How to Find Flights With Upgrades Available
If you don't want to spend several hours in an aircraft cramped in coach, learn how to find flights with upgrades available. While upgrades are never guaranteed, there are several approaches that will increase your chances of getting one. Upgrades are based on seat availability and frequent flier status, as well as the type of ticket you purchased. Whether you are a frequent or occasional flier, follow a few steps and you can be reclining in first class.
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Instructions
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Enroll in an airline's frequent flier program. This is your best bet for getting an upgrade if you fly often and are loyal to a particular airline. Earn enough miles to achieve elite status, which places you in the position to become eligible for upgrades before most other people. Still, they aren't always guaranteed.
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Search websites such as Farecompare.com and Expertflyer.com. Some sites require a paid membership while others are free. They allow you to search for flights with upgrades and view which seats are available. Most airlines also allow you to view a seating chart when booking your ticket. Check it the day that you leave to see how many seats are available in the first or business class sections. You may choose to purchase a Y-UP fare. Though not always available, these fares are non-restricted and you will be considered for an upgrade if one becomes available.
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Pay for an upgrade. Some airlines, such as Virgin America, allow you to purchase an upgrade when you are checking in if seats are available. While you will end up paying more for your ticket than you originally planned, most of the time you will still pay significantly less than if you had booked a first class ticket initially.
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Ask nicely. If all else fails, approach the gate agent to find out if you are eligible for an upgrade. Your last chance to find an upgrade is during the boarding process. Some passengers are no-shows and you may benefit from their tardiness by scoring one of the seats in first class. If an airplane is particularly unbalanced, flight attendants will sometimes move passengers toward the front, so be the first to volunteer. Also, some flights are oversold and you can offer to give up your seat for an upgrade on a later flight.
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Tips & Warnings
Dress nicely when you fly. Gate agents are more likely to move you to first class if you look the part.
Don't ever demand an upgrade, as you will almost always be turned down.
Subscribe to price alerts for last-minute deals on upgrades.
