Fly First or Business Class
First or business class travel is normally enjoyed by chief executives, A-list actors or rock stars, but it has actually never been more attainable for the average traveller.
While it may be a rare feat, flyers can bag a free upgrade and enjoy perks such as steak or lobster dinners, a seat that converts into a fully flat bed, and pre-flight Champagne.
From joining a rewards scheme to simply asking for one, these are the best ways holidaymakers can improve their chances of securing a first class seat without paying for it.
Join a frequent flyer scheme
This is the loyal traveller’s best shot at getting their bottom in one of the best seats on their flight.
Those who regularly fly with the same airline should join its rewards scheme and earn miles on every flight booked or goods or services purchased from the carrier’s partners, including hotels, restaurants and car hire firms.
Once they accumulate, miles or points can be used towards a first or business class seat, or membership alone can lead to a better seat as airlines tend to upgrade their most loyal customers first when the economy cabin is oversold.
Long-haul flights offer the best perks, and some programmes or credit cards offer incentives for new customers.
Scott Keyes, a 28-year-old writer, recently travelled 20,000 miles on 21 flights – in first class and mostly for free – after racking up more than 135,000 frequent flyer miles on 25 credit cards.
Fly solo
The odds of receiving an upgrade are greater for those who are travelling alone.
Airlines are more likely to upgrade a single traveller than a couple or a family of four.
A recent study by Skyscanner found that almost three quarters (72 per cent) of flight attendants are more inclined to offer a free upgrade to a passenger who is flying alone.
Celebrate a milestone
This may be the oldest trick in the book, and it may not offer the best results, but it doesn’t hurt to tell staff at the check-in desk or gate if the trip is in celebration of a special occasion.
A honeymoon seems to be a couple’s best chance at scoring an upgrade, as requests based on birthdays or anniversaries tend to fall on deaf ears.
Skyscanner’s survey of 700 cabin crew members revealed that 58 per cent would consider upgrading newlyweds who are jetting abroad for their honeymoon.
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