Sachin Walls
Upgrading your seat at the airport is possible, but it depends on several factors. Firstly, there need to be open seats in a higher class. Secondly, airlines usually prioritise frequent fliers or those with elite status for upgrades. However, if no one on the upgrade list takes those open seats, you may be in luck. Being polite, dressing appropriately, and bringing small tokens of appreciation for flight attendants may also increase your chances of an upgrade. Additionally, travelling with a baby, being tall or pregnant, or travelling for a special occasion could result in a more comfortable seat. Upgrades can also be negotiated if you volunteer to take a later flight in the event of oversold flights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to ask for an upgrade | While waiting at the gate |
| Best time to book a flight for an upgrade | Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday |
| Best time of day to book a flight for an upgrade | Avoid mid-morning departures |
| Time to get to the airport | 1-1.5 hours early |
| Ways to get an upgrade | Airline elite status, schedule flexibility, using airline miles, last-minute upgrades, credit card statement credits, volunteering to take a bump to a later flight |
| What to wear | Avoid looking too comfortable |
| Who gets priority | Frequent fliers, people travelling with a baby, tall or pregnant people, people travelling for a special occasion |
| What to bring | A small token of appreciation for flight attendants, e.g. a gift card for a coffee shop |
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What You'll Learn
- Elite status with an airline is the surest way to get a free upgrade
- Arrive at the gate 1-1.5 hours early to increase your chances
- If you're tall, pregnant, or travelling with a baby, you may be prioritised
- Travel on quieter days (Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday) and avoid mid-morning flights
- Ask for an upgrade at the gate, not once onboard
Elite status with an airline is the surest way to get a free upgrade
While there are many tricks and tips to getting a free upgrade on a flight, the surest way to get one is to have elite status with the airline. This means being a frequent flyer with airline loyalty, which will get you priority when there are empty seats in first or business class.
Elite status comes with benefits such as free upgrades, bonus miles, early boarding, flight discounts, and free passes to airport lounges. However, it has become harder to attain in recent years, with airlines making it more costly to earn. Most airlines award miles based on how much you spend rather than how far you fly, so there is less value in earning miles through flying.
That being said, there are still ways to gain elite status. One way is to use a credit card with the airline. For example, the New United Quest Card earns you 1 PQP for every $20 spent on the card, up to 18,000 PQPs per year. You can also use transferable points currencies and redeem them for aspirational travel, giving you more flexibility and value.
If you are not a frequent flyer, there are still ways to get a free upgrade. One tip is to book your flight on the quietest travel days (Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday) and avoid mid-morning departures. Another is to be kind to the flight attendants and bring a small token of appreciation, which could get you special treatment.
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Arrive at the gate 1-1.5 hours early to increase your chances
To increase your chances of getting a free upgrade, it is recommended that you arrive at the gate one to one-and-a-half hours early. This is because, during this time, the gate agents will be servicing your flight, and you can inquire about any potential upgrade possibilities. Arriving early ensures you are one of the first to ask, and there may be more opportunities for upgrades if the flight is underbooked.
While it is not always successful, a polite inquiry about upgrade possibilities can sometimes lead to a pleasant surprise. It is also beneficial to check-in online or via the airline's mobile app 24 hours before your flight, as this is when premium economy and extra legroom seats become available to the general public. If you can secure one of these seats, you may then have a greater chance of being moved to first class.
It is worth noting that the recommended arrival time at the gate is within a broader context of general recommendations for domestic and international flights. For domestic flights, it is typically suggested to arrive at the airport two hours before departure, while for international flights, three hours is often advised. These guidelines can vary depending on factors such as airport size, layout, and whether you require special assistance.
Additionally, certain situations may call for even earlier arrivals. For instance, when travelling with children, it is advisable to arrive earlier than recommended to account for extra paperwork and unaccompanied minor services. Similarly, if you are checking luggage, particularly at a busy airport, you may prefer to allow for extra time to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
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If you're tall, pregnant, or travelling with a baby, you may be prioritised
For tall passengers, it is recommended to book a normal economy flight and arrive at the gate early, ideally around 1 hour before boarding. Approach the flight attendant in a friendly manner and inquire about seats with more legroom, highlighting your height as a concern for comfort. This strategy has been reported to work around 90% of the time, especially if the flight is not full.
When travelling with a baby, it is important to be aware of the policies and assistance programmes offered by the airport and TSA. For example, the TSA Cares programme provides guidance and assistance for families navigating airport security with young children. You can contact them 72 hours prior to travelling to understand screening policies and procedures, and they can also assist with accommodations for passengers with disabilities or medical conditions. Additionally, formula, breast milk, baby food, and related supplies are allowed in carry-on baggage in excess of 3.4 ounces and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. However, inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process, and these items may be subject to separate screening procedures.
While there is no guarantee of an upgrade, being polite, friendly, and grateful towards flight attendants and TSA officers can increase your chances of being prioritised for more comfortable seating or receiving assistance when needed.
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Travel on quieter days (Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday) and avoid mid-morning flights
If you're looking to upgrade your flight at the airport, it's a good idea to arrive early. Aim to get to the gate one to one-and-a-half hours before boarding. This increases your chances of securing a good seat, and you may be able to take advantage of any last-minute upgrades that become available.
To avoid the crowds and increase your chances of an upgrade, it's best to travel on quieter days and avoid mid-morning flights. Here are some tips for when to travel:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are quieter days
Generally, the busiest days for air travel are Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays, as these are popular days for business and leisure trips. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays tend to be quieter, with fewer passengers and lower fares.
Avoid mid-morning flights
While early morning flights (5 am-8 am) are less crowded, mid-morning flights tend to be busier, especially during the week. If you want to avoid the rush, it's best to fly outside of these times.
Opt for early morning or late-night flights
Early morning and late-night flights are often quieter, with fewer passengers willing to travel at these inconvenient times. These flights are also usually cheaper due to lower demand.
Check for events and holidays
Major events, holidays, and seasonal peaks can cause unexpected surges in airport activity, even during off-peak times. Check local calendars and event platforms to avoid travelling during crowded times.
Fly during off-peak seasons
Air travel demand varies throughout the year, with certain days and months experiencing higher traffic. Generally, summer months and holidays like Christmas see an increase in travel, while January tends to be a quieter time to fly.
Remember, arriving early at the airport and choosing the right travel days and times can improve your chances of an upgrade and enhance your overall travel experience.
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Ask for an upgrade at the gate, not once onboard
Upgrades to business or first class are hard to come by, especially on long-haul flights, and are rarely free. However, if you're interested in an upgrade, it's best to ask at the gate, not once onboard. Flight attendants have confirmed that they can't do anything about upgrades once passengers are on the plane.
The best time to ask for an upgrade is while you're waiting at the gate. Gate agents will have a list of frequent fliers who are eligible for upgrades, but if there's no one on the upgrade list, you could get lucky. If you're a last-minute booker, check the seat selection page to see how many seats are available. You could also book your flight on quieter travel days, such as Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays, and avoid mid-morning departures.
If you're not a frequent flyer, you could try asking for an exit row seat, which has more legroom. These seats are usually sold as premium, but if no one has paid for them, the airline may be willing to move passengers there for free. However, these seats may not recline and could have reduced visibility.
It's also worth noting that passengers travelling with a baby, or those who are tall or pregnant, may have a better chance of receiving an upgrade. Additionally, those travelling for a special occasion should casually drop this information to the gate agents.
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Frequently asked questions
Arrive at the gate 1-1.5 hours early and speak to the gate agent about your interest in an upgrade. If you have elite status with the airline or know someone who does, you're more likely to be considered.
Book your flight on quieter travel days (Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday) and avoid mid-morning departures. Dress smartly and casually mention if you're travelling for a special occasion or if you're pregnant, tall or travelling with a baby.
You can try to negotiate an upgrade when volunteering to take a bump to a later flight. You can also use credit card points or airline miles to upgrade.
