Comments on: Top 10 Flight Upgrade Tips

By: Lucky Luke

Lucky Luke — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:51:11 +0000

Some of these tips are a bit dubious. My 2c worth:
More than half of my free upgrades have been with a partner. Join a mileage programme and stick with it, and earn at least the next level of membership for more recognition. Get to know your travel agent and get to know the passenger load level on your flight: ultimately, being tidily dressed, a frequent flier, and on a full plane with an economy waiting list and some spare business seats is the best bet. Agent notes are generally ignored. You can try asking, but you’re more likely to be put at the back of the plane by the toilets next to the 300lb man with flatulence than you are to be upgraded: it’s your call! Airlines have a hierachy of passengers who can be upgraded: frequent fliers and those who’ve paid full fare are the first cabs off the rank.

By: J-Man

J-Man — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:44:38 +0000

Ersatz, with all due respect, I would say do not wear your uni or anything that identifies you as a member of the Armed Forces unless specifically OK’d be your commander. I am always told by TMO to travel as a civilian soas to avoid any undue attention especially on overseas com flights.

By: Ersatz

Ersatz — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:46:01 +0000

If you’re military, wear your uniform. Has never failed for me on a commercial flight.

By: Norman

Norman — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:20:05 +0000

I really enjoy flying, but I don’t do it enough. Next time I go on a airplaine, I’ll try and use some of these tips.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:32:11 +0000

This is rather sneaky, but i discovered it by accident. This was in 1998 though, so who knows if it will work now. My father and I atteded a funeral, and on the way back we had to bring a wheelchair given to us for my mother. Well I was tired walking through the parking lot, so i sat in the chair and my father pushed me into the terminal. As soon as we checked in, we immediately got an upgrade to first class (from dirt cheap coach) because of it! No one ever asked what my disability was or asked to see any paperwork. In fact, when I offered to get out of the chair for the metal detector, I was told NO. We got wonderful treatment and i even got tagged in case I “got lost” from my father. I was 13! Very funny story, especially since I never meant to make anyone think I was disabled, I just had tired legs!

By: ochobit

ochobit — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 05:42:25 +0000

“Accidentally” flashing my federal officer badge works 9/10 times for me :p

By: halidom

halidom — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:05:22 +0000

I worked for an airline for many many years. It is seldom that check in staff can upgrade without contacting the service desk. The service desk handles mainly stand-bys and staff travel and CIPs and VIPs. It’s usually located near the airlines VIP lounge. They are the best people to talk to.

By: Opa1

Opa1 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:52:55 +0000

I’ve managed to be upgraded from economy to 1st class at least 6 times on airlines such as Air France, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic by dressing smartly, ie. in black, and asking very nicely at check-in. As stated; it NEVER hurts to ask and paying $500 round-trip for First Class travel just can’t be beat!

Saying that, it definitely is getting harder for this to happen and air travel is becoming more and more dreary. I’m resorting to the banana boat way pretty soon…

By: Vera Lynn

Vera Lynn — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:21:27 +0000

Ah. I wish I needed this info. Alas, I cannot afford to go anywhere.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:10:41 +0000

If you know a Airline employee you can recive upgrades from them