Get a Free Upgrade to First Class

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Getting a free upgrade to first class isn't easy, people who've paid for first class don't want a scruffy nobody riding free when they had to pay.
Because of this the check-in attendants wont give free upgrades to anyone, you have to look like the kind of guy who would shell out that bit extra for first class,

This instructable will tell you how to do exactly that.

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Step 1: Presentation

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Presentation is key, look like a bum and you'll probably get a downgrade to the cargo area.
1st Class is for business-men and billionaires, Billionaires wont be asking for a free upgrade so your going to have to be a business-man.

Business-man check list :

• Suit
• Tie
• Shirt
• Briefcase
• Copy of Financial Times
• Shiny black shoes
• Glasses ?
• Sensible Hair
• Clean shaven

Business-man No-No List:

• No long hair
• No spiky/roughed up hair
• No Backpacks
• No other clothes other than a suit
• No Beard/Stubble
• No Cheesy grin
• No earrings/piercings
• No visible tattoos

This may seem a bit extreme and you may feel stupid wearing a suit but trust me ,on a long haul flight you would give your right arm to get out of economy.

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Comments

[pkramer2]

You can still attend the meeting with the ticket you booked, is what she should think. I would come up with a better excuse.

[Honda Enoch]

Many highly respectable business men wear earrings.

[flintwo2]

Instead of wasting a couple of hundred dollars on a good suit you cold just buy a first class ticket.

[HMice]

According to karma, you should either get poisoned by the plane food or the plane crashes.

[Aaron Stein]

You really believe in Karma? Nothing more than superstition.

[HMice]

Yes I believe in Karma. It is perfectly rational reasoning. Haven't you ever seen a movie or read a book when the nasty guy gets his comeuppance?

[chris73044]

..... and if you are in first class when the plane goes down you die first... now that's Karma....lol

[Mr. Gadgets]

Good point.

[SIRJAMES09]

good thing I don't fly then....it's too dangerous

[Aaron Stein]

Actually, flying is safer than driving a car. You have 2 pilots and there is an almost zero chance of another vehicle smashing into you.

[paddyc]

it is not unsafe

[SIRJAMES09]

If you say so....still I will never fly unless I can have a parachute with me, & we both know that will never happen.

I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just saying that I will never fly because I don't trust the airline companies. They have a reputation of not caring if you live or die....all they want is your money.

[kyleslab]

I also feel sorry for you. You have no clue whatsoever. Obviously you have never flown on a good airline, the only one with the best safety record for the last 20 years (can't mention any names.)

[SIRJAMES09]

if I'm gonna die, it will be by my hand or by the hand of GOD....not some over worked airline pilot who is asleep at the wheel.

I have flown in the past on some of the most technically advanced aircraft...some that the public will never see the inside of(compliments of the US Air Force, US Navy, & US Army). Flying scares me, always has always will. I would rather swim to Ireland as opposed to flying there.

As I said earlier, I'm not saying I'm right & you're wrong, I'm only saying that I refuse to fly.

[kyleslab]

The most technically advanced aircraft? Really? What is considered the "most technically advanced?" Does flying scare you because the person flying is not as experienced with flying passengers as he/she is experienced with the airplane and controls? Obviously it scares you for some very "interesting" reason if you are so firm with your opinion. Hmm, very interesting, you may be right. Most of the people I know HATE to fly. I always thought is was very interesting when people refuse to fly. It always makes me wonder, "Why?" Well, I won't change your mind so have a good day!

[voyageur10]

I feel sorry for you.

[SIRJAMES09]

I answer to a higher authority, & he does not like it when I do something immoral to get ahead and/or to get comfortable at someone else's expense.

Cheating the system means someone is having to pay more at some point just so you can be more comfortable. THAT is wrong & immoral & I will never condone that...nor should anyone else in my humble opinion.

What goes around, comes around. that's not just life, that's karma.

I bid you peace Sir.

[EtCetera112]

gah, christian mumbo jumbo!

[SIRJAMES09]

save your pity for someone who cares...

I couldn't care less if people agree with me or not; I don't care if what I do works for anyone but me; all I'm saying is this is me, this is but a part of who I am & I WILL NOT lose any sleep if someone disagrees with me.

So do not pity me, either be my friend, or get out of my way, because I am gonna do & go where & when I want to go & do.

In the mean time, I bid you peace....may life always be kind to you Sir.

[EdM]

So your entire how-to is based on deception and lies and nobody else questions this or calls you on it - and Instructables allows it? I would hope airline personnel are experienced and smart enough to see through this kind of dishonest behaviour. The lack of character and integrity that allows one to try this technique probably shows through somehow and a savvy agent would never fall for it.

[johndoe5516]

Its called a "CON" its a very simple idea that doesn't necessarily cause problems for others but benefits you and/or allies...i see no moral issues here at all.

[brendangillespie]

Hopefully the airline employees, in their infinite experience and wisdom, are giving the free upgrades to those who truly deserve it, such as the elderly or those with injuries that would most benefit from a bigger and comfier seat.

[amaurer11787]

relax man its a free country to act however you want even if you dont agree with his morals.

[bounty1012]

Haven't you ever lied for your own pleasure? I'm sure you've lied before, not everyone is perfect.

[Nando_Kommando]

I'm sure the airline personnel could prob. give a crap where you sit. As long as you have a good excuse.

[Danish M1Garand]

SAles is a LIE. All he is doing is selling

[=SMART=]

This instructabe was a theory, i won the competition too. You have to lie in life, that's how it is. If you don't you wont get anywhere

[QePBqF]

If every person on the earth acted with integrity, there would be no need for law enforcement, security, or rules of any kind. And every extra person that acts without integrity, lying to get what they want, increases the need for rules that would make everyone's lives easier if they were gone. Things like this article are the reason we have to wait hours in line to get past TSA security.

[drawkcab]

Yeah...go ahead lie through life to get what you want and you will eventually realize your life is one big lie. Try honesty, that can get you just as far in your upgrade instructible...perhaps if you just told the airline attendant how you never get to fly first class because you are a student (or such) and can't afford it and would love to experience it that would work too (and you probably would feel alot better about yourself).

[ToolboxGuy]

My wife and I have been upgraded for free thanks to being honest and helpful.
Whenever we fly, and we have extra time, we offer to give up our seats if they've overbooked. In one case, it got us 2 FREE TICKETS TO ANYWHERE American flew, plus the next day, they seated us in First, even though we had Economy seats on the original flight.
We just check back in when they announce the prepare to board, and if they say they are not overbooked and don't require the seats, we simply ask if there are any seats available up front. We try to travel carryon only, and we mention that as well. If they're open, we get them. It usually means we have our luggage under, but that's fine by me.

[Riojelon]

What if I'm a rich student but don't wanna pay but I wanna seat on First class?

[shawntherobot]

thats how you move forward in life and good instructables but i dont think most of those pictures are yours

[=SMART=]

the pics are not mine

[benz_z]

too true great ible by the way

[=SMART=]

Thanks :)

[dakrasywun]

i fly southwest.... :(

[Danimalk82]

Haha... where EVERY seat is first class!

[EtCetera112]

lol

[isaacwilk]

"I'm going to lose my job if I'm not upgraded to first class" Yeah right... It's pretty obvious you haven't done this yourself. They aren't going to upgrade you just because you're well dressed and ask nicely.

[KissThisThen]

I've wangled an upgrade to 1st Class twice in my life. You do need to be smartly dressed, very pleasant and appear to be reasonably cultured (posh, ok?). I still get turned down more often than not, but if you don't ask , the answer is always 'no'.

[kjb0419]

I don't understand how you would get it for free. If you want to upgrade to first class wouldn't they charge you? I tried this with my wife when we went on our honeymoon and they would only upgrade if we paid. I really don't think this would work.

[rocklego]

Wow. I love that you assume that only men ride first class.

[supertoria12]

Not to mention the fact that women can be businesspeople too.

[Dusk Shadows]

ha ha cheating gets you everything that is exactly why i have everything
because i'm CRAZY!!!!!!!

[kyleslab]

Are you kidding me? They aren't just going to UPGRADE you without a hitch.
This is trash, this person would be wasting their time and embarrassing themselves. And that third picture on the top, what is that like a 747 first class? That is not BASIC first class. You have no idea! And what airline just upgrades you like that? I'd like to know because this has never happened to me or anyone I know. This is pointless!

[HollyMann]

I agree. And years ago I worked in the travel industry and had a IATA card - which got me lots of travel agent perks and discounts. It used to also get upgrades to first class - but that has stopped 10 yrs ago - they stopped giving it to the travel agents. And I can't imagine they'd give it to someone who is dressed nicely. :( not going to happen

[SpaceDog777]

It's possible, if first class is not full alot of airlines give the check-in staff the power to upgrade people and it has happened to me. I didn't get first class (Air New Zealand doesn't have first class anymore) but I did get upgraded to business class. I was dressed in a suit and told the lady I needed to get a whole bunch of work done on the flight. It was a business trip to America and getting some work done on the trip was useful. I also had the advantage of being a member of the air lines lounge club (The Koru club for Air NZ).

All that crap about how "Business men" act though is stupid. I have made some of my best contacts waiting in airports by talking to other people traveling by themselves.

[madenairy]

i have a way ov getting up-graded 4 nothing, it isnt fulproof i warn u, but :-

1.go with a desent (forget ryanair then) airline, and
2.go with sumwon in a weelchare

perfectly serius, my mother is in a chare, more-often-than-not (particularly if its a long-to-medium flite) and thare under booked they will bump the two ov u up to first class for zilch!

[Wintershot]

Your recommendation is to use an airline which actually has first class seating as a tip to aquiring a first class seat? Thanks!

[kyleslab]

Well yeah, that would usually be the case in that situation if the
flight is under booked. But, are flights usually under booked?
No. Otherwise that would be great.

[HMice]

Isn't that cheating? XP lol

[SIRJAMES09]

condescending attitudes & putting others down because of their phobias, gets nobody anywhere.

Everyone has something that they are afraid of...only a fool fears nobody and/or nothing.

I am no fool, but I do have phobias. flying is but one of them.

[varocketry]

THis is complete trash suggestions made for whatever posting purpose.

If you want to be entertained, fine. Want to try to get a first class upgrade, pass.
Too little seats, too many high point FF'ers for this drivel to work.

[FlatLinerMEDIC]

First class only way to go.....stock up on the minis=)

[lkuziez9680]

I fly all the time probably 6-8 times a year and I thought this was absolutely incredible, I have not tried it yet but I probably will.

[jhercik]

This post needs to be updated to reflect the current airline culture of death-by-extra-fees. I doubt these tactics will work nowadays without incurring at least a $50 charge.

[killer pyro]

hey i posted a comment before and iam not sure if it did post...anyway in the comment i agreed with brendangillespie that it is an honor to serve the country and to fake it is sad. by accident i put john.pooler and meant rick05. and i like john poolers comment for the guns...does anyone know were to get guns like sniper rifles,assault rifles,shotguns for the firing range...yes i am a gun nut

[SIRJAMES09]

you're asking alot from some of the people I've met on here. LOL

notice I said SOME.

