Travel Advisor

Air travel without a doubt is the fastest and the most convenient means to travel. If you are flying first class or business class, the experience is much better. Unfortunately, many travelers do not have the luxury of flying first class, unless you get a free airline upgrade. Getting your economy class airline ticket upgraded to first class may sound like a fairytale, but it does happen. It is true that getting a free upgrade is very unpredictable but one can increase the chances. For everyone out there looking to get their economy class tickets upgraded to first class here are some tips and tricks.

• The best way to increase your chances is by sticking with one airline instead of flying in different airlines. Join the airline frequent flier program. This way, even if you don’t get a free upgrade you will get access to airline airport lounges and so on.

• The best time to get a free upgrade is early afternoon and late evening.

• Another great way is to book your flight tickets when the economy section is full. You can known whether their economy section is packed or not by going through a false booking on the airline website. As there is so much competition, the airline may squeeze you to first class instead of turning you away.

• How you dress is very important. You need not wear a suit or a tie but at least dress like a business executive as airlines won’t be willing to upgrade a person wearing torn jeans and dirty shoes, to the first class.

• Be polite. Ask the check-in staff, ‘whether you are eligible for an upgrade’. Those traveling alone have a bigger chance of getting a free upgrade than those traveling in groups.