How to get upgraded to business class

It’s the line many of us secretly hope to hear every time we check in:

“This flight is overbooked, so today we’ll be upgrading you to business class”.

Let’s be honest: the chances of getting something expensive for nothing are never great. However, there are plenty of tiny tricks that can improve your odds from “nonexistent” to “small”.

Which of these tips are you following? Are there any more you would add to the list? And have you ever scored the lucky upgrade for yourself?

1. Travel alone
Solo travellers are in luck. A single passenger is far easier to rearrange at the last minute than a couple or family.

2. Join a loyalty program
When an upgrade is available, airlines will inevitably favour their most loyal customers. Even with a free frequent flyer card on the lowest tier, you’ll still have priority over those who never bothered signed up.

3. Travel on busy flights
Generally, most airlines will only upgrade you out of absolute necessity. In many cases, this will only come from overbooking. If you’re willing to take the risk, choose an airline known to overbook and a flight that looks to be busy.

The key is to board a flight with too many economy passengers, but not enough in business class. Flights at the start or end of a holiday are a great example.

Of course, this gamble can backfire with unwanted bumping or unpleasantly crowded flights, so attempt this at your own risk.

4. Check in first
It’s rare for a flight to have more than 1-2 upgrade opportunities, so the earlier you show up, the better your prospects. Just be sure to bring a good book in case you find yourself waiting for nothing.

5. Dress well – but don’t go overboard
There is an enduring myth that you’ll need to dress like a businessperson to get an upgrade. While there may be some truth to this, a better approach is to simply avoid something too casual.

Ultimately, you simply need to be somebody they won’t be embarrassed to place next to their highest-paying members. In short: wait until you’ve landed before rocking on those bright red crocs.

6. Catch the airline staff in the right mood, at the right time
Earlier flights in the morning tend to have the most relaxed staff, with fewer people demanding their attention and a lighter atmosphere that may just bring out their generous side.

Inversely, a late night flight can also have hidden benefits. The staff might be crankier, but the last-minute rush to get everybody on board may make them more flexible when it comes to rearrangements.

7. Check your emails
Some airlines will email passengers shortly before departure offering cheap upgrades – sometimes mere hours before the flight. It might not be free, but a great deal is certainly better than nothing.

8. Be nice
All too often, simple politeness can be the one wildcard that wins staff over. Work with them. Be understanding. Offer to change flights if you know it’s overbooked. In the worst case, that smile will subtly improve somebody’s day, so it really is win-win.

9. Attempt gentle bribery
The New York Times has one of the cheekiest suggestions of all: give the check-in attendant that box of chocolates you couldn’t quite squeeze into your luggage.

We can’t vouch for the success rate of this tip, so you may find yourself losing a lot of expensive food and drink in the process.

Have you ever scored a free upgrade? What tips would you add to this list?