How do I ask for an upgraded seat?

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.



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After you sit down and they announce that they have finished boarding (not before!), ping a flight attendant and ask if you might move up to a better seat if it's available.

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If the seat is available, the passenger pays for the upgrade on the flight. So while you shouldn't expect a free upgrade on a flight, you can still ask for upgrades from booking till boarding — and you may be able to pay your way to a much more comfortable seat.

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If the flight is oversold, consider telling the agent that you are willing to give up your seat if they need someone to upgrade. Make it clear that you would be happy to volunteer and ask whether you can be upgraded for a future flight.

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In rare circumstances, a flight may be oversold in the economy cabin, but there could be some space in first or business class. In that case, some very lucky passengers might be bumped up to first or business class for free in what's known as an operational upgrade.

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Susan Fogwell, a former flight attendant, also told Travel + Leisure that free upgrades are rare and passengers will usually have to pay. She said: “If a flight attendant moved a passenger from one class to another, the flight attendant would not have a job for long [due to the price difference].

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If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option. You may even get lucky and score a free upgrade.

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It is possible to ask for an upgrade at the airport gate, even if you have already checked-in online and booked a seat. You can ask if any upgrades are available, but when you get to the gate there will be a flat screen monitor overhead that will show you the status of upgrades and standby passengers.

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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!

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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.

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Ask nicely
So you can leave your three-piece suit at home, but make sure to pack your manners. You won't know unless you ask, and that can also apply to scoring an upgrade. Some seasoned travelers have gotten upgraded during check-in at the airport or at their gate.

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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).

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Ask at check-in. Airlines may sell upgrades at a discount when you check-in, either online or at the airport. The closer to the flight departing, the less likely the airline is to sell a cash fare in the upgraded cabin. Thus, they may be open to the idea of offering it to an existing passenger for a discounted price.

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One of the biggest differences between premium economy and economy is the seating and legroom. In premium economy, you can expect more spacious seats with extra legroom, making those long haul flights a little more bearable, especially for taller passengers and those with back or joint pain.

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The airline is not obligated to upgrade you, but if this happens, pleasantly but firmly let the gate agents know that if an upgraded seat is available on your rebooked flight, you would greatly appreciate getting that seat.

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Not only are Basic Economy fares ineligible for all status upgrades, but you also cannot pay to upgrade to higher class. In fact, you can't even pay in advance for an Economy Plus seat. If they're available, you might be able to pay for one at check-in.

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Let's get started on how to secure an upgrade with your favorite airline!
  1. Achieve Airline Elite Status. ...
  2. Receive Instant Upgrades When Purchasing Certain Fare Class Tickets. ...
  3. Upgrade Your Flight With Miles. ...
  4. Buy an Upgrade. ...
  5. Buy Discounted Business and First Class Fares. ...
  6. Upgrade With Miles on Partner Airlines.


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Do flight attendants get free first class flights? Space available seats in any cabin is part of their contract, so they're paying for that perk indirectly — it's not “free.”

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Flight attendants have the authority to move people around and the flight attendant can ask someone, she says, emphasizing that seat trades should always be equal. But Whitmore says there are two scenarios where it is “never” OK to ask for a switch.

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