Why you should always board the plane last if you want to get an unexpected upgrade
ANYONE who’s ever had a free, or at least very cheap, upgrade on a flight will know there aren’t many better feelings.
Sitting up front, in the fully reclining seats, with your legs stretched out, without having paid a small fortune for the luxury is a rare treat for plane passengers.
However, there are ways in which you can increase your chances of getting those seats for a cut-price rate, if not totally free.
One simple method people can use to improve the possibility of them being bumped up to the front of the plane is to both check in and board last.
Apparently, letting everyone else board ahead of you allows the cabin crew to know how many seats there are available in business or first class and if they can offer them out to other people.
Then it’s simply a case of asking if there’s anything available further up the plane.
You might have to pay a little bit more to bag the seats, but very often it will be at a cheaper rate, according to Gourmet Traveller.
They wrote: “Many airlines will offer discounted last-minute upgrades for unsold tickets at the pointy end of the plane.
“If you are one of the last to check in, politely enquire if there are any upgrade fares to purchase.
“This could have you ‘turning left‘ on a ‘turning right’ budget. If that makes you feel awkward, a simple online check before flying can help you determine if there are unsold seats on offer.”
It’s always worth asking if there are any upgraded seats available, according to Sun Online Travel’s resident flight attendant, who advises bringing gifts or telling white lies to improve your chances further.
They said: “A little generosity goes a long way in the plane cabin.
“Bringing us chocolates or gift vouchers, something that can be shared between us all, is a great way to improve your chances of an upgrade.
“It doesn’t take much, just hand over a couple of gifts to the people greeting you on the door as you get on the plane and you’ll at least be in line for some preferential treatment.
“You’ll get extra drinks top-ups and snacks, if not moved up to a more comfortable seat.
“Meanwhile, telling the people at the check-in desk that you’re flying for a special occasion is likely to increase your chances too, even if it’s not true.
“Just tell them you’re travelling for your anniversary, your honeymoon, a birthday – anything.
“You never know, they might be feeling generous and find space for you in the upgraded seats.
“The least they can do is say no – nothing ventured; nothing gained.”
Meanwhile, this flight attendant revealed how she decides who does and doesn’t get free upgrades.
And these six tips can also help passengers get free upgrades.