Experts Share Their Best Travel Tips for Free Flight Upgrades
May 3, 2024 ctn_admin
With summer fast approaching, many of us are looking forward to our upcoming vacations while also looking for ways to save on unnecessary expenses, like upgrading our airplane seats. That said, a few extra inches of legroom and a more comfortable seat can make all the difference in your flight. And when it’s free, it’s even more enjoyable.
So to help maximize your chances of a seat upgrade, frequent flyer experts Flight Hacks have identified their best tips for getting a free flight upgrade and explained some of the mysteries behind the seat allocation system, helping travelers get the most out of their ticket.
Immanuel Debeer, a travel expert at Flight Hacks, says: “Free flight upgrades are rare, but not a myth. Not all planes are full, and there may be empty first class seats waiting to be taken up. Plus, on flights with fewer seats available, airline staff often need to move people into these seats to balance the plane, so you want to make sure you’re one of the people selected.”
“There are lots of simple ways to increase your chances of being upgraded, but the most important thing is to remember that airline staff are people too. It may seem obvious, but being respectful and friendly is the most effective way to increase your chances of an upgrade. At the root of all these tips is presenting yourself as the kind of person that airlines would want to offer a free upgrade to.”
Free Flight Upgrade Tips:
1. Pledge allegiance to one airline
If you’re a frequent flyer, sticking faithfully to one airline can help you make the most of your frequent flyer miles. Many airlines have rewards programs that give customers free upgrades, early check-in, and even free flights.
Surveys show that 80% of staff say that customers who are members of an airline’s frequent flyer program are more likely to receive a free upgrade, and being part of such a program can also indirectly help by giving you early check-in privileges that put you first in line to secure a seat at the front of the plane.
2. Travel alone or during quieter times
If you think about it, this tip may seem obvious, but one person on a plane with empty seats is much more likely to be able to get a seat upgrade than a family of six on a full plane. Flying during the middle of the week or at off-peak times increases your chances of getting a seat upgrade because the plane is less likely to be full.
Surveys suggest that almost three-quarters (72%) of flight attendants are likely to offer free upgrades to passengers flying alone. Use this tip with caution, however, as traveling alone or at off-peak times could mean other parts of your trip cost more, like late-night taxi fares.
3. Dress to impress
Airlines offer free upgrades not out of kindness, but to earn customer loyalty, so dressing smartly and looking like a frequent flyer is a good strategy to maximize your chances of getting an upgrade.
Business travelers are a preferred type of passenger for airlines because they fly regularly and are more likely to spend freely on their company cards. Wearing business attire is a good strategy to present yourself as a customer that airlines want to keep happy and loyal. What’s more, data shows that 59% of flight attendants are more likely to upgrade a well-dressed passenger.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
It seems simple, but one of the best ways to ensure you get a free upgrade is to just ask politely. It never hurts to just ask if an upgrade is possible, especially if you’re flying alone. Just asking will greatly increase your chances.
5. Be a flexible traveller
Airlines frequently overbook to make up for no-shows and ensure that planes are full. If there are not enough seats available even after everyone has checked in, airlines often offer incentives, ranging from seat upgrades to cash incentives, to passengers who are willing to change to a later flight. If you have flexibility with your flight time, it’s a great opportunity to negotiate a free flight upgrade. However, it’s important to act fast, as many other passengers may have the same idea.
6. Take advantage of special opportunities
Our final tip is to use any personal advantages you have. Is it your birthday when you fly? On your honeymoon? A special anniversary? Finding a way to casually mention it in conversation with the check-in staff is a great way to increase your chances of an upgrade.
In fact, studies show that 58% of flight attendants are more likely to upgrade newlyweds. Having a conversation with staff about your reasons for traveling is your best chance at securing an upgrade, but only if you follow the most important tip: be polite.
7. Be polite when checking in
In many cases, airline staff are not strict in their criteria for choosing who can get a free upgrade. Therefore, the best tip is to be polite when checking in. If there are any free first class seats available at the time of check-in, airline staff may choose to upgrade passengers. Being friendly and helpful will automatically increase your chances of getting an upgrade.
In fact, a survey of airline staff asking about the main reasons they choose to upgrade passengers revealed that a whopping 82% were more likely to upgrade a polite passenger.
Article source: https://flighthacks.com.au/ Source: Skyscanner.net and Transportation.gov
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