[downgrade]

Wear a military uniform and sometimes they pull you aside to "get you a better seat" Just another perk for us under paid government workers.

[brendangillespie]

That has happened to me on two occasions; I was traveling in my uniform both times and was already seated in the back of the plane when a stewardess came and got me for a free first class upgrade.

[SpaceRat]

Kewl Beans. I am in the Civil Air Patrol, maybe I'll start wearing my Dress Blues!

[downgrade]

Keep in mind that there are rule about when you can and cannot wear your uniform. I don't know how strict they are in CAP but I know they at least frown at misuse.
I was still in tech school so I was supposed to be in uniform when traveling formally (not sure if I was on this particular trip though, shhh). Just saying.

[doraflood]

This "might" work for international flights -- but is so not what you want to do for domestic. I get many, many upgrades almost going against everything that was written. First, never book on a "whale" flight. That's the early morning and after 5pm flights that business men usually fly on. Because of this, they are packed with "whales" - those who have the platinum plus perks that already got their upgrades automatically 24-48 hours ago. So book a mid-day or evening flight for a better chance at first class availability. Next, check the available seats 12 hours before the flight on your computer and when you arrive at the airport -- you can check on the self-serve kiosk. If you don't get upgraded, you might be able to get a better seat as inventory is released at this time. If no seats -- or just one -- is shown in first class, forget about and go buy your meal somewhere in the terminal. If there are multiple seats available, and the screen doesn't show a long wait list for upgrades -- then switch your seat to a middle row and go approach the counter. Crying helps. Ask for a better seat if available. Tell them you are visiting your mother in the hospital or you just had a car wreck. They will sympathize and you may even get a pass to the lounge. Be neat and clean -- but no need to go in a suit! You want the counter person to feel like they are giving their friend a once-in-a-lifetime gift!

[brendangillespie]

Why would visiting your mother in the hospital necessitate a free first class upgrade? A bad back injury from a car accident, yes - but emotional distress?

Personally, I don't see how someone in their right mind could lie about either reason.

[dreamweaverabc]

I fly with my service dog, a Golden Retriever. They typically bump somebody out of a bulkhead seat so my dog has some room to lie down. They really don't want half her body sticking out into the aisle. And as much as she does and can/will do, she will not curl up into a ball. (It has something to do with her 'alpha' attitude with everyone but me that she will be extremely well behaved, loving and helpful but she will not scrunch her 70lbs on a very fluffy dog, to squeeze under the seat in front of me while the rest of her serves as my foot rest.

Typically the airline folks will call up all the bulkhead people and ask them if one of them would please switch seats with a poor old lady with a service dog. Only once did no one volunteer. The crew boards me first, so they told me to go find whichever bulkhead seat I wanted and they would deal with the fall out. And fall out there was. The seat I chose belonged to a very irate passenger who totally lost it when they spotted me in it. The crew told me to ignore the arguing going on. So . . . tapping foot, whistling a tune, petting my dog, I sat there amongst all this. Then this wonderful woman in Frist class heard what was going on. She stood up and said she would be HAPPY TO DONATE HER SEAT TO ME and she would sit wherever there was for her to sit. I LOVE that woman. Made the others look like scrooges.

However, there a quite a few aircraft whose bulkhead is not what we typically think of as a bulkhead. AirTrans has these. Their bulkhead is nothing special, just divided from First Class by a curtain right in front of you.

Some aircraft have the bulkheads as the emergency exits as well, and we are not allowed to sit there (my dog and I).

I'm happy to sit in the bulkhead whever possible, but that first class was great. Any ideas for this Grandma (very young hip grandma) with a beautiful blonde Golden service dog to use to get into first class?

We do already have some perks, in that we can move to the front of the lines (at check in and at the security check point) as navigating through the airport with a big dog and everyone wanting to pet her, talk to her (these things are not allowed) and just oohing and aahing in general.

As for wearing your BDU's (uniform) my Army Sgt son has stopped wearing his in the airport. Yes he is afforded a lot of perks. But he is also stopped by countless people who want to stop him and thank him. Don't get me wrong, he is grateful that they value his job, but it takes him forever to get through the airport.. Three deployments to Iraq and now over the top PTSD. I have to say that I have a problem with anyone getting a used uniform from a thrift store just to fool airport personnel, etc. Just MHO.

[uzziah0]

Lots of comments here!
I used to travel to England (from ORD) 2 -4 times a year. The VERY LAST trip I took, I got bumped to 1st on the way home. There was another guy that got bumped too. I had seen him on other trips, and we talked for a few minutes.
Both of us dressed casually, neither had a backpack, neither of us asked for a bump. Neither of us looked super busy or stressed.
I think they just needed a couple of seats (I cannot remember if I was travelling business or economy at the time), and looked at who traveled frequently. THat is my best guess; but who knows!

[artistbooks]

Is it true that if the plane crashes, you have a better chance of surviving if your seat is towards the back of the plane? Hmmmm, just asking.

[easy90rider]

I was just going to write the same thing :)

[etw]

Chances are that she will say: "We have a seat available in business class"
You will say: "That will be fine/great
She'll say: "That will be 200 dollars, want to charge that to your credit card?"

I am a business man and my best approach always was to just ask for an upgrade: "Any chance for an upgrade?" Used to work 10 out of 10 if there was a seat available. Lately though ground crew will tell you you can use yr airmiles for an upgrade.
Other possibility: ask the stewardess. If you look like a business men, and especially if you travel a lot with them (they know) it will not be a problem.

Make sure you have NOT asked for a special meal, that may complicate things

[wat.]

