Have you ever flown in Business Class? If you’re used to traveling in economy, the experience is something to try at least once in a lifetime, and it’s not necessarily going to cost you a fortune, quite the opposite.
Sometimes, for reasons that seem inscrutable and mysterious, some travelers who purchased an economy-class ticket are offered free upgrade to the next cabin. Here are some tricks to increase your chances of being chosen by the airline staff for an upgrade in Business.
Choose the busiest flights
Flights where you’re most likely to have the opportunity for an upgrade are the routes busiest with tourists during holidays (Easter, Christmas, New Year, August) at peak times or on weekends. In these cases, the probability that economy is full and Business is relatively free is quite high, which means there is a possibility that the Business Class could be populated by the lucky few who will be granted a free upgrade.
Do not travel in a group
If you travel alone or at most as a couple, you are more likely to be selected for the class change. In fact, granting a Business Class upgrade during a period of full economy remains easier for a single passenger.
Dress like you’re in Business Class
The clothes make the monk: present yourself at check-in and at the gate dressed in Business Class style, as if you were used to traveling in first class, but in a natural way and without going overboard. Flip-flops, visor hats, tourist fanny packs, and outfits that are too revealing are not allowed. Not only that, but of course showing good manners and using appropriate language when making the request can positively influence the cabin crew. Another tip? Some airline staff say they are inclined to grant a change to Business Class to those who are celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday.
Check in at the last minute
If you arrive late for check-in and economy is full, you have a higher chance of being moved up to a higher class at no extra charge. Additionally, being flexible can also favor your upgrade to a higher class: when dealing with overbooked flights, for example, airlines may offer some passengers a later flight but with a Business Class upgrade.
Ask for the upgrade
Go to the gate desk and politely ask whether it is possible to purchase an upgrade. Always remember not to insist and to make the inquiry to the airline staff only once. At this point there are at least four possibilities:
- there are no upgrades available
- there are upgrades available, but they’re too expensive. In that case, politely decline the offer and thank them
- there are upgrades available, at a price much lower than you would expect and therefore you’d be willing to accept
- you were so kind that the person at the desk grants you a free upgrade (there is always a certain number of discretionary upgrades available on some flights)
Being able to travel in first class, obtaining a free upgrade, is a bit of a dream for many passengers: today, to do so (or at least to try), you can also use your smartphone, and as the saying goes, “tentar non nuoce” (tempting fate never hurts).
