Flying first class may seem like a dream come true, but few of us are willing to pay the price for a little added legroom and a few luxuries. There are ways to get upgraded to first class without paying a penny, however, but you will have to be willing to do a little work to get one.
Dress the part. If you hope to get upgraded to first class, then you need to look like a first class passenger. Whether you like it or not, an old T-shirt and ragged jeans just isn't going to cut it. No respectable airline wants its first class section to be filled with undesirable passengers that can't be bothered to dress in an appropriate manner. It may not be necessary to dress in your Sunday best, but using a little care in selecting clothing will reflect well on you.
Use your manners. As the old saying goes, "You will get more bees with honey than with vinegar." Being polite and courteous will go a long way to improving your chances of getting upgraded to first class. Think about it--would you reward a rude and disrespectful customer if it were up to you?
Become familiar with the staff. If you fly the same airline regularly, getting to know the staff will increase your chances of getting any upgrades that are available. Be friendly and respectful to all staff members. All it takes is one nasty comment for your chances of an upgrade to take a nosedive.
Fly at unusual hours that are less likely to be filled. This may mean being willing to fly at night or on the weekend. Most business flights are booked during the weekdays. The more seats available in first class, the more likely you are to snag one.
Get bumped. Be ready and willing to be bumped to a later flight if the flight is overbooked. Chances are you will get an upgrade to first class for your willingness to be bumped to the next flight.
Let the staff know if this is a special occasion. If you are celebrating an anniversary or traveling across the country to meet your first grandchild, be sure they know about it. Some airlines will upgrade you to first class in honor of important events.
Fly alone. You are much more likely to get upgraded if you fly alone than if you are with a group. There simply may not be accommodations for a group, but there is usually room for one.
Get listed as SFU (Suitable For Upgrade) or CIP (Commercially Important Passenger) by the travel agent. Let the agent know who you are and why you are important. You don't have to brag here, just be honest while being creative. Tell them what you do and why you are traveling. You may be more important than you think you are.
Bring a doctor's note if you have an injury or disability that requires a little more legroom. Although it's not a guarantee to getting an upgrade, it can't hurt.
Keep it private. If you are hoping for an upgrade, ask quietly. You are less likely to get an upgrade if you announce your desires to the entire flight. Seats are limited and staff is unlikely to single you out for an upgrade if everyone in earshot is hoping for one too.
