Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

How to get an upgrade on your next flight

The five things you must do if you want to end up in business class. - by Hannah Hempenstall
  • 14 Jun 2019
How to get an upgrade on your next flight

So, you've bought an economy class ticket but would prefer to be at the pointy end?

There are some things you can do to increase your chances of getting an upgrade, so let's talk business class.

1. Look the part

Not everyone in business class will be wearing a suit, but if you look like you'd be at home in a Price Waterhouse Coopers' meeting room, you stand a better chance of being given a seat at the front.

Most airlines have a staff travel policy that specifies no singlets, no sneakers, no thongs or jandals, smart shoes for women and a tie for men. Follow that policy and you might get an upgrade into premium economy at least.

How to get an upgrade on a flight
Getty

2. Be first and be polite

Arriving early for check in is prime time for upgrades as the ground staff will know if the flight is oversold (it usually is) or not.

Being friendly and patient could land you a few rows further forward, and if you ask politely you could score a better seat. 

If you're willing to take a risk, ask how full the fight is and if there's any option to upgrade. You an even put in a bid for an upgrade on some carriers such as Lufthansa. It's worth a try and luck just might be on your side.

be first to get an upgrade
Getty

3. Join a frequent flyer program

A BA spokesperson lets The Telegraph in on an industry secret: “It is sometimes necessary to upgrade customers," he says. But … "This is rare and will normally apply to frequent flyers who are members of our loyalty programme first.”

Hmm.

Flying regularly not only puts you front of queue for upgrades but will provide you with more chance of buying one with your points - which feels like a free upgrade anyway.

If you're not a member of an airline loyalty program such as Qantas but you're lucky enough to share your name with a celebrity, you might get chosen the night before the flight, when, according to an Expedia report, many upgrades are made.

Join a frequent flyer program
Getty

4. Wait until you're on the plane

A flight attendant revealed to Inc.com that if you wait until you're on the plane you still stand a chance if there are empty seats.

"Gate agents don't care," she said "But once you're on and that door is closed, make sure you have something to give your flight attendants … such as candy or a Starbucks card."

So, be prepared with extra Tim Tams and coffee vouchers. If you miss out on the upgrade, you can ease your sorrow with the biscuits.

How to get an upgrade
Getty

5. Fly solo

Flying alone is one of the best chances you have of getting a flight upgrade.

Families and groups are far less likely to be moved into business class as single seats are more likely to be available.

We're not saying ditch the kids, it's simply setting your expectations.

If you're travelling with a friend, check in separately and be sure to be wearing your best outfit at all times.

Good luck!

You might also like:

How to pack and survive a long haul flight

Why you should pack a tennis ball for your next flight

The drink flight attendants hate you ordering

  • Travel
  • Better Life
Hannah Hempenstall
Hannah Hempenstall
Hannah Hempenstall is a writer, life coach and meditation facilitator based in Byron Bay.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

These two words will get you an upgrade on your next flight

These two words will get you an upgrade on your next flight

The hacks you need to know about to get cheap flights

The hacks you need to know about to get cheap flights

5 travel booking hacks you probably believe, but shouldn’t

5 travel booking hacks you probably believe, but shouldn’t

5 travel hacks from professional cabin crew members

5 travel hacks from professional cabin crew members

{headline}

{headline}

5 reasons why you should book a flight with a layover

5 reasons why you should book a flight with a layover

How to make an airline pay you for a delayed flight

How to make an airline pay you for a delayed flight

How to save money while on holiday

How to save money while on holiday

{headline}

{headline}

How to avoid jet lag

How to avoid jet lag

This simple travel hack will improve the taste of your in-flight meal

This simple travel hack will improve the taste of your in-flight meal

This luggage hack will fast-track your travel

This luggage hack will fast-track your travel

How to Choose the Best Travel Camera

How to Choose the Best Travel Camera

15 essential items for an awesome cruise experience

15 essential items for an awesome cruise experience

Joh visits Collette Dinnigan's Black Barn

Joh visits Collette Dinnigan's Black Barn

Johanna visits Dirty Janes in Bowral

Johanna visits Dirty Janes in Bowral

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription