How To Get Free Upgrade to 1st Class on International Airfares?

Question

We will be travelling from Sydney to Thailand next Monday for our honeymoon, and I was just wondering if anyone has ever actually been given a free upgrade to 1st class before, and/or what your tips are?

(Thai Airways BTW)

Thank you!!

Answer 1

I was upgraded once, but it wasn't free, only 100 dollars though!! Can't beat that. Maybe the money was just to pay for the alcohol I drank, Teeheee. :-))

Answer 2

First of all congratulations!!!  How exciting!  Enjoy your special day and your honeymoon!  What a joyful, special time!

I have worked in the airline industry for over 20 years and the following answer is simply based on personal experience.  You may enjoy the video previously  offered by CG, but hopefully you realize that video is for amusement and not to be taken literally.  

If applicable to you, being in a frequent flier program will help.  However, it takes time to earn the mileage needed for an upgrade.  If you don't have enough free miles, you can be bold and ask for a free upgrade with the agent, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you know them or work for the same airline.  After you start asking for freebies, the agent if at the gate, could choose to tell the flight attendants "watch out for this person, they are trying to get a free upgrade."  I've seen this happen which did not help the passenger's cause.

It's not hopeless though!  Obviously what you have going for you is that you are newlyweds.  Add to that a humbleness, kindness and appreciation for anything they may do for you and you've got a fighting chance of some kind of upgrade- even if it's just an amenity kit or a bottle of champagne.  

I remember upgrading a couple to first on a short international flight after seeing the bride's flowers she had with her.  I asked what they were for and she told me about their recent nuptials.  Granted the flight wasn't as long as yours and we had provisions.  Longer flights like yours (over 9 hours) require exact provisions and more paperwork too.   In general, they don't usually cater extras on flights these days.  So, even if there is room up front that doesn't mean they can provide you with a first class meal.  I have put someone up front before and was able to give them all the first class amenities except for the food.  They ended up with a coach meal, but it was presented on FC china with the silverware.  They appreciated the service and the accommodations.  

I had a friend go to Paris with me on a layover once.  Our plan was for her to fly coach over and then upgrade her to first on the way back.  However, the flight was full for first so she stayed in coach, but enjoyed all the delicacies of first I could smuggle back to her!  She still had a great time, but unfortunately some of the other passengers noticed the difference in her food, etc and complained.  

The best bet for a free upgrade will likely be after you board the plane.  If you are in good graces with at least one flight attendant and are the sweet unassuming newlyweds, than you may be enjoying some perks.  However, FAs do not like to feel pressured or nagged about such things nor do they enjoy  serving people who think they are entitled to special treatment.  So, basically my advice is to enjoy this wonderful time.  If you get some special treatment like an upgrade etc., great, but don't expect or count on it.   I have a feeling you will have a great flight and honeymoon no matter what class you fly.  You'll be riding high from the emotions of your big day, the love you share and endless dreams of a beautiful future!

Best wishes to you both!

EW

Answer 3

I have been upgraded once before, but that was because the flight was almost filled by the time that I got to the check in desk.

I did manage to stumble across this video at videojug that might help: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-get-...

It does mention something about how you might be able to use the wedding as an advantage to getting first class tickets.

Good luck!

Answer 4

In real life, it is very difficult to get a free upgrade to 1st class.  The plane would have to be overbooked and, even then, travelers are usually just offered an economy ticket for another date or perhaps a free economy seat.  It used to be much more common to get an upgrade than it is now.  First class sections are often full and I have found that it is not that easy to pay for an upgrade once you've booked an economy ticket.  I would say your chances are slim to none. Sorry.