You really have to be a bussinisman or bussiniswoman to get on first class! O.O

[HeyJD]

It would be funny if the person at the check in desk was the same person who served you in First class....

[finton]

My 75 year old mother does a lot of flying (1000's of air points from using her credit card for everything, and being frugal). She has a trick for Economy which we used this year from New Zealand to Nepal (Thai Airways): she books a window seat and an aisle seat in the same 3-seat row. Much more often than not, the middle seat is not booked unless the plane is really full; we had plenty of elbow room, a place to put our junk, room for her to curl up and sleep, and both a window AND aisle seat to take turn in! :] The long-haul flight from NZ to Bangkok also had movie screens in each seat.

When I was 20 I had "staff-standby" for my Big OE as my father worked for Air New Zealand. Even cheaper than "standby", but one is the lowest of the low. For the Toronto to London flight, the standby queue for BA was longer than the plane, so my aunt suggested we try Air Canada. The ticket lady had to check with her supervisor, but after a few minutes I was walking through the gate onto the AC plane, leaving the BA queue behind. On much later flight from Oslo to London, the standby's got all the economy seats - so I had to travel business class. Oh dear, how sad.

[Tailslvr7_7]

I'm wondering... why would a elderly lady who has more experience be more likely to give you an upgrade than someone who just joined and doesen't really know anything about the airport? The experienced would have probably seen something among the lines of this and know what to do, while the new lady wouldn't know if she should give upgrades or not. But then again, the more experienced probably can hand out upgrades...

[michabailey]

I have a great idea: Load this instructable onto your phone, and use it when you pretend to check your email, in case you forget what to do.

[1spartan95]

Nice idea!

[Balinese_kid]

The picture of the guy in first class (step four) is on a Garuda Indonesia airplane.  I am 83% sure.  The stewardess is wearing the the same outfit.

[E D E N]

 nah, I went to Indonesia a few years back and I'm 99.99% sure it's Singapore Airlines. They have the exact same outfit as the stewardess above. 

[paperclip32]

 Yup,you're right,it's the iconic Singapore Airlines kebaya.

[blodefood]

What? No instructable for women here? Blah!

[=SMART=]

Heh just flirt with the guy on the desk

[knex_mepalm]

most of the desk people are women

[foxtrot4697]

lol flirt with the girl at the desk

[knex_mepalm]

 Lol. I was thinking. Doesn't this only work for women? Since men are attr. you get the point...right?

[KandyRockstar]

 Have you yourself ever tried out your "theory"? Was it successful? Because, as you probably know,  a theory can only be a theory if it started out as a hypothesis, and through a series of tests, proved itself to be successful. Otherwise everything you said is void.

Also, I noticed, through reading the comments, that people have asked what happens when the sales lady asks you to pay for your upgrade. What do you proposed (in hypothesis) would be the best way to tackle that situation?


Thanks for the instructable though. If I find myself flying solo again, I may just whip out my poker face and try this one out.

[ScienceWiz]

Hahaha

Scientific Method Pwnage!!

[hungyhipo 2]

nice!

[fourtrax]

I don't think that this will work in most cases but it was very funny to read :)

[swaggoner]

So, you ask, do you have anything... up front? And she says, Yes, that will be $1500 for the upgrade please, thank you. I don't think you've thought your little plan all the way through.

/Business traveler
//Do get the occasional upgrade, but only about 1 in 20 flights and only because they see it is 1 in 20 flights.

[el_darwin]

Just an idea, when a flight was over sold and you do have a seat. You can walk to the counter and ask to be place on business class.

[=SMART=]

... meh

[Televangelist]

This is not the most encouraging reply you could give to an obvious hole in this theory. :X

[Raelptah]

Hahahaha... thats great, funniest thing ive seen ina while. Thanks mate. Yes will have to try that someday, somehow. Now i wonder if that works for coaches as well? or for getting good seats at the cinema?

[winniekate]

I have same questions that a couple have already posted: 1. Where do you ask for the upgrade? Terminal or Gate? 2. .."she says, Yes, that will be $1500 for the upgrade please"... At this point, do you say, "Just kidding"? And my own question, if my husband and I are traveling together, do I go as the secretary on the side, or the stuffy wife?

[agent1022]

Normally, if I have a boredom-killer, I'm happy. If not, I can always look out the window. If I don't have a window seat, I can always sleep. Now the really uncomfortable thing is being in the middle of the aisle seat and window seat. With the window you can lean on the wall, and the aisle seat you can always have fresh air (not to mention no hassles going to the bathroom). But in the middle...*shudder*

[urbanfreespirit]

The window is my fave place to sit! You can watch the clouds (until it gets dark) and then you have something to sleep on which won't wake you up and complain I'm gonna try a female version next time i go on holiday

[krowii]

You can always trade seats with people (for example, family member who are split up are always grateful to trade seats so that they can sit together). I've done that countless times and found myself in a nice aisle seat. Another tip: fly Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific as much as possible. On their new planes and renovated planes, the economy seats are really nice, plus every seat has a great personal entertainment system, not to mention food that actually tastes pretty damn good!

[agent1022]

Oh yes, Singapore airlines has the awesomest entertainment I've ever had. *memories*

[thisispete]

yes but Singapore Airlines won't give free upgrades - I guess because I wasn't dressed like a business man. It was actually our Honeymoon (no, seriously it was!) and they wouldnt do it.

[=SMART=]

Yea, middle on economy is hell

[knex_mepalm]

hahahahhahahahahaha

[leerose]

This was a really interesting instructable... I'm not sure I could pull off the blatant lie, (I'm terrible at fibbing when it counts XD) but I would still be very interested in a business woman version of this. Because to manage to pull it off... :D That would be AWESOME.

[magicpocket]

Funny, and effective

[deansep]

Or you could just get on, and go into your seats, and when the boarding starts to stop you go up and ask the flight attenate if you could switch seats. Most will say yes, but for those jacka$$es you might have to explain where...

[Rustar]

Someone once told me you could call an airline and see if they had empty first class seats, and if so you could offer to buy that seat for less because they'd rather have a filled seat at reduced cost then an empty seat. No idea if its true but perhaps worth looking into.

[Benwa]

I once was travelling as a kid and got bumped to 1st class. I was alone and some airlines will assign you a "helper" if asked. This is basically just someone who makes sure you get on the right plane etc. Well they forgot about me, missed my flight and they put me on the next one... bumped up of course. My brothers friend once was travelling over seas on his honeymoon and used trickery to get he and his wife bumped up. He asked her to take her ring off discretely and he pocketed it. And then when a female flight attendant was close by, he got down on one knee and 're-proposed' to his wife. Almost any woman on the planet will melt when witnessing the sappy "proposal scene". It worked and the attendant bumped them up. Free food, free drinks, extra leg room for the entire flight. He's one of those guys ya kinda hate because he's so damn charming. I like his method better. Who wants put on a suit if they dont have to. I actively avoid business men and would feel dirty pretending to be one. Apologies to any business men reading this. In fact, what are you doing on a DIY site anyway. You should be able to afford to buy new. I heard business execs eat salads made out of hundred dollar bills. I have no evidence for this, but assume its true

[robert the robot]

I think it's a clever instructable.

[Taotaoba]

This is so funny, and it may work. I don't know. Great instructables, btw.

[Pineapple_D]

if you dress nicley and befriend the check out lady and the flight staff = upgrade :D

[finnrambo]

Awesome instructable too bad I didn't look at it before I went to Florida oh well I'll give you a 5.0 and subscibe to you.

[jacob2910]

sneeky

[MasterpieceLost]

Cute, but highly unlikely. Most companies would not give a free upgrade to save their lives in this day and age. The typical company policy for most airlines allows for upgrading seats for a small fee, as low as 100 dollars depending on the length of the flight. If you are flying domestic and you want an upgrade, it never hurts to ask and pay a little extra for first class, as usually the upgrade fee at the desk is still going to be a lot better than if you'd paid for 1st class to start with. But lying to try to get a free upgrade is dishonest and very likely to cause problems rather than be effective.

[djbobbyrhodes]

Not true. I've been upgraded multiple times in the past few months. I haven't used the technique described, I guess I'm just lucky. :p

[vondeliusc]

I think the bit about how to dress is just basic info that today's folks need to be taught anyway. Good on ya, for sharing that..besides-it just makes you look bad a** cool. I always dress sharp to travel. And not that it matters, but I have been a flight attendant, and if someone asked nice and clever and was sharp, the request might get honored. I loved your pics, BTW, especially the nerd with the big guy behind, the 1/2 ton woman and the guy in first class with the private suite-what airline is THAT? ;-)
-Christian

[mattias law]

i was flying as a UMone timeand there was this couple who had a mixup with their seets and one was in first class and the other was in the seat beside me. they started to complain to the stewardesses and then i just said you can have my seat and the stewardess said to me are you sure (wot do you expect me to say) yes and the guy with a rather p'eed off look went and sat down in my seet and i got my own tv a propperly reclining seat and lots of drinks and snacks woop woop another thing you can do is if you are flying as a um ask if you can have something to dink they will hardly evey ask you to pay for it and you can get lots of free stuff. its great

[venomireland]

I know those planes in the last photo's, they're Singapore Airlines First-Class Seats right? The TV Screens you get are massive (haven't actually been in 1st or business-class though) and the options are immense. The economy class Screens aren't half bad either. They're a necessity on long (I was on one for 24 hours) flights and I love the way you can actually choose what you want to watch. Too bad most of the movies have Japanese ( Not being stereotypical the attendant's said it was Japanese because many of the passengers were Japanese stopping off in Singapore and then to Japan) Subtitles that you can't turn off. It was still awesome though. Only downside is it's really uncomfortable in Economy when trying to sleep. Meals were nice too but sadly I'm very picky so didn't eat much of it.

P.S. The instructable was very good. I actually saw someone do this and afterwards when out of sight of the check-in lady he went I can't believe that worked

[Kryptonite]

Speaking of first class cabins that have EVERYTHING, you forgot to mention the pillows. They supply lots, and lots of pillows when you're first class.

[pineapplenewton]

just hope you do get in otherwise you have to sit in an uncomfortable seat in a suite.

[romstar36]

Looks like Bangkok Airport

[trappedinafreezer]

Actually, I'm pretty sure it's San Francisco International.

[kmmich]

sure? I also immediately thought about BKK... the new one of course...

[kmmich]

Also some of the other pictures in this ible look very much like Bangkok... Nice tips btw. Not sure you would need the whole set, but looking smart really helps. My parents once got an upgrade to first class on the condition that they put on real shoes instead of their slippers...

[ucla87]

where do you ask for the upgrade? at the check in counter when u frist arrive at the airport? or at the terminal?

[gstvklimt]

Hi everyone! It was really funny and entertaining to read that. But as an airline employee for many many years, I have to tell you that this is a complete waste of time. And I will tell you why: Most of the check-in agents are not even employees of the airline and they cannot take such decissions. If you pretend to be a business man who is used to fly all the time, you will be probably asked for a Frequent Flyer membership card to check if you really do so. It's not just about having empty seats. To have a passenger upgraded to First class or even Business class means money. And if you multiply that for the thousands of requests we get every day it turns into a huge ammont of lost money. You have to consider the catering, drinks, ammenities, lounge expenses, etc you get as a First class passenger...it costs money. Passengers tend to invent funny things to get what they want, but sometimes they don't know that what they expected to be a good reason for getting an upgrade or a specific seat, might turn into a reason for not getting that or even for being offloaded. So don't try to get an upgrade saying that you feel sick and you need to rest, it might turn into them asking you for a medical certificate or you will not get the upgrade cause they don't want to bother real paying passengers. My advise is to be yourself and be honest. Airlines employees are experienced people who have seen a lot. They are not stupid. Just be nice, explain your reasons and people will surely try to help you.

[ZeeRiz]

Great and fantastic idea... dear this trick is applicable only US, isn't or all over the world. Anyhow very interesting way to travel in First Class... Bon Voyage...

[asda653]

What I'm wondering is, what if she asks for your company or something? And then basically posing as a business man when you really work in the food court, couldn't they nail you for fraud? Just sayin. But it looks good overall.

[ArtemisBlue]

Not necessarily, since no real financial damage is caused, so fraud is out of the question, but I imagine she would be a little annoyed you tried to weasel into a free upgrade.

[zieak]

Yeah. I think just being very nice and asking for an upgrade is a lot easier and doesn't involve deception. I got an upgrade yesterday. There was a problem with my ticket when i tried to board. I was wearing a t-shirt and wasn't clean shaven. I think they have to deal with rude business travelers too often. I bet they would be more likely to upgrade anyone that is friendly, understanding of delays and not very demanding. Make that person laugh and i think you'll get an upgrade faster. They have to deal with a lot of stressed and unhappy people.

[CrispyShadow]

I must say this is a smart idea !! Have you ever done it yourself?

[mweston]

Wow, this is pretty =SMART= :-P

Maybe next time I go flying I'll have to try this... wonder what they'll thing of a teenager in a suit

[Bartboy]

My daad just smiles and says, please, and check this, It was a 44 thousand dollar flight!

[csmiler]

What was a 44 thousand dollar filght? 44 thou for the ticket?

[Bartboy]

return trip from england first class.

[BranchMonster]

I think I'll try, at least once, just asking politely "Could you upgrade my seat?" I might even add "I tend to feel ill when I fly" if I am on a roll of looking like I need a touch of sympathy. While this is an amusing instructable and I believe it would work for a fake business man, I am not convinced that a business woman could use the same techniques. If anybody can think up some tips for ladies, I'd be happy to test them out.

[ArisenProdigy]

Find a younger male, and have a classy amount of cleavage, smiles, and flirts.

[AgentDanny]

Just join the military in a combat arms MOS ( job ) i get free stuff all the time. I know it sounds bad but people seem to be pleased with catering to me. So why disappoint them. 18hr flight from CA to Korea got bumped to 1st class when they saw my Military ID.

[awang8]

Got no idea why a 10 year old would be a businessman

[meganplesea]

I've had some luck with volunteering to get bumped from full flights. Let them know as soon as you get to your gate. They'll put you on the next available flight (often in first class if available) and give you a free voucher to use for your next trip. Hello Bloody Marys!

[sadunpererarules]

ja. im gonna rock up in buisness suit. ill be a 15 year old CEO. :P hahaha, but if you ask them in flight the upgrade costs more than it wouldve been on the ground. which is a rip-off. once we flew to Japan on New Years eve and the entire plan was almost empty, so the attendants just let everyone in economy shift up to First Class. They even popped open a bottle of bubbly and gave us free gifts

[daniel!]

i gotta try this, although they might get suspicious seeing as im only 13

[Crusty_07]

So this worked once for a family member of yours. It is rarely going to work. It's hardly worth the effort. By the way. I should know, I work for an airline...

[=SMART=]

You dont know until you try !

[csmiler]

u would probably also need a pocket pc or an iphone.

[vailo]

This is hilarous!! I should try this sometime in 5 years. [I'm 13, but I am decently tall (5'10")]

[altomic]

i remember getting a flight from Istanbul to London. there were 35 people on the whole 747. I had 6 rows of economy to myself. It was a smoking flight as well. So I lounged back chain smoking the entire flight savouring the entire experience as- A- when will you ever get to smoke on a plain. B- when would you ever have that much space in economy ever again. C- I had just finished 4 months of travel across Europe and was severly depressed at having only 1 month in London before having to return to Australia,live with my parents (no money), get a job and finish Uni.* *which I did and then 18 months later went to live in Japan for 4 years.

[Derin]

what did you do at Istanbul? because i love it when people come visit Turkey

[altomic]

I spent 2 months in Turkey. 4 weeks in Capadocia (sorry for the bad spelling) as I ran out of money and could not leave. it was very very nice. I loved Turkey. very friendly people, great food. I was there in Ramadan (sorry for the spelling) which was interesting. especially visiting the central cities where few foreigners go. very good experience. I'd go back there anyday.

[Derin]

I am very happy you liked it,I like travelling around the country too

[emuman4evr]

When I was very young I was flying back to America after visiting relatives and it was just like that with alot of open seats.

[=SMART=]

Haha cool. where are you living now? still in japan?

[Marksman192]

Nice man, my kinda flight technique to dich that half ton lady and the crying baby up to 1st class for me. Have you tried this before. nice Instructable. 4.5 from me good luck for the future and those awesome insturtables. NICE !!!!!!

[Sunny124613]

I so regret my last fight witch was middle classs with the half ton lady and the crying baby

[thepaul1993]

ITS PAIN TIME LOL

[mysterygirl154]

I once got free first class even though I was a teenager who spent the entire day sitting in the airport (Our other plane was several hours late to the airport). Unfortunately it was only an hour or twos ride so no free food and it was a crappy old plane.

[=SMART=]

oooooooooo this is most viewed in the contest !, thanks guys !

[chris swafford]

nice job I would have never thought about that I will have to try that

[dchall8]

I used to work on the personal staff of a senior executive who always upgraded to first class with his frequent flier miles. I, on the other hand, rarely flew and never flew first class, even when flying with him. Working in the world of executives for several years, I can pretty much agree with this Instructable. If you look and act right, you have a much better chance of upgrading. If your shirt is not starched and pure snowy white, get another shirt. If your tie is stained or otherwise imperfect, get another tie. If your suit is not wool, get a wool suit. If your suit is not tailored properly (cuff ends above your wrist bone to expose your shirt cuff which ends at the base of your thumb), get it tailored. Simple cuff links are nice. Keep your suit buttoned when standing and unbuttoned when sitting. Never remove your jacket in public at the airport. Removing your jacket suggests that your jacket is uncomfortable and not properly tailored. Never lean on anything - when standing, stand balanced on both feet without rocking or shifting around. You need to be as conservative as you can be. Think in terms of the roles played by the Vulcans on Star Trek - absolutely no nonsense. This can work for women, too, but the clerk may have never seen a female executive. Think about the role Jeri Ryan played in Star Trek (Seven of Nine). She was absolutely no nonsense. Capt Janeway makes a good role model, too. I would suggest not begging for anything. This means no puppy dog eyes or any sign of being eager. If she/he turns you down the first time you ask, the proper thing to say would be a sincere and quiet, "Thank you for looking." Then when they start to board the crippled children, if there is no line, you can button your suit and ask again saying, "Did anything open up?" Don't offer your ticket or boarding pass unless/until they ask for it. That looks too eager. Whatever they say to you, good or bad, say, "Thank you," quietly and sincerely. If they upgrade you, remain calm. Now is not the time to let them think they've been had by a con artist. You'll ruin it for the next person.

[bob.smitty]

well... if i have to spend $200 on a cotton tailored shirt, $800 on a wool suit, $100 on a new tie, $200 on cuff links.. I probably just buy first class and wear something comfortable on the plane. It strikes me as odd to suggest sci fi characters as role models for female executives, but i guess to each his/her own. the reason you were never upgraded to first class is because you probably patterned your act after Capt. Kirk. that and the haircut.

[=SMART=]

wow thats a big comment :D good tips there too, presentation is definitely key, I like the Star-Trek references too :P,

[linuxmom]

All I want to know, is there anyway to get upgraded when your traveling with someone under 18years of age?????

[=SMART=]

its not likely, first class isn't really for kids

[Bartboy]

Imagine this, a billionaire take a family of 15 6 year olds on a trip from vancouver to australia.They pay for first class, then ruin everyone elses flight! R.o.f.l.m.f.a.o.o*.i.s**.i***.t****. *oups **swear ***in ****them

[bob.smitty]

when i was a kid my folks use to book us in economy (all four of us) and get first class seats for themselves... we didn't catch on to it until i was eight or nine.

[linuxmom]

Ah, come on ...... 6 year olds are sweet!

[Bartboy]

yeah, but they fight.

[linuxmom]

Ahhh, but if you ever travelled with kids, you'd know that an upgrade to first class would be like winning the lottery :)

[=SMART=]

yea lol, you could lock them in the little cabins and forget about them

[Instructi-Guy]

I see what you mean me being 13 and not that tall, but when I was traveling (it was me and my grama) we were in Dallas,TX and "Ms. Lady" had upgraded us to first class we had the first seats in the entire craft! Great 'ible 5 stars!

[bsarules]

That was a funny instructable and it just might work! I will have to try that one day.

[PKM]

Hmm.. I may be flying London to Denver in a few weeks, with a work trip on BA as well so this might be worth a try. I wonder if any British person in the history of time has had the cojones to blag a seat upgrade :) plus it's not really relevant if you're flying on queasyJet....

It might not go down so well if I left the other nine people (including my boss) in economy and swanned off up front to get a free filet mignon, though. Still- 12-hour overnight flight, it's worth a shot.

[SuperCoPilot]

it helps to bring a change of street clothes in a bag with you lol but usually knowing too many people occasionally has an advantage

[KaptinScarlet]

Excellent. I have tried all this and know it works, although I travel in a suit anyway, so that usually works for me. Two other tips would be... always travel with the same airline, that way you build up cred and any points that are going and when the flight is busy, you're the first in line to be upgraded... which brings me on to my second tip and that is, when you are a silver member of their loyalty club always book on flights that you know are full, being a silver member you won't get bumped off and there's always room "up front" for a few more and who are they, when they're trying to pack as many as possible in coach... the loyal customers who regularly fly with them! Latest upgrade ever was as the plane was pushing back off the stand. I had already nicked a couple of extra pillows from another class as I walked by to try and make my 11 hours (LA to London) in coach a little more tollerable and I had built a little nest for myself and the hostess came up to me as the plane started to move and said I think you're sitting in the wrong seat. AAAAGGGhh, but then she said, you're meant to be in first clase... bingo, and on this flight that meant a little cabin like area with a full on fold out bed with duvet and hot and cold running champers and fillet steak. I couldn't make up my mind what to do, go to sleep like my body clock was demanding or stay awake and milk the experience for all it was worth! Great ible BTW

[=SMART=]

Thanks, very interesting story there, good tips too! Hahaha i hate that situation, where there is so much cool stuff, things you want to try or to use but your absolutley knackered !! Your luucky you diddnt get in a huff with the stewardess, my dad would have done because he wouldnt want to move :P

[KaptinScarlet]

As she was tucking me in to the bed, the stewardess asked... " is there anything else i can do for you?" It was all I could do to hold myself back and only say, the rather innocent "I'd love a cup of coco." "of course" she said and brought one back in a china cup about two minutes later.

