Thread: What is the best way to get an upgrade on a scheduled flight?

I have tried to arrive early, late, well dressed, etc etc and have never had any luck...what is the secret.
its not that I don't want to pay the difference, I have in the past, it just annoys me when someone else gets an upgrade and I don't. I makes you wonder what the secret is. I'm finding out there isn't one.

do you mean upgrade or update? you can check with expedia.com they have a service where in you can send alerts to your email or mobile phone. if you mean updgrade of seats from coach - first class better to call the airline directly...

if you're talking about a free upgrade then you need to be a very frequent flyer and be registered in a frequent flyer program for the airline you travel with the most. they will send you upgrade certificates to use after you fly so many miles.
not sure how to do it without paying otherwise.

to be upgraded, there is an extra fee, it is never free, unless you work for the airlines and those are the only seats left and open to employees and/or companion passes that fly standby..

There's virtually no chance of getting an upgrade for more than one person, unfortunately, and should an upgrade become available, it will be offered to the traveller with the most points on their frequent flyer scheme. If you are smartly dressed, have minimal luggage, are alone and have loads of frequent flyer points, it's worthwhile asking - otherwise, forget it!

Be a premiere class with the airline's frequent flyer program, purchase a full-fare ticket, and you'll likely get upgraded.

Doesn't matter what you wear (except that sometimes Class A military uniforms help)

Pay the difference for a 1st class ticket - works EVERYTIME!

Why did you ask, rather than see all the other times this question has been asked when you typed in this question in the box?

May you not only never get upgraded, but you get to sit in the middle seat of the last row by the lavs. I'll wave from Row 1.

Wait until the plane has levelled after taking off. Kindly ask one of the cabin crew, if there are any spare seats in business or first class, and how much it would cost to upgrade.

It doesn't work all the time, but the crew working economy have more peole to deal with, so are sometimes happy to get rid of a person or two.

Remember - be nice about it, say your pleases and thank yous.
Always offer to pay. If they say it is going to cost $1000 and you can't afford it just say so. You should expect anything for free.

I have been upgrade three time from economy to first (paid $150 once, free other 2 times). Once from economy to business. Once from business to first for free.

I took a flight just after 9/11 and there was 6 people on the plane - we all go to go first class.

It's difficult to get upgraded. You do need to be a member of a frequent flyer programme. My husband has been upgraded from economy a couple of times. Had nothing to do with appearance and arriving late and any other of these myths. Economy was over booked, he was travelling alone, he had a lot of frequent flyer miles, one small piece of luggage.
There is no system to this, you just get lucky.