Fancy sipping champagne in business class or stretching out in a premium seat without paying full price?
Flight Tribe’s expert tips will boost your chances of scoring an upgrade on a flight, from free business-class seats to affordable upgrades. You might be a frequent flyer or just an occasional traveller, but either way, our strategies will get you flying in style at low costs.
So, if you’re wondering how to get an upgrade on a flight without breaking the bank, check out our top 13 tips below to land that coveted upgrade.
1. Join a Frequent Flyer Programme
Airline loyalty programmes can be your number one ticket to an upgrade.
Joining a frequent flyer scheme like British Airways Executive Club or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club means you can earn miles on every flight. If you take a London to New York return, for example, you can earn up to 5,000 miles, which is enough for a premium economy upgrade after a few trips.
Focus on allying up with one airline to rack up miles faster. Elite status, which can be earned through frequent travel, will often unlock priority upgrades – sometimes for free if seats are available.
2. Top Tip: Status Matching
If you have elite status with one airline, others may decide to match it.
For example, Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles offers a status match that grants you the Elite tier, providing benefits like lounge access and priority boarding, alongside an improved chance of cheaper or complimentary upgrades.
Check airline websites for status-match campaigns to make the most of your status.
3. Book Less Popular Flight Times
It’s good to remember that overbooked flights will almost never offer upgrades, but less popular times, such as early mornings or midweek, often have empty premium seats.
Airlines may offer last-minute upgrades at check-in for as little as £100, compared to £500+ for pre-booked premium seats. Tools like Google Flights can help you spot quieter routes and better your chances.
4. Get to the Airport Early
When you arrive at the airport three hours before your flight, you’ve got ample time to charm gate agents.
Politely inquire about upgrade availability at check-in or the gate, as airlines often release unsold premium seats closer to departure. This way, you can get an upgrade for hundreds of pounds less than it normally would be.
Checking in early also signals to flight staff that you’re a prepared traveller who’s taking the journey seriously. They’ll appreciate this and be more likely to allocate you an upgrade.
5. Bid for an Upgrade
Many airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic and Emirates, offer bidding systems for upgrades. You place a bid (e.g., £100-£300) for a business class seat, and if accepted, you pay far less than the full fare.
You might receive a bid link in your booking confirmation email, typically sent 7-14 days before departure. Be strategic with your bid; higher offers always win, but modest bids stand a good chance on quieter flights.
6. Use Avios or Reward Points
Loyalty points like Avios (British Airways) or Skywards Miles (Emirates) can upgrade existing bookings. A London-Singapore economy ticket (20,000 Avios) can be upgraded to premium economy for 10,000 extra points, which will save you upwards of £400 compared to buying outright.
You can transfer points from credit cards (like American Express) to improve your balance. Always compare the point value against cash upgrades to ensure you’re actually getting a deal.
7. Advertise Special Occasions
Going away for a honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary?
Don’t be shy about letting staff know when you’re booking or checking in. Airlines like Emirates or Singapore Airlines occasionally offer complimentary upgrades for special events, especially if premium seats are available.
If you don’t have an occasion, or if you don’t think your occasion will be worthy of an upgrade, avoid lying or exaggerating, as staff may want to verify your claim.
8. Follow Airlines on Social Media
Airlines often post flash sales and upgrade promotions on X or Instagram. British Airways’ X account regularly shares last-minute upgrade offers, such as sub-£100 premium economy upgrades for select routes.
Following carriers like Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways can alert you to contests or loyalty perks, increasing your odds of getting an upgrade. To improve your chances even further, turn on notifications for airline accounts and catch time-sensitive deals before they expire.
9. Dress Smartly
It may not seem fair, but appearances do matter when airlines choose who to upgrade.
Dressing in a smart-casual attire – like a collared shirt or pencil skirt – signals you’ll fit in with premium cabin passengers. Neatly dressed travellers are more likely to be prioritised over someone in gym wear for a last-minute upgrade.
Nonetheless, don’t overdo it. Smart or business casual is enough to make a good impression.
10. Report Seat or Entertainment Issues
If you sit down in your seat and find that it’s broken or that there are issues with your entertainment system, don’t hesitate to politely inform the crew.
Certain airlines may be willing to upgrade travellers to premium seats if economy is full. This way, a faulty screen or creaky seat could lead to a free business-class upgrade that would otherwise set you back hundreds of pounds.
Don’t fabricate issues; genuine complaints are more likely to be rewarded.
11. Travel Solo or in Small Groups
Solo travellers or couples have better upgrade chances than large groups, as premium cabins rarely have multiple empty seats.
A solo flyer crossing over continents might score a £200 business class upgrade, but a group of three or four might be facing £1,000+. If travelling with others, consider splitting bookings to increase individual chances – though it’s worth checking with the airline ahead of time.
12. Be Flexible With Your Booking
Flexible tickets (e.g., economy flex) often come with upgrade eligibility. Airlines like Qatar Airways prioritise flexible fare holders for complimentary or discounted upgrades.
If a flight is overbooked, volunteering to take a later flight can earn you a free business-class seat on the rescheduled route – but it’s best not to bank on it. Check the terms when you’re booking to make sure you’re getting flexibility.
13. Build Relationships with Airline Staff
Politeness goes a long way when it comes to flying.
Chat with check-in or gate staff, express enthusiasm for the airline and its people, and avoid demanding an upgrade. A friendly, charming traveller is far more likely to be offered an upgrade over someone who’s being pushy.
Building rapport, especially as a frequent flyer, can tip the scales in your favour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Join a frequent flyer programme and aim for elite status to unlock priority upgrades. Book off-peak flights (e.g., Tuesday mornings) and arrive early to ask politely at the gate.
Approach check-in or gate agents politely, ideally 3 hours before departure. Ask them if there are any upgrade options available for your flight, without sounding demanding or entitled. A kind request is more likely to yield results than an overly persistent one.
Yes, mentioning a honeymoon or birthday when booking or at check-in can help. Airlines like Singapore Airlines may offer free upgrades for celebrations if seats are available.
Virgin Atlantic and Emirates are known for flexible bidding systems, with upgrades usually starting at £100. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways often reward loyalty members with free upgrades for elite status holders. Airline policies will include specific details regarding upgrade possibilities.
