The worst ways to try and get a free flight upgrade!

Robert Powell takes a look at the do's and don'ts of trying to get a free flight upgrade...

It’s a thought that goes through the heads of many of us whenever we get to the check-in desk at an airport;

‘Wouldn’t it be nice if they bumped me up to first class!?’

Legroom, beds, good food and champagne – much better than the glorified cattle truck that is economy!

Unfortunately for us though, free upgrades rarely happen – but that doesn’t stop many people from trying their hardest to get a free pass to turn left at the aeroplane door...

Worst reasons

Virgin Atlantic recently surveyed over 3,000 cabin crew and ground staff and has revealed some of the more unusual tales passengers have told in the hope of getting a free upgrade:

Here are some of the best...

• Manchester United lost today, I’m really upset and need the space to get over it.
• My newborn baby has claustrophobia, she is in counselling and we really need an upgrade so she has more space.
• I am Sir Richard Branson’s dentist.
• I’ve lost all my money in Vegas but really need an upgrade.
• It’s a Sunday, no one flies on a Sunday so please can I have an upgrade.
• My wife is pregnant; I need an upgrade as it is a really stressful time for me.

The best part about this last reason is that the man in question only requested an upgrade for himself! He claimed that he needed time away from his pregnant wife to relax on his own due to the stress of having a child!

Needless to say, none of these reasons worked!

Most common reasons

Virgin Atlantic also revealed the most common reasons people give in an attempt to secure an upgrade:

#1 I am a friend of Mr Branson.

#2 Sir Richard Branson promised me an upgrade.

#3 We are on honeymoon.

#4 It’s my birthday.

#5 I am very tall and really need some more space.

Whether any of these reasons work or not is up for debate, somehow I suspect that they don't!

But to learn how to pick up a wallet-friendly holiday read Grab an ultra cheap holiday.

How to actually get an upgrade

To be honest, getting an upgrade is more down to luck than anything else, but there are a few basic things you can do to increase your chances. We outlined a few of them in How to get a free flight upgrade and you, our readers, posted some more great tips.

So here’s a summary of some of the best pointers for getting bumped up to first class:

Dress smartly

The airline isn’t going to upgrade someone in ripped jeans and a t-shirt. You don’t have to wear a suit but make sure you look the part!

Travel alone

Single travellers are more likely to get an upgrade because quite simply, there are fewer of you to upgrade. It’s also near-impossible to get bumped up if you’re flying with children!

Be charming

Acting politely and making small talk with the check-in staff majorly improves your chances of getting an upgrade. lovemoney.com reader The Bank Manager suggests asking the person behind the counter how they are as well as mentioning that you regularly fly with the airline and always receive great service.

Don’t lie or sound over-friendly, but remember a bit of flattery can sometimes get you a long way!

If, when you’re on board, the cabin crew ask you to move or to help them with anything, do it! There’s a slight chance they might upgrade you for your co-operation.

Frequent flyer clubs

Joining a frequent flyer scheme or collecting airmiles lets the airline know that you’re a loyal customer and you may be more likely to get an upgrade.

But as lovemoney.com reader Iamcoldsteve pointed out, this can sometimes work against you, as if the airline knows that you always fly with them, they don’t need to offer you any sweeteners!

Mention any special occasions

Casually dropping in that you’re on your honeymoon or that it’s your birthday can sometimes get you an upgrade.

It worked for lovemoney.com Deputy Editor, Rachel Wait, when she went to Costa Rica on her honeymoon earlier this year!

Or you could take this tactic to the extreme as two newly-weds flying on Virgin Atlantic did when they turned up at the airport in full wedding attire!

Related how-to guide

Have a cheap holiday

Find out how to cut the cost of your flights, get discounts, tip correctly, spend wisely, get cashback and most importantly, cut the cost of your holiday.

See the guide

Use your connections

Some further advice from lovemoney.com reader The Bank Manager was to mention to your travel agent if you’re booking a honeymoon or birthday trip. They may then be able to talk to their connections at the airline and get you an upgrade!

If you’re flying on business, lovemoney.com reader Rudi says that your chances of getting upgraded relate directly to the amount of money your employer spends with the airline. So if you know your company always uses one airline, there’s no harm in mentioning to the airport staff who your boss is!

Just ask!

In all likelihood you’ll be turned down, but you know what they say – if you don’t ask, you don’t get!

And anyway, if the snow and freezing weather that’s been dogging Britain recently carries on, we’ll all be lucky to get on any plane at all!

For more on picking up some holiday freebies read Net yourself a free holiday this Christmas.

Your tips

If you’ve got anymore top tips on the do’s and don’ts of getting free flight upgrades then post them in the comment box below.

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