IT’S a question that’s been bugging us since we’ve been flying: how do you snag that upgrade? Let’s face it, everyone wants to enjoy the perks of travelling on the other side of the curtain – they just don’t want to have to pay for it.

So how do you become one of the chosen few? Well, we can’t make any promises, but if you follow these seven rules, you’ll be giving yourself the best chance of being bumped up to Business. Good luck.

1. Pay full price

Buying a discounted ticket not only reduces the cost of your fare; it also limits your chances of landing an upgrade. It’s a gamble, but if you’ve got your heart set on getting seated on the other side of the curtain, pick a full-price economy ticket. Airlines are far more likely to give a bonus upgrade to those who’ve paid the full ticket price, than those who’ve already got a good deal.

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2. Dress the part

It seems practically anything passes for ‘casual’ travelling attire and these days your average airport is a sea of singlets, track pants, thongs or, worse, no shoes at all. Instead, if you want to be bumped into business class, your best bet is to look the part. Remember, you’re hoping to share a cabin with people who might have forked out thousands for their ticket, so you want to look like you fit in, and making sure you’re well-polished can make all the difference.

Cabin crew reveal the type of passenger most likely to be upgraded

3. Be a frequent flyer

Airlines love to reward loyal passengers, and joining your chosen airline’s frequent flyer program is the best way of getting yourself considered for an upgrade.

4. Travel at busy times

Airlines overbook flights all the time, and it’s not uncommon for them to sell more tickets than the number of available seats on the plane – it only figures a handful of people will miss their flight or will just fail to turn up. If you travel at peak periods – Bali during the school holidays, for instance – it’s a lot more likely the flight will be full, especially with families heading off overseas.

That way, if economy is over capacity, that spare seat in business might have your name on it. In this instance, it actually helps to arrive as late as possible, since it allows economy to fill up – if the flight’s oversold and your seat has already been taken, it’s likely they’ll try to find room for you in business.

 

business class

5. Go to the counter

Checking in at the counter gives you a much better chance of being upgraded than using the self-check-in machines. It also gives you a chance to charm the person at the desk – though don’t go overboard or it could have the opposite effect.

6. Have an excuse

The easiest time to get an upgrade isn’t when you’re checking in or waiting in the lounge; it’s actually when you’re on board, in your seat. If you find yourself stuck next to a screaming baby, your TV isn’t working, or you’re especially tall and need a little extra leg room, it might be your ticket out of economy.

If you politely ask if there’s any space in the other section, you might find yourself in luck. As a side note: unfortunately, being vegetarian or having other special dietary requirements is unlikely to help your chances, since it adds an extra layer of hassle to proceedings, and airlines rarely carry many extra meals.

7. Be nice

It’s pretty obvious but a smile makes all the difference. Being polite to the cabin staff or the person who handles your check in is a lot more likely to see you bumped up to business. Since airline staff are used to dealing with crowds of tired, grumpy travellers, your good manners will stand out even more.

Your say: Have you been upgraded before? How did it happen? Tell us below