You'll never get upgraded if you don't ask
Whether we like it or not, the world is still divided by class, and whether they like it or not, we can still try to trick our way into the upper class and get that elusive upgrade. Whether it’s upgrading from a cramped-up, smelly coach to the fully-flat beds in first class, or from an average hotel room to a penthouse suite with wraparound balcony, Jacuzzi and flatscreen TV, it pays to try your luck if you want to upgrade your average-Joe lifestyle and enjoy superstar status. Remember, knowledge is power, so read on and equip yourself with the tips and tricks of the upgrade trade. 

Plan your timing

When it comes to snagging that free upgrade, you must make sure you time your arrival perfectly. This is easier said than done, however; while many airlines and hotels stress the importance of arriving early if you are to be considered for an upgrade, this isn’t strictly true. Upgrading on an airline begins when a flight is overbooked, and they only know if this is the case when most people have checked in. Check-in staff rely on a certain amount of cancellations and a few no-shows, and when more passengers turn up than expected, they’ll start shipping the likes of you up front if you’re one of the last to check in. Think about it: They’re stressed and they need to do some shifting around with the seat plan. Are they really going to think about the first person they checked in, or are they going to pick you -- the guy standing in front of them -- so they can get the job done and make sure the flight takes off on time?

The same is true of hotels: Most hotel guests check in between midday and 2 p.m., while business travelers tend to arrive from 5 p.m. onward. If you check in between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., then you know that the executive rooms will still be open to negotiation. Reception will also have an idea of how busy the hotel will be that night and will be more flexible with upgrades. 

Dress the part

Dress nicely. If you look like you fit in with the upper crust, then those at reception are more likely to notice you and bump you up with the people who paid good money for those seats or that plush hotel room. You don’t need to go overboard, however, so leave the tuxedo at home. A pair of smart trousers, a button-down shirt, polished shoes, and a jacket of some description should do the trick; if you can, carry a briefcase too. Check-in staff love to upgrade businessmen.

Invoke an occasion

Inform the staff at reception that you’re celebrating a special occasion, and appeal to their better natures. Those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, honeymoons, and pregnancies often benefit from free upgrades without even asking, usually because check-in staff want to make their experience all the more enjoyable. Check-in staff realize that these times of joy are close to their customers’ hearts, meaning they’ll treasure the company even more and tell their friends and family about how wonderfully they were treated.

Even if you aren’t celebrating a special occasion, invent one; they'll never know the difference, so what’s the harm in trying? Avoid claiming that it’s your birthday, however, as it will be on your passport, which will be in the hands of the check-in staff.

Kindness goes a long way when you're looking for an upgrade... Next >>