All this talk of free upgrades

blindman

Sam_Bee wrote:

That's a very good point.

The best most people can do is use their common sense, but that doesn't always work.

I would say, ask your travel agent. I can see how busy flights are at any point. However, most of you book online, so, well, tough.

Not bitter are we?

There are some excellent FREE software tools (and some that cost) that can give one access to the loading of flights.

A list of many of them can be found here

richardw

blindman wrote:

There are some excellent FREE software tools (and some that cost) that can give one access to the loading of flights.

Is current data really that useful?

But do they do predictions?

ie A B744 flying from NYC-LON will be empty in economy on 12 th November so no need for Premium Economy.

Sam_Bee

blindman wrote:

Not bitter are we?

There are some excellent FREE software tools (and some that cost) that can give one access to the loading of flights.

A list of many of them can be found here

Well, presuming you know what all the classes mean! And the free ones and very restrictive re airlines and booking classes!

Experience counts more than anything! A good travel agent offers a lot! (I'm not a travel agent btw!)

Not bitter at all. But you want to save money, it's at a cost. You know like flying Ryanair, or wearing cheap Nylon socks. You gotta weigh up the pounds saved with the lack of information that could help you have a better flight.

I flew long haul 16 times (segments) last year, all mid / long haul. I got upgraded for 7 of them. I got emergency exits another 7 times, aisle once, and bulkhead the other. Only one of the flights I took was full in economy (but that was to NY which I know nothing about!). The rest I could stretch out over 3 /4 /5 seats when I needed to. This added comfort (I am 6ft 6) comes from experience of working in the travel industry. I don't book long-haul flights online.

Pinklepurr

I've had many free upgrades in the past and not one of them did I ever ask for! They were granted for the following reasons:
a) I worked in the travel industry for a well known Tour Operator
b) I knew a member of staff on the flight I was on. Once boarded I was escorted "up front" much to my surprise.

Now I no longer work in travel i am paying for my upgrade. I would never actually ask for one, that is just too cheeky!

It was one of the most frequently asked questions and especially for honeymooners or people travelling for a special occasion. If you want an upgrade, save up and pay for it.

Catmeister

If anyone is looking for advice on the 'mythical upgrade,' it's happened to my H a few times... On these times he has travelled alone, worn a suit, carried his violin (pro vlnist) and happened to be on underbooked flights. (Last time was London to Capetown). He is also 6'2'' and handsome, so take your pick which of these things helped him!

BTW my bro used to be a travel agent (albeit briefly) - he swears by dressing smartly - ie you've got to look the part... (unlike my BILs sister who always travels first and always (when travelling) wears tracksuits,and drinks milk - what a waste!)

GlennTheBaker

I got upgraded when flying back from New York last year with BA from World Traveller to World Traveller Plus. This was simply because when checking in, the computers at JFK had slowed to a crawl (our flight had been cancelled and they we having to re-book everyone) and we just stood chatting to the check-in clerk while she tried to sort it. In the end, she disappeared for a few moments before returning and saying she'd upgraded us because we had been so patient and nice about the whole thing and she didn't want us to wait any longer! I didn't expect it and it was just a really pleasant surprise.

I agree with the OP that normally when travelling on an El Cheapo ticket, you are not going to get upgraded just because its your cat's birthday or you are wearing a nice suit.

PBA

My Dad used to have a killer method of getting upgraded, back in the days when you could still smoke on planes. We would:

1) Check in as late as possible,
2) Get allocated seats either in smoking, or very close to it as they were the only ones left,
3) Point out that my Mum and brother had asthma, and sitting in a smoky atmosphere could trigger an attack.

Check in agent would generally go talk to their supervisor for a bit, then come back and say they'd found us some seats. 9 times out of 10 they would be in Business class.

Sadly not possible any more, but good while it lasted.

Incidentally the site https://www.seatguru.com is useful, while not for getting upgrades but it points out the best seats in each class which you can pick if the airline lets you choose seats in advance. For example I like row 40 on American Airlines' 777s as it's where the middle section narrows from 5 seats to 4, so you don't get your arm bashed by the trolley if you're sitting on the end.

needaspirin

I have had many free upgrades over the years. I always dress casual-smart and chat pleasantly to the check in staff. When I ask about the possibility of an upgrade they can usually turn me down straight away or ask me to hang about until close to boarding time if there is space. Works best if you're travelling alone and have a friendly nature (like me!)

UnitedFlyer

Sam_Bee wrote:

Mmm, you'll never get an upgraded seat AND cash!

You're method also has the possibility of being refused boarding as the flight is full! It's not always optional! If you check in late it happens everyday.

Far better to book yourself on an UNDERBOOKED flight, and have a few seats to yourself in economy, where you can stretch back, and even make yourself a bed.

Disagree.

I Have many times been offered either cash or vouchers AND an upgrade seat on overbooked flights.

Also, if the flight is overbooked, and I am denied boarding by the airline I get an even better deal if I volunatry de-board.

Obvisously,all this is no good if you can;t take alater/earlier flight!

Quackers

I'd never consider asking for an upgrade for free either.

I didn't realise until yesterday that its possible to get a 'stand by' upgrade. Not sure if thats possible with all airlines as I was only reading info on the Delta website as thats who I'm travelling with next week.

Delta only charge $150 on the day if there are seats available.

I think thats a bargain & I'm debating whether to spend the $150 on an upgrade if it is possible or whether that money would be better spent on a handbag. :rotfl: