loyalty programs with the airlines. It’s not just a little edge — it’s the golden key card to VIP treatment most road warriors never experience.
Sign Up for Every Frequent Flyer Program You are Eligible For
Join loyalty programs, even if you don’t fly that much. Membership is free, and you’ll earn miles or points from the start. Zero in on one or two primary airlines that fly on your most frequent routes. The more you consolidate with one or two carriers, the quicker you’ll ascend to higher tiers.
Every program comes with varying levels — typically beginning as a basic member but then rising to silver, gold, platinum or diamond status. The better your tier, the more chances of an upgrade you’ll be granted.
Credit Cards To Work For You
Airline credit cards can be key to earning frequent-flier miles without getting into airplane seats. Some have massive sign-up bonuses that can immediately put you in the fast lane. And some cards will automatically give you elite status simply for being a cardholder.
Look for cards that offer:
- Big welcome bonuses (50,000+ miles)
- Free checked bags
- Priority boarding
- Annual companion passes
- Bonus miles on everyday purchases
Put regular expenses on these cards, like groceries, gas and bills. And those points accumulate faster than you might expect.
Master the Art of Timing
When you buy, and when you fly, makes a greater difference than most people realize.
Book Directly With Airlines
Other third-party sites, such as Expedia or Kayak, occasionally offer lower fares than what the airline will give you directly. Direct customers get first priority for upgrades, as airlines save money on commission fees. You’ll also have better access to customer service in case you run into any problems.
Arrive on Time (But Not Too Early)
Airlines usually work through upgrade lists 24 to 48 hours before the flight. Check in online as soon as the window for online check in opens — frequently 24 hours before your flight. This indicates you are organized and in the air on time.
Yet some airlines finalize their upgrade lists at the gate. Haven’t been upgraded during online check-in? Don’t give up. Get to the gate early and be as polite as you like inquiring about an upgrade.
Choose Less Popular Flights
Flights on Tuesday and Wednesday tend to have a higher number of empty premium seats than flights on Monday, Thursday or Friday. Business class red-eye flights and midday departures also tend to be sparsely populated. If possible, these less popular times are the best to aim for if your schedule is flexible.
Dress and Act the Part
This might seem old-fashioned, but there are real reasons — appearance and behavior — airlines use to determine who gets upgraded.
Smart Casual is Your Friend
You don’t have to wear a three-piece suit, but dressing well tells one that you’re going to respect the premium cabin environment. Think business casual:
- Clean, wrinkle-free clothes
- Closed-toe shoes
- Minimal accessories
- Professional appearance
Gate agents and flight attendants observe well-put-together passengers. They’re more predisposed to upgrade someone who looks at home in the business class environment.
Be Kind and Professional
This is probably obvious, but courtesy counts for a lot. Smile, hold eye contact, and say “please” and “thank you.” Respect airline employees – not the hollow niceties with which we hope to be upgraded but something approximating real human generosity.
If a flight attendant witnesses you being rude while boarding, you’ve destroyed any chances of an upgrade. Conversely, passengers who are nice, patient and easy to work with will be remembered for all the right reasons.
Strategic Seat Selection Tricks
Where you’re sitting in economy may play a bigger role in your upgrade chances than you realize.
Avoid the Cheapest Fare Classes
Complimentary upgrades are almost never offered on basic economy tickets. Actually pay the little bit extra for regular economy. The upgrade eligibility is worth the difference on its own.
Choose the Right Original Seat
Frequent flyers, some of whom intentionally book middle seats or less desirable locations in economy. If it becomes available, gate agents will occasionally prioritize moving passengers from uncomfortable spots. This isn’t a sure thing, but if you’re well towards the top of the upgrade list already, it may be a strategy to consider.
The Power of Flying Solo
Those who travel alone have a big edge in the game of upgrades. Here’s the thing: premium cabins may have a spare seat, or two, but rarely one next to another. Airlines have a tough time putting an upgrade on couples or families, because they don’t want to separate them.
If you are traveling with friends and you all want an upgrade, separated bookings could be your best option. That way, everyone has an equal chance to rise up on their own. You may not be seated together in business class, but some of you will get to fly close to the fancy seats.
For more travel tips and flight booking assistance, visit Call to Flights.
Special Occasions and Circumstances
Some circumstances can weigh in your favor.
Honeymoons and Anniversaries
Are you getting married or just landed on a milestone anniversary? Let the airline know! Let them know it is your honeymoon at booking or check-in. There are no guarantees, but airlines will frequently go the extra mile for a special occasion.
Bring evidence if you can — even a photo of your wedding invitation on your phone will be sufficient. Don’t lie about this though. It’s disingenuous, and airline employees are typically all too aware.
Operational Benefits Are in Your Favor
If economy is oversold, somebody has to bump up. If you have status or checked in early, chances are you’ll be at the front of the line. When upgauge/downgauge and the new aircraft has a different seating configuration, similar situations arise.
And delays and cancellations can result in upgrade opportunities, too. Sometimes when flights are combined or rescheduled, the passenger shuffle opens up doors to better seats.
Know Your Aircraft and Routes
And not all planes are alike. Learn about the planes that will be flown over your route. Some planes have more premium seats than others. There are significantly more business class seats on a Boeing 777 than a 737, so you can see how the odds of getting an upgrade would be better.
There are more opportunities to upgrade on international flights than domestic ones, in general. The more hours spent in flight, the better that upgrade is worth — and the airlines know this. Frequently, they save long-haul upgrades for their most loyal customers.
What to Do at the Gate
The gate area is the place where upgrade magic alights (or doesn’t). This is how to increase your odds in those crucial closing minutes.
Position Yourself Strategically
However, don’t hang out near the gate desk in an annoying way. Make yourself visible and accessible. If the gate agent has to locate upgrade candidates in a hurry, being visible is an advantage.
Listen carefully for announcements. Sometimes airlines make final boarding calls for volunteers to switch flights or check bags, and such passengers may be compensated with an upgrade on their rebooked flight.
The Polite Inquiry
If you board 30-40 minutes before, I don’t see any problem with politely walking up to the gate agent and inquiring about upgrades. Don’t demand or expect anything. “Hello, I am on the upgrade list. Upgrades, possibly for today if available?” is perfect.
Keep it brief and friendly. Gate agents interact with hundreds of passengers each day, and they appreciate those who don’t waste their time. If the answer is no, thank them and walk away with grace. Never assert or push – you’re guaranteed not to be upgraded.
Upgrade Priority: How Airlines Decide
There are standard hierarchies as to who gets free upgrades on flights. Knowing your position only helps to properly set expectations.
| Priority Level | Who Gets It | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Top Priority | Elite fliers | Loyalty program status |
| Second Tier | Elite members with co-branded credit cards | Credit card spend |
| Third Tier | Full-fare economy passengers | Economy ticket price |
| Last Priority | Non-members and basic-economy seats | No program engagement |
Even if you play it perfectly, there will always be someone with higher status who will get the bump. That’s why building status is so important to your probability of upgrading successfully.
Airlines With Best Upgrade Policies
Some airlines are more generous with complimentary upgrades than others.
Alaska Airlines offers great upgrade availability, especially for status members. Their thinner network also means less competition for better seats.
JetBlue guests can enjoy complimentary upgrades to their Mint cabin on shorter flights, especially those who are Mosaic members.
Delta Airlines processes upgrades a lot closer to departure, although for Diamond Medallions they get upgraded automatically up to five days before departure.
Southwest Airlines doesn’t actually have first class, but their upgraded boarding options and Business Select fares bring many of the same perks for a lower price tag.
American Airlines operates a huge network, meaning more possibilities and more competition. Their system of upgrading is extremely skewed in favor of people who are executive platinum and above.
Learn more about airline loyalty programs and upgrade policies at The Points Guy.
What Free Upgrades Actually Include
Before you doff your cap, let’s be clear about what you’re getting. Complimentary upgrades typically include:
- Wider, more comfortable seats with better legroom
- Better food and beverage service
- Priority boarding
- Larger overhead bin space
- Better entertainment systems
- More attentive cabin service
Still, free upgrades might come with fewer amenities than a paid business class ticket. If you were upgraded, rather than purchased the ticket, on some airlines you could be shortchanged in terms of meal service and premium amenity kits.
Mistakes That Everyone Makes, Which Also Ruin The Game
Stay away from these upgrade killers:
Being a challenge at booking or check in. Airlines track passenger behavior. If you’ve been flagged for problematic behavior, you won’t get upgraded.
