Upgrading flight class: 17 tips on how to upgrade your flight class

By TravelWiseMay 15, 2023 04:25 AMFlight
Share:
Upgrading flight class: 17 tips on how to upgrade your flight class
Read these tips and you upgrade your flight. Source: pexels

There are several ways to get a free business class upgrade on flights.

However, the chances of successfully completing such a request are not always high, as airlines rarely provide free upgrades without certain conditions.

We've compiled 15+ tips for you on how you can try to get a luxury flight for the price of economy.

First, let's understand the difference between the different cabins on board.

Economy is the most affordable class on board. Usually the seats in economy class have limited legroom and are somewhat narrower than in other classes. Economy class usually offers shared toilets and free meals on long flights.

First Class: This is the most luxurious class offered on board. First Class passengers can enjoy wide seats that can turn into full beds, as well as personalized service, special menus, and access to VIP lounges. First class also often offers separate toilets and showers.

Business class is the one between economy and first class. In business class, passengers usually get wider seats that can turn into full beds, as well as more personalized service and special menus. Business class also often offers separate restrooms and access to VIP lounges.

Premium Economy: This is the class that lies between Economy and Business Class. Premium Economy usually offers wider seats with more legroom, as well as better meals and personalized service.

17 Tips to Upgrade Flight Class - Pay for Economy and Fly Business

1. Loyalty Program

One of the most common ways is to participate in an airline loyalty program. Most often, airlines offer their loyal customers bonus miles or points that can be redeemed for a free upgrade from economy to business class.

2. Join the airline's loyalty program and earn bonus miles.

The best time to upgrade your flight

Travel during peak season, when overcrowding can prompt an airline to upgrade you.

Some airlines may offer free upgrades as a bonus for booking on certain dates or at certain times of the year.

3. Ask for a transfer

When you check in for your flight, ask for an upgrade if there are seats available.

If you are not a member of an airline's loyalty program or are not satisfied with the offers they provide, you can try to ask the airline directly for a free upgrade.

4. Take care of your comfort

Apply for an upgrade in advance, a few days before your flight.

If the airline knows that you want an upgrade, they may do it in advance so that they don't have to fuss with upgrades at the front desk. In case you don't get an upgrade, it will be easier for you to choose a better seat.

5. Do the "Upgrade."

 
Do not mess special offer from companies. Source: Pexels

How do I get an upgrade to first class?

Ask the airline for an upgrade as part of a discounted "upgrade" program.

Many British airlines use a comprehensive upgrade process that involves improving various aspects of the airline. This includes improving the overall passenger travel experience.

6. Bonuses

Use your bonus miles to receive a free upgrade.

If this is not your first time using the airline's services - don't forget to check if you have nice bonuses.

7. Online services - not only convenient, but also profitable

Register on the airline's website and get bonus miles for purchases at partner stores.

Signing up online can be very profitable - not only do you keep up with all the news, but you also get more nice perks.

8. The straight line is the shortest

Purchase tickets directly from the airline for more upgrades.

Many airline programs are not valid if tickets are purchased through intermediaries or as part of travel tours.

9. Loyal customers

How do I upgrade from Economy to Business Class for free? Ask the airline for a free upgrade as part of their loyalty program.

Almost all airlines run a loyalty program where passengers can receive bonuses and rewards if they use the service frequently. For example, passengers can receive free tickets, lunches, and other perks in exchange for frequent flying.

10. Socializing

Use social media to get special offers for free upgrades.

Social media is another point of contact for the company with you. Information, extra bonuses, and interesting offers are all at your fingertips.

11. Email

Sign up for the airline newsletter to receive special offers for free upgrades.

Marketing development involves not only informational, but also promotional mailings. Check your mail so you don't miss out on great deals and extra bonuses.

12. Brand advocate.

Ask the airline for a free upgrade as part of their "sponsorship" program.

Some airlines are happy to sponsor various events, such as music festivals, sporting events, etc. This can help increase brand awareness and attract new customers.

13. Helpful connections

Use your airline acquaintances to get free upgrades.

Many airlines give their employees vouchers for upgrades. And your acquaintances can pursue nice perks for you.

14. Marketing is the engine of progress

The best way to upgrade to business class is to ask the airline about it as part of their "marketing" program.

Airlines can use a variety of marketing strategies to attract new customers and retain old ones. For example, they can provide special offers and discounts on tickets for passengers who travel on certain days of the week or to certain destinations.

 
You can be a ''volunteer'' for airlines. Source: Pexels

15. Rush hour

The timing of the flight is very important. There are days when all economy class seats are occupied, while business seats are almost empty.

Such times are the best time to upgrade. Ask to exchange your ticket for a more comfortable class if seats are available.

