How does one get a free upgrade then?

[Matt UK]

Flying to Oz on my own which must give me an edge?

Now that I check in online you don't actually see anybody at check in.

What's the routine then nowadays? Wear a jacket and look smart? Is that actually relevant any more?

[shakotan]

Matt UK said:

Flying to Oz on my own which must give me an edge?

Now that I check in online you don't actually see anybody at check in.

What's the routine then nowadays? Wear a jacket and look smart? Is that actually relevant any more?

It's pretty much random thesedays. The only certainty is that you are much more likely to be upgraded if you are travelling alone.

[MacW]

As said, travelling alone is a must.

Also, whilst those that have paid for first/business class can wear and behave pretty much how they feel, if you want to experience it for free you've got to look the part.

[hyperblue]

Play the lotto this weekend, your odds are about the same

[Puggit]

Being gold status or above, plus paying full fare (ie not discounted), plus a full flight will be more likely to lead to an upgrade.

They won't upgrade you under almost any circumstances if the plane is not full.

Good luck with that...

[85Carrera]

Airlines have lists. So if you've got a gold card with that airline and are travelling alone you have a fair chance if the flight is full and they need to move people around.

Otherwise, no chance, regardless of what you wear.

I never check in online as I reckon (probably erroneously) that you have a better chance of an upgrade if you check in in person - particularly if seats have been filled by those checking in online.

Some airlines (eg - Emirates) have a book of rates onboard. Once onboard if there is space in business class you can speak to the purser and pay to upgrade. This is generally considerably cheaper than buying a business class ticket in the first place (but if business is full, you're stuck at the back).

Edited by 85Carrera on Thursday 16th December 04:39

[Kudos]

I would spend the time looking at the type of plane(s) and work out what are the best seats via seatguru. Book them online. If on the very slim chance you got upgraded, then you are laughing. If not, you've still got a decent seat.

I used to fly Emirates a lot to South Africa and never got upgraded but always had a good seat - either at a bulkead or at emergency exit. I used to meet the girlfriend in Dubai (I flew from SA, she from UK) and she used to get upgraded!

[Captain Cadillac]

Be a big time frequent flyer, also if you are travelling on a full fare ticket you stand a much better chance.

I used to be platinum elite with Continental, the way they worked (Like most airlines) was Platium Elite got first shot, then silver, then gold, then anyone on a full fare ticket.

[cottonfoo]

As said, those with status get upgraded first. The "looking the part" is not true and never has been. It's entirely pot luck if you don't have status with the airline and there's nothing you can do to influence it.

[Puggit]

Captain Cadillac said:

Platium Elite got first shot, then silver, then gold, then anyone on a full fare ticket.

Bit harsh on gold!

[Matt UK]

Hmmm, no status with this particular airline but I do know that there is space in Business class having just paid for a full price fare in cattle class.

Oh well, I'll ask the question at the airport and smile

[randlemarcus]

Bounced up from WT+ to Business with BA. Checked in online, was Blue cardholder, and didn't realise that the checkin stub I printed in the airport was a fair fews rows further forward than the one I picked the night before till the flight was called. That was quite nice

[Captain Cadillac]

Puggit said:

Captain Cadillac said:

Platium Elite got first shot, then gold, then silver, then anyone on a full fare ticket.

Bit harsh on gold!

Edited to fix dumbfkery... doh!

Especially worrying as I deal in precious metals!

[Beardy10]

Apart from the obvious of dressing well etc you can trying asking if they have any deals available at the desk to upgrade....I was flying back from Miami with some mates...we were all in Premium Economy. It had been a very boozy stag weekend....I politely asked if there were any upgrades available and was told for $200 I could go business. About ten of us jumped over the desk at the same time! I was the lucky one though.

I have asked in the past how much an upgrade would cost and been given an upgrade free......helps being a frequent flier member whatever the grade.

[cottonfoo]

Why do people believe that "dressing well" is going to work? It's been said enough times, it doesn't work, it's a myth!

[tuffer]

I have flown over 800 hours on BA this year, upgraded once. Not much chance unless the flight is full and you are gold card status.

[Chilli]

cottonfoo said:

Why do people believe that "dressing well" is going to work? It's been said enough times, it doesn't work, it's a myth!

It used to work, I know that. I guess it's just not relevant anymore.

[cottonfoo]

Chilli said:

It used to work, I know that. I guess it's just not relevant anymore.

Not since the dawn of frequent flyer schemes.

[Justman]

Very much doubt you'll get anything I'm afraid. I'm an Air Traffic Controller and used to talk to airline operations and never got anything having paid full price for tickets. Since then I've joined BA's Executive Club and flown Biz through collecting miles. That's the way to go these days.

[Matt UK]

Don't think there is much chance of an upgrade!

Just did the online check in and even the 'nice seats' in WT are offered only for an upgrade fee.

Oh well, I'll still ask and smile.