Moving to the front of the plane is a dream from most economy passengers. But many don’t know where to start when strategizing how to get upgraded to first class.
Sure, there are a few ways to be certain that you’ll be considered for an upgrade, like having elite status with the airline or simply opting to cash in points and miles to secure a more premium seat. But if you aren’t loyal to one carrier and you don’t have airline miles to speak of, are there other ways to get a free upgrade?
Also Read- 9 Ways to Use Points and Miles to Get a Jump on Fall Travel
One strategy that sparks debate among frequent fliers is trying to negotiate an upgrade when a flight is oversold. Airlines often maximize profits by selling more tickets than there are seats on planes, in anticipation that some passengers will miss the flight or change their plans at the last minute. When all passengers show up at the gate—or when airlines need to fly crew to another airport on a sold-out plane—gate agents need volunteers to give up their seats and get bumped to a later flight.
It’s a situation that has happened more often since the pandemic—and one that you could potentially capitalize on. Gate agents want to avoid bumping passengers against their will, so they’re authorized to offer incentives like travel vouchers, gift cards, and other perks. Some frequent fliers say it’s possible to request an upgrade to first class as part of giving up your seat. But the negotiation takes a lot of finesse—if a gate agent will entertain it at all.
“This has happened, but as a general matter doesn’t work often,” says Gary Leff, an aviation expert who writes the blog View From the Wing. Usually, gate agents prefer to sweeten the deal by increasing the amounts of travel vouchers or gift cards instead, according to Leff.
However, just because requesting an upgrade instead of a voucher is a little unorthodox, it doesn’t mean it’s off the table. “In situations where they’re really motivated to get volunteers, [requesting an upgrade] might work, but another snag is that there need to be premium seats available on alternate flights,” Leff says. “Increasingly, premium cabins are full in advance and there aren’t leftovers to do this with.”
That means that if you do want to negotiate an upgrade request as a condition of being bumped, doing your research will be key. Look at the next few flights on the airline’s website and see what seats are available. Identify which flight you’d ideally like to be upgraded on. Then approach the gate agent and kindly state your request.
Also Read- What Happens If You Don’t Put Your Phone Into Airplane Mode?
The best case for a free upgrade a traveler could make to a gate agent would be if no coach seats are available on the next flight but premium seats are open, according to Brett Snyder, president of Cranky Concierge, a firm that offers air travel assistance. “A traveler can say, ‘If you can get me on that next flight, I can go,’” Snyder says.
Spelling out the specific details of your offer is important. “You should state clearly what you want when offering to volunteer,” Leff advises. Because a gate agent will have to sign off on any upgrades, it’s not possible to make such a request online and must go through the representative at the podium, according to Leff.
After you make your request, the gate agent will likely need to look into it and further assess what’s possible. Remember, they’re juggling a lot of details, all under strict time constraints. Try to sit close to the podium to monitor the situation but don’t hover or be bothersome.
If the gate agent agrees to a first class upgrade, be sure to re-confirm the change has been processed before they move you to the later flight. “An overworked gate agent might add you to the volunteer list, not really internalizing the specifics of what you’ve asked for,” Leff says. “Don’t assume they’re delivering on what you said your requirements were. Make sure you are certain you have it before giving up your seat.”
Remember that while it’s certainly possible, getting upgraded is not considered the standard compensation by most airlines for oversold flights. So pick the right situation and be respectful and patient with gate agents. “Airlines have tried to make oversold flights as uncomplicated as possible for agents,” Synder says. “They don’t really have the time or interest in trying to negotiate side deals in most cases.”
Also Read- Lost Death Valley visitors trek across salt flat after car gets stuck
Getting upgraded in this manner is certainly not a straightforward process, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth giving it a shot. “A traveler can always try,” Snyder says. “There’s no harm in asking.”
