Flying economy isn’t all that bad, especially if you’re not paying much to travel to Paris, London or Rome. The seat is reasonably comfortable, your hand luggage is safely stowed away and the meal… actually, there’s no meal. But then, you shouldn’t get hungry on a two-hour flight.
The only issue with economy is that to get to your seat, you have to walk through first and business class. If you keep looking straight ahead, you’ll be fine. But if your eyes wander a bit, then you’ve had it. Aspiration kicks in and the prospect of flying economy suddenly turns sour. Because, let’s face it, it’s a short flight and you’ll sleep anyway. But those plump leather seats look very comfortable. You move to one side to allow the purser pass, bearing champagne. Not for you, of course, but for those who can afford to fly in the front seats.
In recent years, the gap between classes has grown wider. In the back, leg space has become tighter, the seats more crowded and the meals less filling. Up front, however, first and business class look more like hotel suites, especially on long-haul flights. Seats can convert into fully flat beds. Some airlines have even installed showers where travellers can pamper themselves with exclusive toiletries. And the meals are three-course gourmet wonders.
If you want to enjoy the experience of flying first or business class, you have two options. The first is the easiest: pay for it. Yes, it’s expensive. However, if you appreciate luxury and comfort at 40,000 feet, you will be willing to exchange a month’s salary with premium flights.
The second option is to get a free upgrade. A few years back, getting a free upgrade wasn’t such a rare occasion. Nowadays, however, when an extra cracker on your plate could spell the difference between profit and loss for an airline, getting a free upgrade is like finding one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets.
That said, a free upgrade isn’t impossible. You just have to adopt certain tactics and hope for some luck.
Be nice
Appearances and politeness go a long way. Always be polite to the check-in staff and to the cabin crew. Also, when flying, don’t dress like you’re going to the beach: put on some smart clothes.
Good timing
Arriving huffing and puffing at the check-in desk five minutes before it closes isn’t going to work. You will be lucky to board the plane let alone get an upgrade.
Hope for a busy flight
If an airline hasn’t sold most of the seats on a flight, then your chances of getting an upgrade will be slim. However, if the flight has been overbooked, then the airline will upgrade some passengers in order to accommodate everybody on the flight.
Frequent flyers
Loyalty pays and if you are a frequent flyer with a particular airline, then you’ll be first on the list for an upgrade.
Inconvenience pays
If an airline has caused you problems, don’t hesitate to ask for an upgrade. For instance, if an airline has mishandled or lost your luggage on your flight out, you can ask for an upgrade on your return flight.
Even during a flight, you might be at the wrong end of an inconvenience. Maybe cabin crew will ask you to move so that a family flies together: there’s a good chance you will get rewarded for giving up your seat. You could also be the victim of unlucky incidents, such as getting a seat that doesn’t recline. If you do, ask cabin crew to move you: you might get another economy seat, but if none are free, then you might be upgraded to the front seats.
Special occasions
If you’re going on your honeymoon or travelling to celebrate your birthday or wedding anniversary, let the airline staff know. Of course, you will not always get an upgrade: but you might get a free glass of champagne on board. And no one ever refuses champagne.