![]() ![]() Airlines try to put families together, and they may need your coach seat to do that. One big upgrade advantage is flying solo. Of course, the downside is you'll be turned away if the flight is already full. A man sitting next to me once in business class on Air New Zealand was huffing and puffing-he confessed to being intentionally late for every international flight, because then they rush you on the plane and into any available seat. Showing up late might work, but it's risky. Personally, I wouldn't go this route unless you really are a newlywed, on your way to a funeral, etc. Some people swear by the sob- or celebration-story strategy. DiScala says he brings one-pound chocolate bars for the gate agents and flight crew, who have discretion on seating after the cabin door closes. DiScala, founder of travel-advice site, reveals that chocolate helps him get upgraded-or at least moved to a better coach seat-about half the time. Remember that gate agents deal with a lot of demanding, obnoxious passengers, and offering a few kind words and a smile goes a long way. In the past few years, it's not unusual to see a first-class passenger give up his or her seat for military personnel. There's one outfit that seems to work better than even the finest couture: a military uniform. Looking polished helps, but not as much as it once did. Does dressing up so that you look like you'd belong in first class improve your chances of getting upgraded? Having an airline-sponsored credit card in your name helps, too, though those may come with hefty annual fees. It indicates some level of brand loyalty. ![]() For instance, some United/Continental vouchers on eBay start with bids as low as $1.īut even if you don't travel often, simply being a member of the airline's frequent-flier program helps your chances. On the other hand, you can sometimes find upgrade certificates for sale online, courtesy of frequent fliers who can't use them before their expiration date. But you need a lot of miles to qualify: Delta requires you to fly at least 25,000 a year to qualify for its entry-level Silver Medallion level. About 95 percent of those in first class on domestic flights last year were upgraded or used frequent-flier miles (sometimes with an additional fee), according to Joel Widzer, author of The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel. Computers track frequent-flier and program miles and upgrade passengers automatically, based on who has earned the most. So how do carriers select the lucky few who get ferried to first class? It's all about the miles. ![]() The airline may not want to bump people if first-class seats are available. If a carrier bumps passengers, it's frequently required to provide either a substitute flight or a refund or both, per government regulations. airlines have been offering fewer flights in recent years, and coach can be overbooked. What are my chances of getting bumped up for free? I dread being cramped in a coach seat, but I can't afford first class. I have a long, transcontinental flight coming up. ![]()
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