How to Get Upgraded to First Class for Free

Have you ever boarded a plane and wished you were seated in the first class section? Everyone has been there. For those who don't have the cash to spend on pricey aircraft tickets, there are a few alternatives.

Here, we explain how to get free upgrades on local and international flights, as well as dispel some popular misconceptions regarding the procedure.

How to Get a Domestic Flight Upgrade

On domestic flights, major airlines brand their premium cabin as "first class," and these are often roomy armchair-like seats on narrow-body aircraft.

Earning elite airline status is the greatest method to gain a free upgrade to first class. All of the major airlines provide complimentary upgrades to frequent flyers, but it is not on every route. 

If you have elite status with your airline, just request a free upgrade for your ticket before your trip or when you check in.

Upgrades are handed out depending on availability, and there is a set hierarchy for those restricted seats. Top-tier elites are ranked highest, although other considerations like as possessing an airline-branded credit card also play a role. Your free upgrade might become available at any time, from a few days before your journey to the moment you scan your boarding card. In certain situations, you may be summoned to the front after taking your seat in economy.

You can still get an upgrade if you don't have status, but you'll have to pay for it. If a first-class upgrade is available, many airlines will let you pay with miles instead of cash for the privilege of flying first class; in this case, the upgrade is free. Inquire at the airport counter if you're checking in to see if there are any paid upgrades available for your flight.

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How to Get an International Flight Upgrade

The term "business class" is widely used by airlines to refer to their most luxurious cabins. There are certain airlines that offer a class that is even more luxury than business, which is confusingly referred to as "first class." Nonetheless, the chairs in all of these circumstances can be reclined.

Upgrades on foreign flights, in contrast to domestic flights, are quite uncommon. For the most part, most elites are not eligible for free upgrades to business class, save on select short-haul international flights to the Americas operated by several US-based carriers.

The only exception is for elites who get systemwide upgrades as a reward for their loyalty, and such certificates may be used to upgrade to business class on foreign flights, assuming there is room in the cabin. In certain cases, they may be transferred to other carriers.

Unless you have a systemwide upgrade, your options are restricted to cash or miles, which you may use before to your journey or at check-in, as is the case with domestic flights.

A few options are available if you are prepared to pay for an upgrade but are seeking for a good price. Passengers on certain airlines are allowed to bid for an upgrade prior to the trip, while on others, an agent at the airport may be able to provide substantial discounts on upgrades.

Several Reasons You Could Receive a "Surprise Upgrade."

First and business class seats may be available on certain flights when economy cabins are overbooked. A so-called "operational upgrade" may then result in some fortunate customers receiving a complimentary ticket to first or business class. However, these upgrades aren't given to random customers; instead, they are given to members of the airline's elite first.

Similarly, if your aircraft is overbooked and the airline is looking for volunteers to take a later departure, individuals prepared to do so may have some negotiation leverage to win an upgrade.