Envious of the comfy seats and room in first or business class? You can increase your chances of a free upgrade with a few insider tips. Common courtesy is the key to possibly getting an upgrade, but be aware on crowded flights, upgrades are a rarity.
Be nice to everyone, starting when you buy the ticket if you are doing so by phone. Almost every airline employee you meet has the ability to add a DNU (Do Not Upgrade) notation to your file. And they will not hesitate to do so if you are rude.
Be friendly and sympathetic to the gate agent, but don't try to butter them up or waste their time. They're really busy, especially as the flight time gets closer.
Ask for a seat with a little more leg room. This works best if you ask for an exit row. Remember there are rules about who can sit in the exit row, you must be over 15, speak and understand English and be able to open the exit doors in the event of an emergency.
Ideally you should know the exact seats to ask for. This makes it seem like you are an industry insider. Casually saying "Hey, you don't happen to have something in row 10 available, do you?" or "Any chance of 21a or b?" is the best way to go. To figure this out do a little research before you get to the airport. Go to the website of your airline and look up the flight. Usually they will tell you what plane you'll be flying in. Then go to SeatGuru and check out the plane. They have an excellent layout and will let you know what seats are good and what to avoid.
Be aware that those traveling alone are more likely to get an upgrade than those traveling in a group. There are more likely to be single seats available for upgrades.
Dress appropriately. This doesn't have to be a suit and tie, but no jeans, either. Business casual is fine.
Carry a single small bag. The smaller the carry-on, the better your chances. Flight attendants don't want "upgrades" to take up overhead bin space that should go to people who paid for those seats. It's also easier to move someone who doesn't have a lot of belongings.
Put a tag on your bag with the name of the airline you are flying on. This will make you look like either a very frequent flier, or possibly an employee. Either impression will help you.
Talk to the flight attendants as you board if possible. Call them by name; it should be on their tag. As them how their day has gone. The more specific you can be (ask what time they started, how many legs they have that day, where are they laying over) the more you will look like an insider.
Settle in quickly to your seat, but don't spread your stuff out yet. Make pleasant chat with the flight attendants. If you've had enough of conversation, and you happen to notice there are free seats available in first/business class, now is when you can make the playful ask. Try to wait until most of the passengers on board but before the final safety checks are being made.
