Passengers without elite status has been (seemingly randomly) selected for first class upgrade. But that's a thing of the past, cases like that are exceedingly rare now. Your best bet is still achieving elite status. Royalty pays; remember that.
Ask about first-class upgrades at the check-in counter
Airlines make more money from filling their flights' first-class seats, so next time you're feeling a little spendy, you can ask at the ticket or boarding counter if there is any availability at the front of the plane.
In rare circumstances, a flight may be oversold in the economy cabin, but there could be some space in first or business class. In that case, some very lucky passengers might be bumped up to first or business class for free in what's known as an operational upgrade.
Bottom line. All airlines have official policies as to when they'll upgrade loyalty program members. Unless an airline has a complimentary space available upgrade program in place, expect that you'll only receive a free upgrade if it's for operational reasons (like if economy is oversold).
There are almost always passengers in business or first class who fail to make their flight. Therefore, before a flight starts boarding, you can check with a gate agent to see if this scenario is playing out on your flight. And if so, tell them that you're interested in paying for an upgrade.
Airlines are always looking to fill empty seats and may offer an upgrade if available. However, it's not a guarantee, and it's best to ask at the check-in counter or gate agent. If you're a frequent flyer or have elite status with the airline, your chances of getting upgraded increase significantly.
So, can you simply ask for one and get it for free? No, not really — not even if it's your honeymoon. But in some cases, you may be able to ask to pay for an upgrade, which you can do from booking till boarding.
Free upgrades do happen – nearly one in five have got one in the last two years. They might be less frequent than they used to be, but free upgrades do still exist.
Susan Fogwell, a former flight attendant, also told Travel + Leisure that free upgrades are rare and passengers will usually have to pay. She said: “If a flight attendant moved a passenger from one class to another, the flight attendant would not have a job for long [due to the price difference]."
The cheapest way to get a business or first-class ticket is to buy an economy ticket then buy an upgrade. You can either do this immediately after booking or look for last-minute upgrades as your travel date approaches. The price for premium cabin fares decreases as you get closer to departure.
If luxury and extra legroom is really important to you, book it in advance. However, if you're perfectly willing to fly economy class, and willing to roll the dice, a last-minute upgrade can be the cheapest option. You may even get lucky and score a free upgrade.
First class upgrades range in price from $29 to $199, depending on distance.
Flight attendants generally agree that there's no successful way of sneaking into a premium cabin. One flight attendant says cabin crew have a list of first and business class passengers. Such behavior can land passengers on an airline's "watch list."
First class creates a sense of exclusivity and high prices are necessary to maintain luxurious standards. "When someone does sit in first class, they feel like they're getting outsized value, whether in the form of an upgrade, award, or discounted first-class ticket," writes Schlappig.
No jeans or trainers — so I always go for tight black trousers and a blazer or a dress. For men, chinos or trousers and a shirt are worn," one flight attendant told Who What Wear. Another flight attendant elaborated that you don't have to be on trend or wearing designer clothes. "Smart but understated.
"You should ask the lead flight attendant or the flight attendant at the boarding door," said Bobby Laurie, a travel expert and former American Airlines flight attendant.
Earn airline elite status
The most reliable way of getting upgraded for free is to have elite status on the airline you're flying. Most airlines reward their most frequent flyers with complimentary upgrades on domestic routes.
Most larger airports have gates with screens that show where travelers are on an upgrade list, and most times, the premium cabins check in full. It's better to assume that if your airfare does not entitle you to an upgrade, you probably aren't going to get one.
It depends on a variety of factors, including the airline, the route, the time of year, and the availability of seats. In some cases, upgrading at the airport can be a cost-effective way to experience Business Class perks without paying full price. In other cases, it may end up being more expensive.
You can upgrade your Standard ticket to First Class on weekends, Bank Holidays and on some Super Off-Peak trains. To upgrade just speak to the train manager to check there's space onboard and pay the upgrade there on card.
Many airlines establish an upgrade wait list based on check-in times, with priority given to those who checked in first. The option to check-in online is usually available at least 24 hours before departure for most airlines, so the earlier you can get yourself checked in, the better.
American Airlines have cheaper fares for first class tickets, typically between $500 and $900 for domestic flights, depending on date and destination.
Though participating airlines can set the terms and timing of the sales, most work like this: Within a week of departure, passengers get an email notifying them of an opportunity to bid on an upgrade.