[panzer]

i am soooo trying this, i would've never thought...... or....... you could shove yourself into a briefcase of some first class person, and then pretend ur a doll going threw the X- rayer machiner thingy, and then wen u get on the plane, you get out of the briefcase, walk to the bathroom, then walk to an empty seat, and if any one asks, say that ur tickets or whatever u have are buried in ur bag...... i doubt it works, but if u give it a try: i applaud you!

[=SMART=]

Hahaha you wouldn't know what a toilet was your brain would have been wiped by the x-ray

[LemonSlice]

And the x-ray would see your inside blood and guts. Wow, a very realistic doll... :D

[=SMART=]

:P

[LemonSlice]

And why would a first-class businessman have a doll? Suspicious if you ask me. They might strip-search him and find that he's actually two short people trying to get on with one ticket: :D :D :D :D :D

[Bericender]

I flew Buisness with 17 years :D Carried a MBP and checked some messages on my iPhone while checking in, even whore a white shirt cause the other stuff was dirty in the bag. If you got this stuff it`s easy to get into Buisness Class ;)

[fiftydotsix]

Dressing smartly always works in your favor. Last year i was flying out to DC (from the UK) my flight down to heathrow was canceled. With a bit of sweet talking some name dropping, i was atending the global youth leadership conference ; p and wearing a velvet jacket, panama hat and some swish shoes i go upgraded to first class all the way while the tourist types were told to come back tomorrow. Free Champagne and excuisite meals for me.

[fiftydotsix]

17 at the time btw

[ilovetea]

Props, any way you could do it with a friend?

[=SMART=]

Cool!

[minerug]

Hmm, in pic 3 you said they have everything, BUT do the have pop-up campfires to toast marshmellows on?

[austinblan]

yes on some- they have little fondue things to roast cheese on. just sneak on some marhmallows.

[=SMART=]

no.... :(

[minerug]

hehehehe

[=SMART=]

lol :P

[benthekahn]

My dad often gets upgraded to first or business class (without asking) because he flies allot for work.

[the Masteria]

what should a women wear?

[Plasmana]

Okay, I left a comment.

[=SMART=]

Hahaha thx

[Plasmana]

And I had rated at 5 stars too!

[Erobots]

I'm under 18 but I do travel occasionally for business - I do robotics work for a bunch of employer s and some times get into manufacturing . Do you think this trick will work since I always travel economy , I never want to shell out more cash then I need to ? Any tips for someone under 18? Thanks, Eric

[wocket]

actually so long as you are nice to the ticketing person they may give you an upgrade. I always get them a coffe and ask if they have a long shift. it's worked once or twice.

[Wills42]

I got to switch up to First Class when I was 9 once, just because I gave up my seat. It was sooooo good. They gave me these weird cookies and everything... ahhh, to be nine again... wait, being olders so much better... I guess...

[=SMART=]

Hahaha

[Spl1nt3rC3ll]

Great Instructable.
I got upgraded to first class due to a ticket mishap once. It is Niiiiiiice.

[=SMART=]

Awesome

[Spl1nt3rC3ll]

Yea. The food still sucked, though. The (free :D) filet mignon was drenched in a weird tasting sauce. Other than that, first class FTW!

[=SMART=]

lol

[pyro13]

A little shady, but i like shady =D. This would probably work too!

[=SMART=]

Shady is good, Ninjas are shady.....

[pyro13]

Totally...

[=SMART=]

totally...

[firemanfu]

im going to atlanta at the end of august with my dad for IWF and am going to have to try this

[=SMART=]

Haha cool

[Trainman 2001]

wat airport seems familiar

[=SMART=]

I dont know what one it is sorry

[mr3army]

cool great way to get them now how could you get my mum to get them ??

[killerjackalope]

See most of the time I'm on an easyjet so you have to think of some way to make a first class... After pulling a stewardess and getting a good chat going.... You usually get a couple of free beers, if you're lucky you get to hear she's in the same hotel as you or you can sell your soul to the devil... However you may not get first class, have to try virgin airs flights sometime... maybe next time I'm going somewhere...

[=SMART=]

Hahah, Virgin air is good for 1st class

[killerjackalope]

So I heard...

[darth2o]

I like the "Heroes" pictures.

[darth2o]

...and of course, Nathan Petrelli would not need an airplane.

[=SMART=]

LoL

[mrmath]

I'm "Gold" on USAir. They give the first class upgrades by status. Chairman folks get the upgrade when they book the ticket. The rest of us are put on a list. Platinum goes first, then Gold, then Silver. It's first come first serve within each class. So, if Joe and Jim have Platinum, and Rick has Gold, and they check-in Joe, Rick, Jim, they get upgrades Joe, Jim then Rick. USAir actually does it a few days ahead of the flight. For Gold, it's three days, so I get an email saying I've been upgraded or not. I guess my point is that no method probably won't work well on USAir, as they have people lined up to take those spots. But hey, you never know.

[Weissensteinburg]

My dad flies Delta for all his business...it works the same way. The more you fly, the more likely you're to get it. I'd recommend against saying you need it. If I were the ticket guy, and someone said they need a free upgrade, there's not a chance i'd give it to them.