11 of the best ways to score a flight upgrade

Sprawl out in first class. Use these secret tips to get upgraded on your next flight.

It’s the dream to buy economy and get bumped up to first class absolutely free, but how do you make that dream a reality?

While there’s no hard and fast rule on how to bag an upgrade, there are a few ways you can increase your chances of nabbing that premium economy, business or first class upgrade.

How do I get upgraded to first class?

1. Join the frequent flyer programme. Many luxury airlines like Qantas let you trade in your hard earned frequent flyer points for upgrades. This option might not be free, but this way you are guaranteed to get that upgrade on your flight. Also, it doesn’t hurt to be part of the frequent flyer programme to show that you have loyalty to the airline itself.

2. Bid in a flight upgrade auction. Again, this option might not be a freebie, but it does increase your chances of getting an upgrade for cheap. Many major airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines and Etihad let you “bid” for a seat in a more premium class. You nominate how much you’re willing to pay and if you’re the highest bidder before a designated period, you could win that premium seat. You might also like to look into bidding upgrade sites like Optiontown, which let you bid on certain benefits such as extra baggage allowance, lounge access and flatbeds on airlines including AirAsia X, SAS and Vietnam Airlines.

3. Download upgrade apps. Get notified as soon as possible so you can nab the limited number of discounted upgrades available. Due to launch later this year, Seatfrog is designed to notify those who have registered their flight with the app when the airline is offering discounted upgrades prior to departure. Those looking to step up a class can name their price through the app.

4. Don’t go for the special meal. It might seem like an odd tip, but if you can deal with the options on the onboard menu, opt out of having a special meal. These meals are linked to your seat number, so airlines generally don’t upgrade anyone who has nominated one.

5. Fly during quieter periods. During peak times you’ll find that business flyers will fill up the business and first class seats leaving nothing for eager upgraders. Fly during quieter periods and you’ve automatically increased your chances of snatching up one of the spare seats on board.

6. Timing is everything. Be early or be late, they both have their benefits. If you’re early then you could be the first one to be offered an upgraded seat. If you’re late and you haven’t been assigned a seat yet, then there’s a chance that the flight has been overbooked for your class and you could be bumped up. Of course, being late has its negatives too, including missing your flight, having the upgrades taken by those who arrived early or being bumped to the next flight because your flight is full. That’s the risk you’d have to take.

Emirates.FirstClass

Image: Emirates

7. Make an impression. There’s a lot of advice going out about complaining about something, playing to the emotional side of the person at the counter or just generally being nice and complimenting them. We’re leaving it on this list because some say it has worked for them. Feel free to try one or the other, but there’s no guarantee it’ll work.

8. Bump yourself off the plane: If the plane has been overbooked and you can sacrifice the waiting time, nominate yourself to be bumped off the plane on the provision that you be upgraded on the next flight. If the airline can accommodate for this request, it might very well honour it.

9. Dress to impress. Some people swear by this one and it can’t hurt to look like you belong in first class when at the airline counter.

10. Don’t let a delay get the better of you. Flight delays can play a role in upgrades. You might be automatically given an upgraded ticket at the counter, or called to the counter at the gate to exchange your ticket for one with a better seat.

11. Use your status. People with titles like Dr or Judge can sometimes be upgraded purely because of their status in society. The same goes for those with diplomatic passports.

Top travel deals

Deal Free cancellation

Free cancellation on selected bookings!

No cancellation fees on specific packages with Booking.com. T&Cs apply.
Code APP

Save up to £265 with TUI app

Download on your app store The TUI app and save up to £265. Valid on holidays departing between 1 May – 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save £100 on a Greece getaway

Going to Greece this summer? Grab a ridiculous deal at TUI and save £100 on your trip! Book now! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Winter tours in the UK from £15

Christmas has a special charm all of its own. Book your winter tour to discover some of the UK's most iconic places. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Winter tours from £21

Enjoy a winter holiday and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle and take part in a variety of outdoor experiences with provided equipment, including snowshoeing, skiing, and snow-powder hiking. Book your tour today! T&Cs apply.
Code

Save 15% on ski holidays

Become a member for free and access Member Prices to instantly save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels. So you can find your perfect ski base camp for your snowy expeditions for less and also earn points towards saving on future trips. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Book the best ski resorts in Switzerland

Switzerland is an Alpine country that’s known for its breathtaking scenery, magnificent powdery slopes, and top ski resorts where you can experience brilliant snow and wintery magic. Book your stay now! T&Cs apply.
Code Top deal!

Hotel deals: 30% off or more

Get a great deal on your next getaway with flexible booking options so if something comes up, you're covered. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Try a Group package holiday!

Jer2 makes flying friendly for groups of 10 or more! With low deposit, part payments and free name changes, it’s so easy to fly away. What are you waiting for? T&Cs apply.
Deal

Cheap flights from our UK bases

Find plenty of cheap flights with Jet2.com to more than 60 destinations across Europe. Not only can you enjoy great deals but you can also expect fab flight times and award-winning customer service. T&Cs apply.
Deal Cancel for free

Cancel your hotel reservation for free

Can't or don't want to go on a trip anymore? Don't worry! If you booked it through Expedia, you can cancel it for free. T&Cs apply.
Code Huge!

Up to 50% off hotel bookings

Create an account at Booking.com and get members-only access to Secret Deals with discounts of up to 50% off selected properties! T&Cs apply.
Deal Free cancellation

Book with Confidence – free cancellation on most rooms!

Book with confidence at hotels.com and if you change your mind you can cancel most reservations for free. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Travel flexibly and book with confidence!

Find lots of flights and hotels that in this period are no longer charging their standard handling fees for booking changes or cancellations. Shop now. T&Cs apply.
Code Save!

15% off online bookings!

Book your Madame Tussauds ticket online now and save up to 15% compared to buying at the door! T&Cs apply.
Deal

London deals £35 or less

Book your affordable city break in London at Travelodge. Save now on your next stay! T&Cs apply
Code

20% off your booking

Looking for a transport service that has the best airport transfer and resort transfer deals? You've found it! Go to HolidayTaxis now and use this discount code to save 20% on your order! T&Cs apply.
Deal

10% discount on parking and hotels at selected major airports

Leisure Guard knows about travel. Plan ahead and save 10% on parking and hotels at selected major airports, giving you more time and money to focus on the fun times ahead. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Download the app for free

Want to have access to your travel insurance policy no matter where you are? Get it with Post Office. Download the app for free. T&Cs apply.
Code

10% off vehicle car hire insurance

Are you Leisure Guard's customer already? Take advantage of this amazing deal! Use this discount code and pay less for a vehicle car hire insurance. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Download the app for free

Have your quotes, policy documents and purchases under control with the iCarhire app. Download it now for free! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Access 1,400+ airport lounges and travel experiences with this link

Access 1,400+ airport lounges and premium travel experiences globally, in 600 cities across 148 countries
Deal

Visit Paris for just £142

In need of a weekend away? Book your trip to Paris for just £142 (flight + 2 nights trip). What are you waiting for? Plan your magical weekend now. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Shop the latest travel dreams at eDreams!

Book your next adventure through eDreams and score a great deal! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Single Parent and Solo Traveller promo codes available

Single Parent and Solo Traveller promo codes available at TUI. Book your trip now! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save £30 (minimum spend £300)

Save £30 per booking on selected holidays departing between 1st May 2023 and 31st October 2023 with your unique code. Discount is valid on holidays departing between 1st May 2023 and 31st October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Code

Save £100 when you spend £1000

Want to escape far away? Use this discount code to save £100 on bookings at TUI. Go now! T&Cs apply.
Code

Save £250 on selected long-haul breaks

Want to escape far away? Use this discount code to save £250 on bookings at TUI. Go now! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Book last minute holidays from only £180

Find amazing deals on last minute holiday packages from TUI. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save up to 54% on travels at Wowcher

Wowcher offers hundreds of incredible deals across categories including travel, gifts and experience days. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Find great holiday deals at Jet2

Fancy getting away for the weekend? Find a bargain deal on flights and hotels at Jet2. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Marriott Bonvoy Benefits

Start earning your way towards Elite status with your first stay and enjoy benefits from the moment you join. Experience the thrill of redeeming free nights, delights and access to events and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save up to 61% off Countryside retreats

Wondering where to go this summer? Check out Wowcher's summer retreats now and save up to 61% off your Summer Getaway! T&Cs apply.
Code Students!

10% student discount

Stretch out that student loan just a little bit further with this 10% student discount from Wowcher. T&Cs apply. 
Deal

Book early and save up to 20%

Travel smarter and for less with early bookings at Expedia. Explore the best deals that will help you save up to 20% when you book 60 days in advance. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Subscribe for member prices - unlock an extra 10% or more off select hotels

Subscribe now and get extra 10% or more off select hotels at Expedia! T&Cs apply.
Deal Pay later!

Book now and pay later with Klarna!

Can't pay for your holiday in one go? Expedia offers its customers Klarna services to spread the cost of their orders. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Amsterdam accommodation from £30pn

Searching for a place to stay in Amsterdam? Find the best place for yourself from £30ppn only. T&Cs apply
Deal

New York hotels from £155ppn

Travelling to the big apple? Don't spend a fortune on your stay - find New York hotels for as little as £155ppn. T&Cs apply
Deal

10% off selected hotels with Genius discount

Create a booking.com account today and once you become a Genius member you'll have access to an extra 10% off tons of great hotels! T&Cs apply
Go to site