This is how you can score a free upgrade for your next flight

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Who would say no to travelling Business or First Class, especially if you’re just paying the price of an Economy ticket?

Yes, you can get an upgrade, but don’t throw tantrums or try chatting up check-in staff to score one.

While getting bumped up a class is rare, it isn’t impossible. We’re here to help lift your flight game and ensure you get to your chosen destination in style with these tips on how to bag an upgrade on your next trip. See you in first class!

Related: To bring or not to bring your passport at all times when you're travelling?

Photo: Giphy

#1 Dress well

Don’t expect the staff at the check-in desk to fall over themselves at the sight of you in a full-on ball gown complete with a 10-foot veil but you’ll limit your chances of an upgrade if you turn up in socks and Adidas slides.

Dressy shoes are always a smarter sartorial choice for the lounge, too. 

Related: 5 Beauty tips on preparing for a long flight & looking airport-ready

#2 Turn up early

Upgrades mostly happen at one of two times: before barely any guests are checked in; and when everyone’s checked in and the flight is almost at capacity.

Play it safe and go early, politely suggesting you’d be happy to be moved if the flight is looking full, and cross your fingers. 

#3 Use your points

If all else fails, handing over your frequent flyer points can help guarantee the seat you want, without the hustle.

Find a membership rewards card that gives you a choice of airline partners. Then, make the most of your new plastic whilst overseas too – every point you earn can be put towards your next trip. 

Related: For your next vacation, travel to the land of dragons (and it's closer than you think)

Photo: Giphy

#4 Be loyal to the airline

Fly with them (or one of their affiliate airlines) where possible, and invest in their frequent flyer program.

Without being rude, don’t be afraid to drop mention of a time they’ve inconvenienced you in the past, or play the pity card if you’ve just had a particularly hellish leg.

When in doubt, tales of crying babies work wonders. 

#5 Check your emails

Often if a flight has been overbooked (it’s more common than you’d think), the airline will send out an email to see if anyone would like to upgrade for a relatively small fee.

While not exactly a free ride, it’ll be far cheaper than if you paid for the full fare to begin with. 

Related: Are gym memberships at the big chains in Singapore worth your money?

#6 Travel at quiet times

Lynn Unick, a growth manager at Skyscanner, reckons you’ve got a better chance of upgrading to business class by booking a flight on public holidays and at other times of the year when business users are less likely to fly, as the seats tend not to be taken up. 

Photo: Giphy

#7 Turn up late (and don't reserve your seat ahead of time)

Be late without reserving your seat: if you’re lucky and if the flight is overbooked, you might just be able to bag a premium class ticket.

However, Joe Sarre, Senior Product Manager in APAC says it “works well at busy times, but it’s a dangerous game! If you’re too late you might miss the check-in time, or they might have already sorted their overbooking problems by giving upgrades to the passengers ahead.” 

#8 Be nice and just ask

Kindness pays, so pay it forward with interest and you could be in first class in the blink of a smile.

Yes, that’s right, bagging an upgrade could be as simple as a show of clean teeth and a few well-placed words complimenting the check-in staff on their nail extensions.

This tactic is particularly good for girls travelling alone but not during peak periods. 

This story first appeared on The Singapore Women's Weekly.