5 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Getting an Upgrade on Your Next Flight

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Flight Upgrade

Most people flying Economy would love a flight upgrade. What’s not to love? More space, better food, a quieter cabin, and often plenty of drinks too. Glass of Champagne before take-off, anyone? Contrary to popular belief, upgrades are rarely about luck alone. Co-founder of Good Flyte, Nick Dighton, who has spent over a decade immersed in the aviation industry shares the five insider hacks that can increase your upgrade odds. If you want to bag a flight upgrade, read on!

About Good Flyte

Good Flyte, developed by aviation and travel‑health specialists, is a delicious travel‑wellness electrolyte blend designed to help reduce fatigue, support immunity and aid post‑travel recovery.

1. Mention the Special Occasion (if It’s Real)

If you are travelling for a special occasion such as your honeymoon, an anniversary or a birthday, do mention it. A genuine special occasion can help you get an upgrade but only if it’s real. The airline staff have plenty of experience and know when someone’s trying their luck. If you really are flying for a special occasion and can mention it naturally, it can definitely help you get a flight upgrade. 

2. Be Well Presented (and Even Better Behaved)

Presentation and behaviour matters. Simply putting on a blazer will not get you into business class, but if an airline is considering a complimentary or discretionary upgrade, they will want to be sure that you look the part. Dress well, be calm and polite, and easy to deal with to improve your chances of an upgrade. Airline staff are much more likely to want to look after passengers who are respectful, warm and relaxed over ones that are demanding special treatment!

3. Try the Oldest Trick in the Book (Generosity!)

When boarding the flight, hand the cabin manager a good box of chocolates as a thank you to the crew. No hinting, no performance, and no expectation. The generosity might come back to you in the shape of a better seat if there’s one free, or perhaps a glass of Champagne or simply better service. Kindness lands. Entitlement does not.

4. Ask Twice (at Check-in and at the Gate)

Airlines want to sell premium seats as this is where the real money is. So your first question should be at check-in: are there any upgrade options available today? If the price is too high, then simply ask again at the gate as the answer can change. The gate team might have more flexibility closer to departure when they know how the cabin is looking. Smart travellers ask twice. 

5. Pick the Right Flight

The simplest rule of all is to pick the right flight. If there aren’t any spare premium seats, there won’t be an upgrade. For this reason, you have a better chance of an upgrade if you avoid peak flights where the front cabin is already full with paying passengers. Instead, opt for quieter flights at off-peak times or midweek departures as these might work in your favour.

Most of the old upgrade tricks are dead, but the smart ones still work. Be genuine, gracious and dress well. Ask at the right time and be a little bit strategic. Good luck!

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