When you’re ready to travel to exotic international destinations, a small budget can be a real obstacle. Scoring a free upgrade to a luxury airline seat without using points is rare, but not unheard of. Here are tried-and-true methods with a decent chance of working if the circumstances are right and the aircraft is not full. Here’s what you need to know.
Benefits of Traveling Business Class
Business-class travel is in a league of its own, more so these days than ever before. The benefits of a business class ticket start when you book your flight. You can usually choose your seat when booking, which means you are sure to get the seat you want, especially if you’re booking well in advance of the travel date. Although most airlines now have business class cabins that allow aisle access for every seat, if you prefer a window seat or a certain location in the cabin, you’ll want to get that reserved quickly.
On the day of departure, you’ll have access to exclusive business class lounges, with all the little luxuries included, such as
Priority check-in:
- A variety of comfy seating areas
- Extensive buffets
- Complimentary beverages
- Daily newspapers and magazines
- Free WiFi
- Cable television access
- Exclusive views
- Well stocked and private office areas
Some, depending on location, even have private shower rooms stocked with soft fluffy towels and sumptuous toiletries so you can freshen up while awaiting departure.
Onboard you’ll find super comfy, spacious seats, extra legroom, fresh and innovative menus, and complimentary hot and cold beverages and some airlines have completely private pods with fully closing doors in their business class cabins.
So how do you get access to these fine experiences without breaking the bank?
1. Ask For It
If you decide to wait until the day of departure, try asking the airline’s gate agent if there are any discounted last-minute upgrades available. Get there early so your name is at the top of the list, just in case you’re not the only one to try to take advantage of this system.
It stands to reason that the name at the top of the list will be the one that gets the upgrade if there is any to be had. Be courteous, and let them know you’re willing to pay. If they realize you’re not expecting a freebie, they’ll be more likely to add a note next to your name, giving you the priority if a seat does become available.
2. Go Solo
Obviously, traveling with a companion or in the company of a group is a lot more fun, especially if you’re taking a holiday. However, traveling by yourself gives you the best chance of getting a free upgrade, especially if you’re polite and friendly to the airline staff and flight attendants, and you’re dressed in smart business attire.
You have to look at the part to get the part. If there is an upgrade to happen, the staff will look for solo bookings, so even if you’re traveling with friends book your flights separately.
3. Arrive Early
If there is an upgraded seat available, the first person to check-in and inquire is more likely to get it.
4. Fly Midweek or Redeye
Flying on the less popular days for business travellers can seriously increase the likelihood of an upgrade. Travelling midweek, during the middle of the day, or in the middle of the night is a good way to avoid the true business traveler rush. Those who need to be at the office by 9 Monday, for example, won’t be competing for seats on flights departing later in the day.
This can mean your traveling companions in economy class are mainly families, often with small children. However, this can work in your favour, particularly if there are no other seats in economy class and you’ve got a legitimate reason to request a seat change.
5. Volunteer To Sit This One Out
Most airlines have a habit of overbooking their economy fare sections, in order to allow for no-shows and late cancellations. If you’re not in a hurry on the day, you could volunteer to be “bumped” to the next flight – in exchange for an upgrade – if the flight you’re on is overbooked. Be polite and let airline staff know you’re ok with a longer wait if they need to “bump” anyone, and you might just be rewarded for the good deed.
To up your chances of a bump upgrade, book a flight on a crowded flight at a popular time but check the seat situation for a later flight. Late afternoon and early evening flights are popular, late night and very early flights are not. Plan to wait for a late-night flight – if you get bumped to business class, you can stretch out and sleep in comfort anyway.
Tips to Fly Business Class for Free
