Is it better to upgrade at check in?

It depends on a variety of factors, including the airline, the route, the time of year, and the availability of seats. In some cases, upgrading at the airport can be a cost-effective way to experience Business Class perks without paying full price. In other cases, it may end up being more expensive.



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Be early for your flight Your flight may only have one or two upgrade spots available, so if you're really eager, you can try maximising your chances of securing one by checking in at the airport ten hours before the scheduled departure.

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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.

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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 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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Rather than upgrading an elite member for free, airlines would much rather get some extra revenue for that seat upfront. So, many airlines offer very affordable paid upgrades to travelers close to departure. Keep an eye out for upgrade offers in the days before your flight — and especially during the check-in process.

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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.


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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.

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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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Pay for a last-minute upgrade This tactic may seem counterintuitive, but it will benefit you. Rather than upgrading an elite member for free, airlines would much rather get some extra revenue for that seat upfront. So, many airlines offer very affordable paid upgrades to travelers close to departure.

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There's nothing stopping you from asking at the check-in desk or at the gate, even if you have already checked-in online. However, airlines have become much more formal about upgrades, so these days it is quite rare to get an upgrade just by asking. I have been given an upgrade just once.

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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.


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Upgrade Your Air Travel: 10 Tips to Score a First-Class Seat
  1. Join airline loyalty programs.
  2. Volunteer to be bumped.
  3. Use offers from your credit cards.
  4. Book flights during off-peak times.
  5. Check for available upgrades online.
  6. Consider late flight offers.
  7. Arrive early for check-in.
  8. Bid for an upgrade.


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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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Ask for directions for anywhere, after the agent shows you, compliment their service and tip them. $20-$50 will get you very very far as of these upgrades are $100+/night, $20 is fraction of the cost. Either that or just give it to them. So from an agent at a luxury hotel, yes it works and will for every hotel.

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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.

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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). You might also get an upgrade if there is a problem with your seat or your neighboring passenger.

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You do need to have elite status with the airline to receive a complimentary upgrade. However, you may be able to purchase an upgrade when you check in for your flight or at your departure gate. You may also be able to use your frequent flyer miles to secure an upgrade.

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Each airline has its own policy, but in general the airline will upgrade people according to frequent flyer status, amount paid for the ticket, travel disruptions (i.e. if the person has already missed a flight), etc.

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Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant and travel expert, emphasizes that “you should ask prior to door closure, but don't be surprised if they don't move you until after you're in the air if they're going to grant your request.”

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