Loading Page...

Does Lufthansa offer upgrade at check in?

At some of our airports, you can even secure your upgrade, subject to availability, at the last minute at a fixed price or by redeeming miles at the check-in/bag drop-off counter, ticket counter or at the gate.



People Also Ask

Initially, passengers can contact their airline post-booking a flight to check for any paid upgrade availability. The next best option is to ask at the check-in desk of your flight.

MORE DETAILS

Checking within 24 hours of your flight will give you the most up-to-date information about how full the aircraft will be. Flexibility will afford you some negotiating power on overbooked flights. Offering to take the next flight can land you an award ticket for a free upgrade.

MORE DETAILS

These tricks and ground rules are worth keeping in mind as you try to land that elusive free upgrade.
  1. Be a seriously loyal customer. ...
  2. Get an airline credit card. ...
  3. Dress neatly. ...
  4. Check in online at the earliest possible time. ...
  5. Be on time, and have good timing. ...
  6. Ask politely and directly. ...
  7. Be reasonable.


MORE DETAILS

It depends on the airline and the type of upgrade you are looking for. Generally speaking, it is usually cheaper to upgrade your flight in advance online or over the phone than at the airport before checking in.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

You can upgrade to Premium Comfort Class or Business Class while checking in online. You can also arrange an upgrade to Premium Comfort Class or Business Class at the self-service kiosk at the airport, even after you've checked in.

MORE DETAILS

Lufthansa sells upgrades to premium economy via both auctions and flat fees ranging from several days prior to departure to at the ticket counter on the day of departure. Fee-based upgrades start around $400 and vary by the length of the flight and route.

MORE DETAILS

The sooner, the better. Initially, passengers can contact their airline post-booking a flight to check for any paid upgrade availability. The next best option is to ask at the check-in desk of your flight. If all else fails, don't give up just yet!

MORE DETAILS

Be early. Many airlines establish an upgrade wait list based on check-in times, with priority given to those who checked in first. The option to check-in online is usually available at least 24 hours before departure for most airlines, so the earlier you can get yourself checked in, the better.

MORE DETAILS

Earn airline elite status
The most reliable way of getting upgraded for free is to have elite status on the airline you're flying. Most airlines reward their most frequent flyers with complimentary upgrades on domestic routes.

MORE DETAILS

How To Upgrade To Business Class For Free
  1. Get With the Program. If you are a regular traveller and you fly a lot, it's worth sticking to one airline and joining their frequent flyer program. ...
  2. Get A Branded Credit Card. ...
  3. Know Your Aircraft. ...
  4. Arrive Early. ...
  5. Volunteer To Sit This One Out. ...
  6. Ask For It. ...
  7. Fly Midweek or Redeye. ...
  8. Go Solo.


MORE DETAILS

Start by asking if the flight is busy, perhaps mentioning that you'd be grateful for a window or an extra seat next to you as it's a long-haul flight — then throw in a hint about the fact that you're tall, or on your honeymoon, say. Every now and then, economy is overbooked and check-in will upgrade someone.

MORE DETAILS

Most upgrades from economy or premium economy to business start around $400 and often venture up to $1000. For flights over 7 hours that include fast track, a VIP lounge and a proper bed- $500 seems like a reasonable offer- if the number is comfortable to you.

MORE DETAILS

Usually just asking a flight attendant for an upgrade won't work, but there are a couple of cases where your chances largely increase. If economy class has been overbooked and there are seats in business, make sure you're quick to offer (this helps when you're sitting in the first couple of rows).

MORE DETAILS