How to get the business class without paying extra

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Finally, it’s your turn to approach the check-in desk. You hand over your passport and ticket details. And then comes the news you’ve been dreaming about. You’ve scored an upgrade to Business Class, or even First Class. Champagne all the way! Here's the our guide to improving your chances of getting the ultimate flying freebie. Don't say we didn't share...

1. Be a frequent flyer

Upgrades are harder to get than they used to be. And who are airlines most likely to upgrade? Well, these days, they almost always choose someone who has achieved a high tier status in their company's frequent flyer scheme. The more air miles you get, the better chance you have of working your way up into a higher tier. So, to play your trump card, start collecting!

2. Dress to impress

Airlines usually upgrade people because the cabin is overbooked. And while it’s more likely that the computer will choose someone based on their frequent flyer status, you still might get a look in on some airlines if you are dress to the nines. So, ditch those scruffy jeans and the t-shirt with last night’s dinner stains down the front. Instead, polish those shoes and wear your Sunday best.

3. Be nice!

Check-in staff don’t have the easiest job in the world. They are often working shifts and have to put up with a lot of grumpy passengers. So, make their day and have your best manners on show. Arrive at the desk with your brightest smile and a stock of polite comments. Follow this by simply asking if you can have an upgrade. Flattery could get you everywhere, and in style.

4. Mention an important occasion

Mentioning to the check-in person that you are flying because it’s your birthday, or wedding anniversary, or honeymoon, can occasionally work wonders too. It’s not guaranteed, but playing on their heart strings can result in a fully-flat bed for the night.

5. Bid for an upgrade

Some airlines, such as Qantas, have a new system in place where you can bid on an upgrade using cash and points. It’s designed for those who don’t have enough points yet to ask for an upgrade on points alone. Only some frequent flyer passengers will be offered the chance, a week or so before the flight leaves. Qantas lets you know if you’ve been successful 24 hours before take off.

6. Travel alone

It’s one thing hoping to get an upgrade if you are a solo traveller and another thing entirely if you have your partner and three kids in tow. Solo passengers have a much better chance of an upgrade than a travelling clan.

7. Volunteer to be bumped

As we’ve noted before, sometimes aircraft are overbooked and something has to give. Airlines can sometimes ask for volunteers to miss their flight and go on a later one. It might not be convenient, but if you don’t mind too much you might be able to negotiate for a guaranteed upgrade.

8. Find the right time to fly

School holidays or Christmas? Forget the upgrade. There’s no point in even thinking about one if the flight’s totally full. That said, other busy times of the year can pay dividends, because while cattle class can fill up, there might be some seats left in Business Class. If the flight’s only half full, there’s not much incentive for the check-in staff to upgrade anyone.

Book your next flight here to see how does it work!