Some seasoned travelers have gotten upgraded during check-in at the airport or at their gate. There's no easy way to do this and no guarantee it'll work. It's also a lot less likely on popular routes like New York to Los Angeles and on international flights.

In 2026, while most upgrades are processed automatically based on loyalty status, you are actually more likely to find "last-minute" paid or discounted upgrades by checking in at the airport counter or kiosk. Airlines often offer deeply discounted rates to move passengers from Economy to Business or First Class in the final hours before a flight to maximize revenue on unsold premium seats. If you are a solo traveler, being present at the gate and politely asking the agent about the "upgrade cost" can sometimes result in a bargain deal that was not available online. However, for "free" operational upgrades (when a flight is oversold in Economy), the airline usually follows a strict automated priority list based on frequent flyer status, fare class, and the time of check-in. In these cases, checking in earlier (digitally) often gives you a slight advantage over someone who waits until the airport. The takeaway for 2026 is that if you're looking for a free upgrade, early digital check-in is better; if you're looking for a cheap last-minute deal, being at the airport and speaking with an agent is often the most effective strategy.