How to Upgrade an Airline Ticket

Airline upgrades are awarded to passengers based on available space, frequent-flyer status and the fare paid.


Step1
Increase your chance of getting an upgrade by using one airline for all of your travels.

Step2
Be friendly to the ticket agent. They are required to follow certain procedures, but a little friendliness might help and certainly couldn't hurt.

Step3
Ask the ticket agent casually whether there are any seats available in first class.

Step4
Trade in frequent-flyer miles for an upgrade, if you have miles.

Step5
Check to see whether your frequent-flyer program offers special upgrade deals. If the flight isn't full, the agent might upgrade you when you check in.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a lower-level frequent-flyer member, you may be able to pay for your upgrade and still spend less than what you would have paid for a first-class ticket.
  
• If you are making a connecting flight and the service wasn't great on the first leg of the flight, politely complain to the ticket agent. A ticket agent might give you an upgrade if you have a legitimate complaint about inadequate service.

By eHow