When you check in, tell the agent that you're happy to give up your seat in exchange for an upgrade to business class if the flight is overbooked. Airlines typically overbook economy seats to account for no-shows. If all passengers show up, gate agents need to upgrade passengers or bump them to later flights.

Yes, you can often upgrade to Business Class after check-in, and in 2026, this is frequently the best time to find a "last-minute deal." Most airlines, including Air India, Lufthansa, and Delta, offer "Airport Standby Upgrades" or "Check-In Upgrades" through their mobile apps or at the airport kiosk if seats are still available. These upgrades are often sold at a significant discount compared to the original fare because the airline would rather fill the seat at a lower price than leave it empty. You can also inquire directly with the gate agent about "gate upgrades," though these sometimes require payment in miles or a higher cash fee. For 2026 travelers, it is a high-value strategy to check your airline’s app the moment you check in (usually 24 hours before flight), as "Push Upgrades" are often sent as notifications to passengers in Economy to entice them to move up to a premium cabin for a few hundred dollars.