What do you say to get an upgrade on a flight?

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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What do you say when asking for an upgrade? Let the staff know your reasons for requesting an upgrade, and they may be more willing to help you. For example, you could say something like, “I am celebrating my anniversary and was hoping to make this stay a little more special.”

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On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

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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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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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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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The airlines will never upgrade a passenger from Economy to First Class even if the plane is empty, and the simple reason is that doing this would encourage people to always ask for an upgrade instead of ever buying a full First Class ticket. They would rather let the seat, or the entire cabin go empty.

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Airlines say it's strictly by the book: Loyal customers are rewarded based on their status in frequent flyer programs. But some flyers insist that once in a while, they get upgraded even when they've bought the cheapest 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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On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

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7 ways to get upgraded on a flight
  1. Earn airline elite status. ...
  2. Fly with someone who has airline elite status. ...
  3. Ask an elite member for their unused upgrades. ...
  4. Volunteer for an oversold flight. ...
  5. Purchase upgrades with the right credit card. ...
  6. Use miles to upgrade. ...
  7. Pay for a last-minute upgrade.


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Airlines that offer upgrade auctions
  • AeroMexico.
  • Air Canada.
  • Air New Zealand.
  • Avianca.
  • Cathay.
  • Copa.
  • Czech Airlines.
  • Ethiopian.


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Free upgrades are perks that frequent travelers are eligible for based upon their elite status. Upgrades are prioritized on a list that an agent must follow. The only time an agent has some discretion to provide a free upgrade is if the flight is oversold, and they need to move someone up.

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When airlines release their upgrade inventory closer to the departure date, they are often more willing to sell those seats at a discount in order to fill them. So, if you're flexible with your travel plans and willing to take a chance, upgrading to business class at the airport could save you some serious money.

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Given all this discussion, you might be wondering if you should tip the flight attendants you interact with during your travels. While it's true that flight attendants serve you food and beverages, we don't advise offering them tips.

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You don't get any special privileges to take things because you're in first class. On the other hand, she said it would be perfectly reasonable to take an airplane blanket if you really needed it — and if you ask a flight attendant first.

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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.

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Some of the factors that airlines consider when deciding who gets bumped include check-in time, fare paid by the passenger, and frequent flyer status. It is important to note that these criteria must not be used in a way that prejudices or disadvantages any passenger unjustly or unreasonably.

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