If I knew some easy way to work the system for automatically getting bumped up to business or first class, I鈥檇 keep the secret to myself鈥攂ut I don鈥檛. So instead, I鈥檒l give you tips on how to at least improve your chances for an upgrade. I wouldn鈥檛 bother with domestic flights, where the difference between first class and economy isn鈥檛 significant enough to really matter. But on long international flights, when sitting up front means much better food and drinks, more attentive service, and seats that fully recline into beds, you should do everything within your power鈥攋ust short of begging鈥攖o try to get bumped up. Give these tactics a try.
FREQUENT FLIER MILES
It usually takes around 35,000 frequent flyer miles for one person to upgrade to business class on a flight to Europe. If you鈥檙e traveling with your better half, that鈥檚 a steep price鈥攗nless you know the tricks to accrue miles. The best way to do it is through an airline credit card. You can often earn up to 65,000 miles just for signing up for one, and you can earn even more if you ask for a companion card. The airlines will also often give you bonus miles on top of what you normally earn through the credit card if you charge a certain amount each month.
SEARCH FOR BUSINESS DEALS
When you use an airline or travel aggregation website for fare searching, you probably only look for economy tickets. But there are also business class deals to be had. . American Airlines also does .
DRESS BUSINESS CLASS
Wearing nice clothes won鈥檛 get you bumped up, but it makes you a better candidate for an upgrade at the airport. If you鈥檝e got flip-flops, sweatpants, and a ratty T-shirt on, your chances are less than slim.
BE WILLING TO GET BUMPED
You鈥檇 be amazed at the benefits you can receive if you鈥檙e flexible enough with your schedule to volunteer your seat on an overbooked flight. One of them is often an upgrade to business or first class on your rescheduled ticket.
ANGLE FOR THE COURTESY UPGRADE
If you missed a connecting flight due to airline delays, walk to the airline鈥檚 customer service desk inside the terminal and politely tell the person behind the counter about the supreme inconvenience the situation has placed on you. Then work together to find a way for the airline to make amends鈥攏amely through a business or first class upgrade.
DUMP THE KIDS
If you鈥檙e traveling with little ones, no one at the airport is bumping you up. It鈥檚 that simple. Make them walk or hitchhike to your ultimate destination. It builds character.
ASK AT CHECK-IN
Sometimes cheap last-minute upgrades are available, especially if you paid close to full fare for your initial ticket. You never know if one is available鈥攁nd at worst, you鈥檙e letting the person at the check-in counter know that you鈥檙e hoping to get bumped up.