Unless you’re flying first class, there’s a good chance you’d like an upgrade on your next flight.
Unfortunately, many individuals don’t know exactly how to get that upgrade. Instead, it seems as if everyone else but you are being selected for more quality seating. It’s time to put an end to that. With this helpful guide, you’ll be able to take advantage of your airline to get those seat upgrades you’ve been looking for. So are you ready? Let’s take a close look at the top five ways you can get an upgrade on your next flight!
1. Loyalty
Brands like loyalty.
This means that if you consistently fly with a single brand (such as Delta or American Airlines), you will be privier to seat upgrade selection. Simply put, airlines prefer to give loyal customers first crack at upgrading their seats, so if you are one of those customers, you could be in luck.
After all, it makes sense. Why not reward more high-mile or point travelers for their loyalty and dedication to the brand? It’s a small thank you for customers who could choose to take their money elsewhere.
If you haven’t already chosen a brand to stick with, now may be the time to do so. Though you may find it a tad bit more expensive, there’s a good chance it will pay off in the end.
2. Book Early
Many airlines follow a first come, first serve policy that rewards early bookers with first dips at seat upgrades.
This means that booking early could be your ticket to getting out of your current seat and into a better one. For this reason, try to book as early as possible. Though it may not be possible for every trip, consider booking early if you know in advance you will be flying.
Oftentimes, you will be put at the top of a waiting list for seat upgrades. If the plane fails to be filled, you may find that you are chosen for a premium seat upgrade.
In addition to this, your flight ticket may also be cheaper, so it’s really a win-win situation.
3. Get Digital Alerts
Sometimes, getting those seat upgrades is all about paying attention. Unfortunately, many customers miss out on the opportunity to get these upgrades simply because they fail to see the notification or alert that those upgrades are available.
That’s why it’s important to keep alerts from your airline on at all times. This will not only give you access to important flight information, but it will also mean that you are ready in case you are selecting for a seating upgrade. By agreeing to these upgrades in a timely manner, you can ensure that the vacant (and better) seat does not go to someone else.
Keep in mind that these alerts often disappear quickly, so time is of the essence in these situations. Confirming your seating upgrade quickly can help ensure that you actually get the upgrade.
4. Spend More Money
As awful as it may sound, companies like to reward their top buyers. It makes sense, after all. If someone is paying a lot into your company, it’s only natural to give back. This means that you might be more eligible for a seating upgrade if you consistently purchase more expensive flights or spend more on baggage and other flight expenditures.
For those with extra cash, this is a potentially worthy bonus. In order to ensure that you are at the top of the seat upgrade list, consider spending a little extra money or flying a little more frequently. This will put you on the airline’s radar and make you a prime candidate for a seating upgrade.
5. Get to Your Check-in Early
If spending more money isn’t exactly your thing, try to get to your check-in early. You may be surprised at the perks this gives you. Those who check in early are often privy to first access to seating upgrades.For this reason, try arriving at your gate around ten hours early. While this does run you the risk of an extended time in the airport,
it gives you the ability to jump on potential seat upgrade opportunities. Of course, this is only the case if such opportunities are available, but we think it’s a worthy option for anyone wanting a crack at a better seat.
The Bottom Line
If you aren’t happy with your current seat or wish to have better seating on flights in the future, following the tips in this guide can help you get a seating upgrade and even a cheaper ticket using the best travel planning apps.
Upgrading your seating can give you a more enjoyable flight and give you more for your expenditure. For these reasons, it’s important to keep the above tips in mind if you are looking for a chance at a seating upgrade on your next flight.
