Ways to Get Upgraded to First Class on Any Flight

First class traveling in comfort can be quite costly. While most of us can't always afford to do so there are definite perks and added comfort for those who can. There are never any guarantees when it comes to getting a free upgrade to first class, but there at ten tips that can help strengthen your chances of getting to upgrade your travel experience.
1. Do not fear asking for the upgrade. Most people just assume that since they are not able to pay hundreds of dollars for a first class ticket that they will be stuck in coach. This is not always the case. Many times the airline will hold back tickets and in an attempt to get rid of them discount them to the cost of coach or even lower. Ask the agent at the counter if this is the case with your flight.
2. Use special events to your advantage. Most airlines will do what they can to celebrate your birthday or anniversary. Make sure that when requesting first class upgrades, that you have documentation for that special event.
3. Befriend the travel agent. The best thing about travel agents is they have access to a wonderful thing on a reservation called a comment box and usually their comments are considered. Ask that the travel agent to note on the reservation that you are an important figure in a business (it helps to actually be) or that you are willing to upgrade if the airline needs volunteers to move from coach to first class.
4. Book the overbooked. This can be risky in a sense that you could lose access to any reservation. But if you have the option try to reserve a seat on a plane where the coach section is full. The airline would rather upgrade you to first class to keep your business. Airlines do not like to send away customers they think will get satisfaction from a competitor. While you may not get on the first flight, the airlines will do what is in their power to make sure you get a great seat on another flight, especially when you're willing to wait.
5. The bigger the first class sections the better. It doesn't take a genius to logically determine that the bigger the first class section, the better chance for a first class upgrade. There are several ways to go about investigating the size of the first class cabin, the easiest way would be to just go directly to the airline's website and retrieve the information. Most airlines will offer that information.
6. Take advantage of family and friends. Most commercial airlines offer benefits and perks to their employees that can be shared with their family and friends. Perks may include discounted coach seats or even free/cheap upgrades to first class.
While nobody can ever predict if their upgrade attempt (s) will go unrewarded, or pay off entirely, there is no harm in trying. The mere act of putting a smile on your face and asking for the upgrade could make your flight go from a snug fit beside a stranger in coach, to a comfortable quiet ride in first class.


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.