Showing up late to the gate. If you’re not there when they call your name, they move on to the next person immediately.
Having basic economy tickets. These fare rules are particularly excluding upgrade eligibility.
With loyalty too widely spread across airlines. You’ll never accumulate meaningful status points if you’re always changing carriers.
Expecting upgrades on every flight. Not even top-tier frequent flyers get upgraded 100% of the time. Manage your expectations realistically.
Building Long-Term Upgrade Success
It’s nice to have the occasional gift of an upgrade, but designing a system for frequent premium travel is something that requires strategic planning.
Try to achieve elite status in the mid-tier (Gold or Platinum) with one major airline. This is normally 25,000-50,000 qualifying miles per year – or about 10-20 domestic round-trip flights.
Leverage airline credit cards to help boost status achievement. Airline credit cards can be an extremely useful tool not only for earning miles, but also for attaining or re-qualifying elite status. Some cards also give bonus qualifying miles that count toward status, not just redeemable miles.
Keep a record of what you do throughout the year. And if you’re already close to that next status level after the October or November holiday rush, you might want to take another trip before year’s end to clear it.
Final Notes on How to Score an Upgrade for Free
Free flight upgrades are not a myth, but they are not given away indiscriminately either. Airlines reward loyalty, professionalism, timing and smart booking choices. The people who fly up front often do it because they know the rules and outsmart the system, not as some kind of huge lottery win.
Begin by enlisting in loyalty programs and concentrating your business with a primary one or two carriers. Dress nicely, be nice and arrive early. Book through the airlines directly, and select flights at less convenient times if you can. And most of all, hang tight and enjoy the ride — whether you’re in economy or business class.
The upgrade will happen when it happens. And when it does? You’ll know that you earned it through intelligent decisions, not luck alone. Safe travels, and I hope you have lots more legroom on your next flight than you had on that last one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just ask for an upgrade on a cheap ticket at the gate?
Theoretically, yes, but not unless you have elite status. The first consideration of the airlines is always their frequent flyers. If you’re merely asking, without status or a good reason, the only way you’ll get upgraded is if no one else wants it — literally everyone is on board and there are still empty seats after all priority passengers are filled to capacity.
Can flight attendants upgrade passengers?
Questions about upgrades are usually not something flight attendants can approve. That decision is made at the boarding gate with gate agents and airport staff. Seating is all but final once you’re on the plane, unless there are unusual circumstances involving safety or a medical situation.
How far ahead should I get to the gate to ask about upgrades?
Get to the gate 45-60 minutes ahead of time. The best time to ask is probably 30-40 minutes before boarding starts. This provides gate agents time to adjust and then enough time to deal with upgrades.
Will paying full price for an economy ticket ensure that you’ll be upgraded?
No, unfortunately nothing suggests that you would get free upgrades other than having elite status on airlines who happen to offer space-available upgrades as a benefit. But full-fare tickets do place you higher on the upgrade list than discount economy tickets.
Will I have more luck being upgraded on international flights than domestic?
International flights tend to have more business class seats that can be booked, so more opportunity. But they also usually face more high-status competition on those flights. The trick is that you gain elite status, which comes in handy for both domestic and international flights.
Is it better to use the miles for upgrades or hoard them for free flights?
This varies based on your travel style and how many miles you’re earning. If you fly often enough that you can keep elite status, hoard your miles for free flights since you may also receive free upgrades. If you hardly ever get upgraded, it might be worth it to redeem award miles for a confirmed upgrade award in advance before your trip.
Do budget airlines ever provide a free upgrade?
Budget carriers like Spirit, Frontier and Ryanair are seldom in the business of providing free traditional upgrades since their businesses rely on charging extra for everything. But more low-cost carriers are starting to offer premium seats, so you may get a free upgrade due to a snafu or flight delay.
What do I tell them when asking if there are any upgrades available at time of check-in?
Keep it short and sweet, don’t be rude: “Good morning, I’m traveling on today’s flight to [destination] and I am currently waitlisted for an upgrade. By the way, would you let me know if there may be any room?” Never ask, expect or imply that you should be upgraded. Gate agents react far more favorably to compassionate, understanding passengers.
