Getting an upgrade on a flight

PureAppleJuice · 12 Jun 2009 at 15:49

Hi there,

I'm flying to New Zealand tomorrow via Hong Kong and I just wondered how easy it was to get a free upgrade on the flight when someone in first class doesn't turn up etc.

I guess the most obvious thing would be to dress smart? But I was just wondering if anyone has any insight into this.

Cheers.

ThundyCat · 12 Jun 2009 at 15:52

Get to check in very early and ask if there are any upgrades available.All depends on who is on the desk at what sort of mood they are in really.

EDIT

Has you prebooked seats?

If so fingers crossed they have given them to someone else in error,that will give you more Bargaining power

Windle · 12 Jun 2009 at 15:56

Yup.

Dress Smart, arrive early and you have little hope if your going with somebody else. 90% of upgrades go to single travellers.

PureAppleJuice · 12 Jun 2009 at 15:58

Yeah i've prebooked seats and everything and am indeed flying on my own. So do you think I should just ask at the check in point whether there are any upgrades going?

Quite a few years ago I was actually offered £300 to fly a different route to NZ... it meant an extra 6 hour wait in some country in the middle east but I was only 16 and scared, oh what a fool I was.

JBuk · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:02

When you lot say smart will smart casual do or are you talking shirt , pants and shoes ?

I'm flying to NZ next January and fancy trying for an upgrade too

PureAppleJuice · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:04

Well by me going 'smart' I was going to wear a shirt, black smart looking jeans and proper shoes, though I'll probably give up on that and wear converse

At least the weather will be a lot better for you in January, i'm sacrificing what looks like a reasonable summer here for a mild winter in NZ

Sone · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:04

its pretty rare to upgraded; when i got upgraded i was just in jeans and a t shirt so its all luck imho

ThundyCat · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:05

I would say smart casual,and yes if you don't ask you don't get as they say.

MonkieMann · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:08

i once asked with an upgrade and they told me that they only offer free upgrades to persons with a prefix / suffix on their name i.e. Dr Bob Harris or Mr Bob Harris PHD / MA / BSc / you get the picture.

i don't know if that's true or not though, they probably just didn't like how i look

MuvverRussia · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:09

Are you a member of the airline's frequent flyer scheme? Find that helps a lot as upgrades will usually go to higher ranked members of that.

POB · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:10

Unless you have decent status with the airline or a partner one, forget about it.

The airline has no need to fill first class with non-paying guests, its better to give the paying clients more personal attention.

Don't dress smart if its uncomfortable.

Smit · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:12

I got upgraded on my way to Chicago and back just for being a BA Executive Club member (even though it was only Blue level).

I believe individual airlines would act similar if they have some type of membership then upgrades would be given to those first.

PureAppleJuice · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:15

Hmm intriguing - the flight was booked on behalf of me by my dad who is part of the Air New Zealand frequent flyer club thing, though I don't know if that'll be reflected in my booking. Well cheers for the tips guys, i'll just turn up tomorrow and see how it goes

And re: dressing smart, yeah i'm taking casual stuff in my bag in case it fails haha.

[TW]Fox · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:17

I'm going to turn up in Jeans and a Hoody, should I ask for an upgrade just for the laugh?

InvaderGIR · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:19

[TW]Fox;14271041 said:
I'm going to turn up in Jeans and a Hoody, should I ask for an upgrade just for the laugh?

Knowing you and your ability to test drive any car you like, yes, you'll get the best service there is.

Duff-Man · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:19

Having 'Dr' or, even better, 'Professor' on your passport helps. A lot.

Clipsey · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:22

I've been upgraded a couple of times - I honestly think it all depends on the person working the desk. If they like you they might go for it - some airlines have different rules etc.
The lady working for Virgin liked me and upgraded me free of charge and same with US Air, just be real friendly, smile and try and make them laugh

JBuk · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:25

I have Air Vice Marshall on my credit card, will that help?

sven256 · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:30

Dressing smartly means nothing in my experience, it's all about the right place at the right time.

As for asking, I would not bother. As if someone was asking me for a free upgrade if I was working on a check-in desk, they would be the last person who would get it.

JBuk · 12 Jun 2009 at 16:32

sven256 said:
Dressing smartly means noting in my experience, it's all about the right place at the right time.

As for asking, I would not bother. As if someone was asking me for a free upgrade if I was working on a check-in desk, they would be the last person who would get it.

Would you mind read people instead?