The Quest for a Flight Upgrade

If you are in a position of having to fly often, you will understand the desire for a flight upgrade. There is no method for getting this all the time, or even most of the time. However, there ARE some things that you can do to grab that golden ring.
" Consider joining an airline club. This is one of the better ways to obtain a flight upgrade. If you combine your club membership with your Frequent Flyer miles, this will almost assure you of getting a first class seat. The price will be reasonable as it will be a free upgrade. You can also join as many different airline clubs as you wish.
" Always be polite when inquiring about the possibilities of a flight upgrade. Rudeness never gets you very far, and demanding a better seating arrangement will most likely get you an even worse seat than you had originally. On the other hand, your friendly attitude could get you the reward you seek.
" If you dress like a pauper, chances are you will be treated that way. You will not be given a flight upgrade when you look like you dressed with dumpster selections. However, wearing something nice and clean will make you much more presentable. This could, in turn, impress the ticket agent to grant your request for an upgrade.
" Passengers who are traveling alone stand a better chance of getting a first class seat. Ticket agents watch for large groups and children. They need to take care that the other passengers in first class are not disturbed by any boisterousness. So if you are in one of those groups, don't even ask for a flight upgrade.
" Checking in early gives you an advantage. Arriving well ahead of schedule will give you time to get sorted and have time to chat with the ticket agent without a lot of last minute passengers lined up behind you. If your inquiry regarding a flight upgrade is met with a negative response, simply thank the agent nicely and move on.
Obviously, there is never a guarantee when it comes to getting an upgrade, but you will never know if you missed a chance or not, if you don't ask. That dream of being seated in a comfortable first class seat being pampered by the flight attendants can very well become your reality.


Jonathan Kittley is the airline employee, and wasinterviewed on: http://www.free-flight-upgrades.com where you can learn all about cheap flights and free flight upgrades.