How to Get a Free Upgrade to First Class (or Get the Cheapest Seat)
Flying first class is all about comfort, privacy and luxurious legroom. Unfortunately, the price range of the average passenger is more often associated with the crying of babies than with the quiet clinking of champagne glasses.
Passengers with elite airline status or a credit card of a specific airline can easily upgrade to first class. But what about the rest of us? Even if you’re buying an economy class ticket, there are some real tips and tricks for getting an upgrade to first class without paying the full price. Here are the best ways to increase your chances of getting an upgrade to first class at the cost of an economy class ticket.
Book Savings First, Then Upgrade
Our number one tip is to buy cheap and then move on from there. Do not immediately buy a first class ticket. It is more profitable to buy an economy class ticket first and then upgrade it. You can do this immediately after booking, or risk waiting for cheaper last-minute upgrade options (more on that below).
Redeeming miles and points is the cheapest way to upgrade, but you must first earn all those miles and points. We’ll recap the airline loyalty benefits below, but for now, let’s assume you haven’t accumulated these benefits yet.
Take the risk of upgrading at the last minute
Shocker: Airlines want to make as much money as possible. If they have a first class seat available, they will try to sell you that upgrade, probably at a reduced price from what they would have been when you first booked your seat.
Naturally, the risk of waiting for a last-minute discount is that there may not be any updates available. But if you’re willing to take the risk of staying in economy class, a last-minute upgrade is the cheapest route. High risk, high reward.
Try your hand at bidding
While not available on all major airlines, some do offer a bidding system for upgrades to First Class. These bids are like a blind auction, meaning you name your price for an upgrade and then hope it’s the best offer you can get compared to your fellow travelers. Of course, if you win, you must be prepared to pay this price. If your upcoming flight has a bidding option, please see the Points Guy Guide to Upgrade Rates.
Be flexible with travel plans
My travels are constantly interrupted due to weather, technical issues or airline overbookings. To reassure passengers (or tempt them to forgo seats), airlines often offer upgrades to flights that depart at different times or go to different airports. If you can afford to change your itinerary, take advantage of their offer and request a discount or a free upgrade on your new flight. When you do, make it clear that you (with all due respect) are looking forward to the update. You can say something like, “I can afford to give up my seat on this flight if I can get a first class seat on the [next] flight. ”
Explore different flight routes
Don’t count on your airline to rebook your flight. During your initial booking, please note that arrivals and departures from different airports at different times. Flying in the off-season or mid-week at smaller airports can mean cheaper flights. In addition, the fewer seats booked on a flight, the more likely you are to get an upgrade (especially at the last minute).
Start earning points now
If you really want to get premium seats at the best prices, you need to choose the airline you like and sign up for their rewards program. Miles, points and elite statuses will result in special treatment in the future. For example, US AAdvantage Executive Platinum members receive a free domestic upgrade, and all Delta Medallion Elite members are eligible for a free upgrade (provided by Elite status). Invest in these rewards by registering now.
Avoid Scams
Setting up airfare alerts is a legitimate way to save money, but be wary of any third party brokers that claim to buy and sell you points. If you want to purchase points, don’t risk doing it directly with the airline.
Last Reminders to Boost Your Chances
You are more likely to receive an update if you meet the following guidelines:
- Solo flight. It’s much easier to upgrade one person than it is to try and manage a family. If you’re traveling with a group, make sure you book everything separately if you want to have a better chance of getting an upgrade. Every man for himself.
- Book empty flights. You can see how full the flight is when you book, and the more first class seats that remain available, the more incentive there is to upgrade as the airline tries to fill them up.
- Be one of the first to register. Checking in as early as possible (usually 24 hours before departure) increases your chances of getting first class seats that the airline wants to sell right before your flight.
- Alternatively, be the latest. As we mentioned above, late check-in gives you the upgrade advantage that the airline is desperately trying to earn. Again, this is a risky move and you might be better off booking an economy seat in advance and then asking if there are any upgrades available at the gate. On that note…
- Ask well. Maybe it should be taken for granted, but a little human kindness can go a long way.