How to Get Upgraded to First Class: Take Advantage of Oversold Flights

15.08.2023 - 20:47 / cntraveler.com / Gary Leff / Brett Snyder

Moving to the front of the plane is a dream from most economy passengers. But many don’t know where to start when strategizing how to get upgraded to first class.

Sure, there are a few ways to be certain that you’ll be considered for an upgrade, like having elite status with the airline or simply opting to cash in points and miles to secure a more premium seat. But if you aren’t loyal to one carrier and you don’t have airline miles to speak of, are there other ways to get a free upgrade?

One strategy that sparks debate among frequent fliers is trying to negotiate an upgrade when a flight is oversold. Airlines often maximize profits by selling more tickets than there are seats on planes, in anticipation that some passengers will miss the flight or change their plans at the last minute. When all passengers show up at the gate—or when airlines need to fly crew to another airport on a sold-out plane—gate agents need volunteers to give up their seats and get bumped to a later flight.

It’s a situation that has happened more often since the pandemic—and one that you could potentially capitalize on. Gate agents want to avoid bumping passengers against their will, so they’re authorized to offer incentives like travel vouchers, gift cards, and other perks. Some frequent fliers say it’s possible to request an upgrade to first class as part of giving up your seat. But the negotiation takes a lot of finesse—if a gate agent will entertain it at all.

“This has happened, but as a general matter doesn’t work often,” says Gary Leff, an aviation expert who writes the blog View From the Wing. Usually, gate agents prefer to sweeten the deal by increasing the amounts of travel vouchers or gift cards instead, according to Leff.

However, just because requesting an upgrade instead of a voucher is a little unorthodox, it doesn’t mean it’s off the table. “In situations where they’re really motivated to get volunteers, [requesting an upgrade] might work, but another snag is that there need to be premium seats available on alternate flights,” Leff says. “Increasingly, premium cabins are full in advance and there aren’t leftovers to do this with.”

That means that if you do want to negotiate an upgrade request as a condition of being bumped, doing your research will be key. Look at the next few flights on the airline’s website and see what seats are available. Identify which flight you’d ideally like to be upgraded on. Then approach the gate agent and kindly state your request.

The best case for a free upgrade a traveler could make to a gate agent would be if no coach seats are available on the next flight but premium seats are open, according to Brett Snyder, president of Cranky Concierge, a firm that offers air travel assistance.