The Airplane Hacks That Allow First Class Travel Revealed

If you want to taste the luxury travel life during at least one long-haul flight, then welcome aboard! You’re a step closer to achieving it. 

First-class tickets can be quite pricey, and often outside of our holiday budget. 

But that shouldn’t put you off, because there are many other ways you can get an upgrade to first class, without having to pay the full price or secretly sneaking into the cabin. Here is how to secure your premium seat and enjoy the high life. 

Being loyal is rewarding 

Тhe best way to get an upgrade into first class the ‘fair and square’ way is by joining a frequent flyer club. Instead of leaving your upgrade to chance, you are putting in the work to secure it. 

By signing up for the frequent flyer program of your preferred airline, you start acquiring air miles, which you can then use to get an upgrade or even an entire first-class ticket. Often airlines are a part of airline alliances, meaning you can use your miles for upgrades on any other flight from the partnership group. 

The privilege of joining a frequent flyer program is that you stand a higher chance of receiving an upgrade when the opportunity arises. With loyalty cards, you’re not just acquiring air miles that you can use for an upgrade, but also building a relationship with the airline. The stronger the relationship, the more likely you are to be picked for an upgrade in a queue standing next to people who have no connection with the airline. 

The scheme is suitable not only for people who fly frequently, as the name suggests, but also for those who take long-haul flights that earn more miles. 

British Airways, for example, uses Avios as their miles currency, while their frequent flyer program is called the Executive Club. Based on the tier of their members, they acquire a certain number of Avios. 

For example, the flight distance from London to New York is 3,451 miles. A Blue Member of the Executive Club would earn 25% of the miles flown for a heavily-discounted economy class, which is 865 Avios. A Gold Member, on the other hand, would earn 4,321 Avios for the same economy class flight. Nevertheless, if a Gold Member is flying on a flexible first-class ticket, they would be rewarded with 13,832 Avios. 

Get an airline credit card 

Flying frequently isn’t the only way you can acquire miles. Airline credit cards offer you a wider opportunity to do so. 

With them, you can earn miles on daily spendings, which you can then use for upgrades and first-class tickets. 

Volunteer to give up your seat on an oversold flight 

Airlines will often overbook flights and then ask for any volunteers who are willing to give up their seat. 

If you’re not in a massive rush and are willing to trade a two-hour wait for a taste of a first-class flight, then this is your opportunity to negotiate. Make sure you set your terms clear.  

For example, you can tell them you would volunteer to give up your seat for an upgrade on the replacement flight, alternatively, you can ask for a first-class ticket on a flight of your choice within a year and still fly economy or business on this one. Remember, in this scenario you hold all the cards! 

Just ask 

This might seem like an obvious one, but many people underestimate the power of simply asking for what they want. 

You never know when it’s your lucky day, so rocking up at the airport in advance and asking in a friendly manner if there is an opportunity for an upgrade can actually work for you. 

The calmer and non-invasive you are, the more likely you are to get on the generous side of the airline staff.  

You might have a bigger chance of getting upgraded if you have an ailment or an injury, and you mention it to the staff without complaining about it. They might take a pity on you and offer up that special premium seat waiting to be taken. Another pitiful reason to get upgraded is sitting next to a crying baby or having your seat broken. It’s not guaranteed that you will be moved to the luxury cabin, but you might at least get a complimentary drink or two. 

Other more cheerful occasions include birthdays, honeymoons, and anniversaries, which the staff might consider worthy enough for a gift from the airline. 

Consider the times 

There are certain times when you’re more likely to get an upgrade. 

One such time is Christmas, when economy has been oversold and the staff must decide who to move to business and first class. So, dress in your best attire, put your most presentable smile on, adopt some positive thinking, and you might get an early Christmas present! 

If you want to use your air miles to book a first-class ticket, the best time to do it is during off-peak dates, because they require less air miles, meaning you can start collecting your miles again quickly after that, so you’re left with more miles to spare and in turn build upon. 

Dress to impress 

Whichever way of getting a first-class upgrade you decide to try, one thing you should always remember is to look the part. 

According to former Ryanair flight attendant Fiona Mallinson, if you want to get an upgrade, the idea is simple: "You've got to look like you belong if you want a good deal. You can't turn up in ripped shorts and a singlet. You're upping your chances hugely if you look presentable." 

Wide-legged pants, a pink blouse, and a short blazer is a look that speaks first class. Pair them with black ankle boots, a classic wardrobe staple, a beige tote bag, and gold jewellery. Looking business-ready means that you are also first-class trip ready. 

 

Travelling economy class can often be uncomfortable, especially on a long-haul flight. Nevertheless, these tips will help you master the art of charming your way into first class and secure more pleasant trips. So, put your best attire on and don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade!