how to get moved to first class

How to get moved to first class,First Class Upgrade Tips,How to Upgrade to First Class for Free  Read more: How to Upgrade to First Class for Free.

When you're flying on a coach-level ticket, it's easy to get wistful when walking through the first-class cabin on the way to your seat. Relaxing in a plush seat with plenty of leg room while enjoying wine and a gourmet meal is certainly a different experience than being cramped in an economy class seat with a pack of pretzels. Getting a free upgrade to first class can be difficult, but travelers who are frequent fliers have a better chance.

1. Airline Loyalty

   • Sign up for the frequent-flier programs of the airlines you travel on frequently. Frequent fliers are usually the first people to get upgraded to first class on a flight, especially passengers who have flown significant amounts of miles. Frequent-flier club members and those who carry an airline's credit card also can cash in their miles or credit card rewards points to use toward an upgrade; check with your frequent-flier program or credit card to see how many miles this requires.

   Ask Early

   • Check in for your flight at least two hours early and ask about available upgrades when you check in. If economy class is sold out or overbooked, the airline will upgrade coach passengers to unsold first-class seats to free up more seats in the back. Ask the ticket agent if coach is full; if so, request to be put on the upgrade list so you can be considered for one of these first-class seats. If you're a member of the military or flying for humanitarian work or another special reason, mention this as well. It won't automatically get you an upgrade, but you might be moved higher up on the upgrade list.

   Pay for an Upgrade

   • Often you can pay to upgrade to first class for a discounted fare at the time of check in. While it's not free, paying for an upgrade can be worth it when flying long distances, and the amount you'd pay would be much less than if you had purchased a first-class ticket originally. Don't try to negotiate on the fee to upgrade; prices are set and if you're not willing to pay the stated fee, then you'll be flying in economy.

   Be Courteous

   • Treat all airline employees with courtesy and professionalism. Behaving in a rude or entitled manner when asking for an upgrade won't get you anywhere. While dressing up alone won't get you an upgrade, it also does not hurt to wear polished, presentable clothing. If the airline is looking to upgrade coach passengers to allow more people to fly in economy, the airline employees probably won't choose a traveler in torn jeans and a sweatshirt.
     Soaring airline prices are making it hard enough to get a plane ticket, and for those seeking a seat in first class, sometimes it gets prohibitively expensive. Those flying in first class get many perks over travelers in economy class, including extra-wide and more padded seats, meals, unlimited complimentary drinks, and extra room. It's not easy, but there are many ways that one can try to use to get into that coveted section of the plane--for free.
     

     1. How to Upgrade to First Class for Free

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          One of the easiest ways to get a free upgrade to first class is booking a ticket on an overbooked flight. Airlines frequently overbook the more-affordable economy class, and leave open seating in business/first class, and when this happens, volunteering your seat for someone else could just work out in your favor. If you have flexible travel plans, offer your seat in economy class in exchange for a seat in first class on the next available flight. This doesn't guarantee a ticket to first class, but it doesn't hurt to try. If you're already on the flight, flight attendants may ask some travelers towards the front of the plane if they would like to be moved to first class in order to make room for other passengers.
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          Airlines offer frequent flyer programs for their most loyal customers. The higher your status, the more likely you are to get an upgrade, with elite status holders being the first to be offered upgrades. Call the airline in advance for any promotions that can bump up your status, or if there are any upgrades available on your flight. Frequent flyer members may also use their points or miles to "purchase" an upgrade to first class.
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          Although it's not a guaranteed way to get an upgrade, simply dressing the part will increase your chances of being asked by a flight attendant during overbooked flights if you would like an upgrade. Travelers seek comfort when they fly, often dressing down in sweats and flip flops. By simply wearing a collared shirt, tie, or dress, flight attendants will take you seriously and be more comfortable inviting you into first class.

     Tips & Warnings

     • Be nice and courteous to flight attendants or booking agents at the flight.
     • Call the airline a week or two in advance and ask about upgrades, then again 24-48 hours in advance and again, at the airport.
     • Be early. First class fills up fast, and the earlier you're there, the better chance you have of securing a first class ticket.