Walking past those spacious, plush lie-flat business-class seats on your way to economy can stir up some serious envy. But before you squeeze into that cramped economy seat, sandwiched between other passengers, know there’s a smarter way—upgrading to a better fare class. And yes, you can do it without breaking the bank.
“It’s almost impossible for the average traveler to score a free upgrade to business or first class these days,” Julian Kheel, founder and CEO of Points Path, told Travel + Leisure. Airlines, he explained, are now focused on monetizing upgrades. Still, there’s a glimmer of hope. “[It’s] extremely rare, but it does happen occasionally.” Knowing the right timing and approach could give you a slight advantage.
From figuring out who usually gets upgraded to picking the perfect moment to ask, here’s the inside scoop on moving to the front of the plane.
Who typically gets flight upgrades?
Frequent flyers and airline loyalty members are usually first in line. Most airlines prioritize their top-tier frequent fliers for complimentary upgrades to Economy Plus or business class. Carriers like Delta, United, and American clearly outline their loyalty tiers and upgrade policies, favoring those who fly the most, travel the farthest, or spend the most on tickets.
But there are ways to boost your chances. If your flight gets disrupted, for example, the airline might sweeten the deal with an upgrade. When a flight is oversold and passengers are asked to take a later one, that’s your moment to negotiate both compensation and a better seat.
As Kheel pointed out, dressing fancy won’t help. “Wearing a suit or nice dress won’t increase your odds, but looking like a difficult passenger will definitely hurt them,” he said. The only time attire matters is if it violates the airline’s dress code—meaning the wrong outfit could get you booted, not bumped up.
How likely is a free upgrade?
Realistically, without elite status, it’s tough. “In recent years, airlines have pushed hard to sell upgrades rather than give them away,” Kheel said. “Even elite-status passengers get fewer free upgrades now.” It’s not impossible, but don’t bank on it.
“Your best shot is when there’s still an open seat up front after all the elites have been upgraded,” Kheel noted. Check the gate monitors—they often show upgrade availability. Even if you’re not on the list, a quick glance can help you gauge your odds before politely asking the gate agent.
When’s the best time to ask for an upgrade?
Timing is everything. Kheel suggests approaching gate agents early, before boarding chaos kicks in.
“Boarding is the busiest part of their day,” he explained. “Trying to ask for an upgrade mid-boarding, or while they’re rushing to close the flight, won’t work.”
Politeness is key. “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” Kheel said. “Snagging a free upgrade without status is a long shot, but if you try, ask nicely. Mentioning a special occasion might slightly help.”
Once you’re on the plane, your chances drop to zero. As one flight attendant shared on Reddit: “At my airline, flight attendants can’t upgrade passengers to first class. Talk to the gate or ticket agent when checking bags—they handle seat assignments and upgrades.”
There’s one exception: “If your seat is broken—like a faulty armrest or tray table—you can ask to be moved up front,” Kheel added.
When should you just buy an upgrade?
Paying is the easiest route to a better seat, but timing matters for a good deal.
“Upgrade pricing depends on supply and demand,” Kheel said. “Check your flight’s seat map—if premium seats are still open close to departure, prices may drop.” On the flip side, “if most premium seats are taken, upgrade costs will only rise. Secure yours early.”
The takeaway? Monitor your flight’s upgrade pricing regularly. Decide your max budget, and if the price hits it, grab the seat before it’s gone.
Should you bid for an upgrade?
Many airlines now let passengers bid for upgrades instead of buying them outright. This auction-style option can save you money. Carriers like TAP Air Portugal, Aer Lingus, Etihad, and Copa Airlines often email eligible passengers days before departure, inviting bids.
To improve your odds, bid smart. While lowballing is tempting, a moderately competitive offer boosts your chances—and you’ll still pay less than full price. Just remember: bidding is a gamble, with no guarantees. But if you’re flexible, it’s worth a shot.