7 Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting a Free Upgrade to Business Class

Are you tired of traveling in the economy section of the airplane? If you are looking for an free upgrade for your next flight, then you are in the right place. Airlines frequently offer seat upgrades as business or marketing schemes to the passengers, to ensure customer satisfaction. You need to know where to find cheap flights and deals on business class airline tickets.

Traveling, especially on long-haul flights, can be a lot more comfortable with the seven tips mentioned below.

Here’s how you can boost your chances of getting a free upgrade to business class:

1. Sign Up for a Frequent Flyer Program

Airlines speculate no show flyers and accordingly overbook economy class. Sometimes they’re wrong.

Under such circumstances, a frequent flyer’s membership gives you the advantage of  free Upgrade to business class over others.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve flown with the airline before or not, merely signing up increases your chances of a seat upgrade.

Even if you don’t intend to fly with the airline again, just sign-up! It’s free, and you could score a fortune, especially if it is a long-haul flight!

Airlines free upgrade travelers enrolled in frequent flyer programs to recover unsold business class inventory.

2. Shop from Airline e-stores

Buy the services and products of the airline you are traveling with online. Every now and then, it is wise to leave the brick-and-mortar stores at the airports alone.

Airlines reward you with air miles or points for making purchases from their e-store. You can use these points in return for a seat upgrade.

The best upgrade deals are usually short-lived. Therefore, utilize social media to keep an eye on flash sales and track other promotional deals offered by major airlines.

The key is to take benefit of any interaction between you and the airline. And, shopping is a fruitful way to add bonus miles.

3. Consider Upgrade Auctions such as PlusGrade

Google the words ‘upgrade auction’ and the name of the airline you’re traveling with to avail upgrades.

Also, there’s an online booking platform, PlusGrade helps you bid against other passengers for the seat of your choice at your price. Yes, there’s a minimum bid, but the deals are excellent value.

Over 70 international airlines let you bid for such upgrades. You can score cheap flights at upgrade auctions.

Moreover, airlines such as Delta and British Airways offer flash upgrades through their mobile apps.

4. Be the first to check-in, if not the last

You can check-in up to 24 hours prior departure. Early airline check-in entitles you for a seat upgrade, especially in case of overbooking.

Interestingly, being the last one to check-in also has similar benefits. If all the seats in the economy class are full, you are in for an upgrade to the business class.

With that said, there are some concerns with arriving too late, like being taken off the flight. However, you can still save the situation if you are dressed to impress.

Sometimes, how you talk and behave can make the difference between not boarding the flight and getting an upgrade.

5. Book Solo Even If You Aren’t Flying Solo

Solo travelers are more likely to get a seat upgrade, as opposed to couples and groups. The reason is simple. Placing lone travelers anywhere on the plane is no problem.

If you are traveling in a large group, you are more likely to save big on bulk purchases. However, sometimes, making individual bookings instead of a group flight booking is cheaper.

It also enhances your chances to get a seat upgrade.

6. Sign-up for Airline Upgrades

If you are a frequent flyer, you might be aware of the airline upgrade sign-up. You can apply for it through the airline’s website. You are notified about the upgrade at least a day before your departure.

In addition, you may even sign up multiple times to increase the chances for an upgrade to a better seat type.

7. Ask for an Upgrade at the Airport

Lastly, if you are polite, dressed sharp, and in luck, you have a fair chance of getting an upgrade.

While checking-in, inquire about the possibility for an upgrade. If you can prove yourself as a VIP, or a loyal customer, airlines are generous enough to offer upgrades. However, be courteous, even if your requests are declined.

Getting an upgrade is sometimes more rewarding than finding Your Cheap Last-minute Flights

Bear in mind the tips as mentioned above as they are your most convenient way to get a seat upgrade.

However, there are other ways to get an upgrade. Most of them are possible only when the luck favors you. For instance, you could leverage an airline’s faulty service against it.

Also, do not expect a seat upgrade from an airline’s operational hub, as it is highly unlikely.

Another important takeaway is to not spend time, money, and efforts in looking for a seat upgrade on a short flight. Save the points to redeem it on a long-haul journey.