It is very difficult
these days to get upgraded to a first-class seat without spending quite a good
amount of money. Airlines are keen on selling first-class tickets rather than
giving free upgrades. Below are the tricks to consider while checking for a
cheap first-class upgrade.
#1. Be Polite
You need to be
polite and do not push the airline staff as they play a vital role in decision
making on ticket upgrades. Being courteous and exchanging pleasantries with the
check-in executive can increase your chances to get a first-class seat upgrade.
Exchanging small goodies or sweets for seat upgrade would be a humble gesture
towards them.
#2. Choose Appropriate Time
First-class
passengers most probably prefer to travel rather on weekdays than at the end of
the week. Hence there are chances that quite a fair number of first-class seats
are open on weekend mornings. The airline check-in staff is quite comfortable in
the morning on these days. You can check-in before time to grab your ticket
upgrade.
Anytime you are
re-booked on another flight because of delays due to weather, there is an
opportunity for negotiation if the seats on that flight are empty in business
class. Flight attendants can be generous to upgrade your seat on special
occasions like your wedding anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday.
#3. Don’t Miss On Easy-Up Fares
K, Y and, Z fares
are the technical names of Easy-Up fares. Last-minute discount on normal
economy class ticket cost is an Easy-Up fare. Your travel agency can find
Easy-Up fares for you. Airlines do not do heavy publicity of these fares.
#4. Be A Loyal Customer
As an active
participant of airline frequent-flier program, you are entitled to elite
status and free flights once you collect required mileage points. Taxes to be
paid separately. You need to utilize your earned mileage points before they
cross the due date. You can not redeem mileage points to buy low-cost tickets
from the third party. Don’t ignore emails you get from the airline companies.
#5. Buying Points
Do not purchase
points from third-party websites apart from the airline site as most of the airline
companies may not accept the same. You may lose miles or may not be able to
redeem them if you buy them from the third-party website and don’t purchase them
directly from the airline.
#6. Check On Paid Upgrades While Checking In
You can buy seat
upgrade at the time of check-in If you don’t have enough mileage points for a
free upgrade. You can buy seat upgrade at a discounted rate whenever airlines
have unlisted first-class seats available with them. It may cost you more if
you purchase these seats in advance.
#7. Smart Dressing
A passenger who
visually looks to be a business class traveler may take over you if you wear
casual clothes, and you may stay back in the economy class. It will be very
unfair if travelers paying for first-class tickets won’t get their seats. Also,
first-class co-passengers may not willfully welcome you if you are dressed in
casuals. The smart dressing can help to get you an upgrade to a business class
seat.
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