Travel on days of the week when demand for airfare is lower to increase your chances of getting a free upgrade.

16. If you help, they help you

How do I get free plane tickets? Ask the airline about their "volunteer" program.

Many airlines may run a volunteer program where some passengers can volunteer to help others with luggage, direct them to the right terminal, etc. In return, airlines may provide free tickets, lunches, and other perks for program participants.

17. Politeness is the method of kings

Be polite and smile to increase your chances of getting a free upgrade.

They don't want to say no to nice and pleasant people. Many factors come into play - a neat appearance and a sincere smile.

The final decision to get a free upgrade on a flight is made by the airline, and it can depend on many factors, including availability of higher class seats and other factors.

We hope these tips will help you get a free upgrade on a UK flight and make your flight more comfortable and luxurious!

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Crowd in Italy raising hands during public action with Italian flag

Travellers Face Possible Delays as Italy Holds 17 December Aviation Strike

Dec 13, 2025 10:41 AM
flydubai aircraft parked on the apron during ground operations

New Dubai–Vilnius Route Takes Off

Dec 13, 2025 10:27 AM

Maastricht Opens First Direct Link to Bosnia as Wizz Air Expands Eastward

Dec 13, 2025 09:34 AM

Nuremberg Airport Maps Out a Big Summer 2026 with Fresh Holiday Routes

Dec 13, 2025 08:43 AM
Wizz Air Airbus arriving for landing

Wizz Air Connects Tallinn and Budapest for the First Time

Dec 13, 2025 08:29 AM
Emirates A380 departing under cloudy skies

Winter Offer Adds Free Dubai Experiences for Emirates Passengers

Dec 13, 2025 07:36 AM
A vineyards overlooking Lake Geneva

A New Lavaux Hotel Highlights a Move Toward Slower, Flexible Travel

Dec 12, 2025 20:44 PM
People protest during strike action

Festive Trips to Leeds Hit by Planned Hotel Staff Walkout

Dec 12, 2025 19:37 PM
Dark storm clouds gathering ahead of heavy rain

Weekend Travel Across Northern England Faces Weather Pressure

Dec 12, 2025 19:22 PM

Black Friday Deals Cut Fares on Singapore–Tokyo and Bangkok–Tokyo Routes

Dec 12, 2025 18:45 PM

Zurich Airport Braces for Its Busiest Holiday Travel Day on 19 December

Dec 12, 2025 18:38 PM
Red double decker bus stopping for passengers

Festive Travel in West London Set for Disruption Amid Bus Walkouts

Dec 11, 2025 23:17 PM
A man speaks to a reporter during a public strike gathering

New Nationwide Strike Brings Portugal’s Transport and Public Services to a Standstill

Dec 11, 2025 22:46 PM
Rail maintenance machinery positioned along a railway line during upgrade works

Travellers Face Adjusted Schedules as Waterloo Routes Close for Upgrades

Dec 11, 2025 21:53 PM
Travellers walking through heavy rain under an umbrella

Weekend Rainfall Likely to Disrupt Travel Across Northern Regions

Dec 11, 2025 21:39 PM

LOT Adds Three New Routes from Gdańsk, Opening Direct Links to Key European Cities

Dec 11, 2025 09:26 AM

Finnair Brings Christmas Traditions into the Air This December

Dec 11, 2025 08:43 AM
Hamburg city centre with the Rathaus overlooking the canal at sunset

New Athens–Hamburg Route Expands Greece–Germany Travel Links

Dec 11, 2025 07:39 AM
Passenger waiting on a ScotRail platform as a train arrives

Glasgow Transport to Shift on 14 December as Crowds Head for Cup Final

Dec 10, 2025 17:25 PM
Passenger train travelling along multi-track railway through rural Norfolk

New Sunday Timetable Opens Up Smoother Coastal Travel in Norfolk

Dec 10, 2025 16:42 PM
Large storm waves hitting a vessel during severe weather

Strong Winds from Storm Bram May Affect Routes in Northern Scotland

Dec 10, 2025 15:38 PM
Elegant dining space with modern lighting and warm neutral interiors

New Luxury Resort Opens on Saudi Arabia’s Shura Island

Dec 10, 2025 02:26 AM

Ryanair to Pull Back in Belgium After Higher Passenger Taxes Announced

Dec 10, 2025 01:33 AM

Holiday Flights at Risk as Air Transat Pilots Signal December Strike

Dec 10, 2025 00:47 AM
Italian regional trains at a busy station platform

Nighttime Train Shutdown in Veneto May Change Traveller Routes

Dec 9, 2025 19:24 PM
Passengers waiting inside Liverpool Lime Street station

Travellers Face Delays as Key Liverpool Routes Slow Down

Dec 9, 2025 18:31 PM