When it comes to air travel most people opt to fly economy purely on cost. The price difference varies depending on airline, route and even day of travel, but it’s substantial – between five and ten times to fly business and ten to twenty times to reach the rarified air of first class. For many people, it’s simply out of the question, but there is a solution – get upgraded.
Popular searches
Log into your account
Travel and Insurance
Posting
Considering a trip away? Make sure you're protected.
What could you get with an upgrade?
If you succeed in boosting your status on a flight you can expect a much more relaxing trip in a comfier seat with more legroom, perhaps one that folds back for sleep purposes on long-haul flights. The menu will be better quality and feature a wider choice. You’ll also get access to the airline’s business lounge before your flight which can include shower rooms, areas to catch up on sleep and Wi-Fi.
How can I get upgraded on a flight?
You may not have the cash but it’s possible to get a free upgrade to business or first class without paying.
Here’s nine ways to increase your odds of being upgraded on flights:
-
Look smart
The surest way to avoid an upgrade is to wear shorts or a tracksuit. Wear a suit or at the very least dress smart casual and you increase your chances of a better seat hugely.
-
Be an early bird
Business and first-class upgrades are popular but they are limited. A good way to increase your chances of getting one is to arrive at check-in several hours early. You might well find you have a lot of time to kill but then you might end up with significantly better seats. If you have time to kill regardless you may as well kill it at the airport.
-
Ask for one
If you don’t ask you don’t get. So dress well and inquire politely about a flight upgrade at check-in or as you board and you may well get a pleasant surprise. Nothing ventured nothing gained.
-
Travel solo
If you’re a lone traveller your chances of being upgraded on their flight are significantly improved. Those nice seats are at a premium, a family of four has no chance but a well-dressed traveller on their own tips the balance of probability significantly.
-
Be loyal
Regular flyers who are members of a frequent flyer scheme and build up their air miles to reach gold or premier status are right at the front of the queue when it comes to upgrades. Even if you don’t fly frequently it’s still worth being a member - you stand a better chance than someone who isn’t.
-
Have a good excuse
Did you have surgery relatively recently? It could increase your chances of DVT - a blood clot. Or perhaps you have a bad back problem or you’ve sprained your ankle badly. Explain your situation politely and ask if there’s a chance of an upgrade to spare you further discomfort.
-
Don’t be messed about
If you’ve been bumped and delayed then the service you’ve had has been well below par. Bring your bad experience with the airline to their attention there and then in a firm but polite way.
-
Be prepared to be bumped
Offer to move. If you’re not wedded to your seat and happy to move so two people can sit together then offer to give it up and ask if there’s a chance you might be upgraded in the process.
-
Talk to your agent
If you’re booking through a travel agent, you could put your request for a potential upgrade in there and then. If the agent has a good relationship with the airline, then it might improve your chances.
Interested in travel insurance?
Other travel products
-
Travel Money
Order foreign currency online or in selected branches. Pick up in any branch or get it delivered to your home.
-
Travel Money Card
One prepaid Mastercard™ that stores up to 22 currencies.
-
Passport Check & Send
Get your passport application right the first time. We can even complete and submit it for you digitally.
This might interest you
What can I take on a plane?
Ready to jet off on a much-needed break but worrying about what you can take with you on the flight?
Teenagers going on holiday without their parents
Having your son or daughter go on holiday without you for the first time can be one of the most traumatic experiences for a parent, but one of the most exciting for a ...
Travel tips for babies, toddlers and young kids
It’s your holiday too, and good preparation can take some of the worry out of travelling with your littleuns.
How to get assisted travel at airports
Lots of people who need assisted travel at airports are missing out simply because they don’t know how to go about asking for it.
How to pack a suitcase
Whether you’re heading to the beach for a much-needed break or boarding a boat for a cruise somewhere breath-taking, it’s important to know what to pack in advance so ...
Is Airbnb safe? Tips on staying safe
The arrival of Airbnb has helped to transform the travel industry in recent years. On any one night, over two million people stay in homes advertised through Airbnb in ...
Don't make these holiday mistakes
Booking a last-minute holiday can get the blood pumping with the sudden thrill of adventure, but it also makes it easier to overlook things.
Travelling during your pregnancy
Before your little bundle of joy arrives, you may be considering taking a holiday. But is it safe? And what precautions should you consider before making a booking?
10 tips for keeping kids safe on holiday
We all know the feeling – getting to the airport, then a wave of panic comes over you. Did you remember your passport? What time's the flight? And where on earth did you ...
10 ways to look after your valuables at the beach
The whole idea of lounging around on the beach is to switch off and enjoy the sunshine. But the reality is that opportunistic thieves are on the lookout for unattended ...
How to travel with your dog
Taking your best friend on holiday with you is everyone's ideal situation, but travelling with a dog can be a complicated process. Make sure you know how.
Need a holiday? These travel hacks could save you money
Satisfy your travel craving while making your holiday budget go further. We’ve gathered tips to help you cut out costs and hassle – and enjoy a well-earned break.
How to protect your travel documents
While it’s useful to take hard copies of travel documents away, you can minimise your worry and risk. Here are some handy tips on keeping your travel documents safe.