* Fly 100,000 miles per year with that carrier. That is the "get out of jail free" frequent flyer status level.
* Know one of the flight attendants.
* Work as a travel agent
* Be the person in purchasing for a corporation who negotiates the bulk travel deals.
* Be an elite-level frequent flyer on a flight where coach is oversold. They'll move the elites up front.
Ask nicely if there any seats with a little bit of extra legroom.
Travel busy routes at busy times. Flights are always oversold, and when they are, they inevitably have to move people around to fill the entire plane. That includes first and business class - even for passengers that haven't paid for that seat.
Volunteer for the bump list.
Fly on undiscounted Economy fares - also called Y class fares. If you can get your employer or travel provider to stump up the cash, you'll usually be one of the first to be upgraded.
The reason is that most seats are filled with passengers who pay discounted fares. When there are Business or First class seats that need to be filled to make more room in Economy, it's the passengers who paid most for their tickets that will be upgraded first.
