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Do you see getting upgraded to business class on your next flight as an impossible dream? It needn't be; although there is certainly a degree of luck involved in getting an upgrade without paying extra, there are also ways of improving your chances of being in the right place at the right time.
Airline staff
Don't just join the end of the shortest queue when you're checking in at the airport. Take a minute to size up the personalities of the airline staff. Is one queue much longer than the rest because the check-in clerk is taking the time to treat your fellow passengers with courtesy?
Is another clerk engaged in an icy attempt to control his temper as a dissatisfied customer shouts into his face? Yet another clerk may remind you of a robot, as she turns her smile on and off automatically, and goes through the motions of checking in passengers as if they were just so many cattle.
You'd be surprised at how much you can learn about the personalities of the check-in staff in just a couple of minutes of careful observation. This kind of express research will stand you in good stead, as you will be much more likely to choose the clerk who is not already furious from being verbally abused, or the exhausted clerk who is simply trying to make it to the end of a long shift, and is way past caring about the comfort levels of people she doesn't even know.
First impressions count
Having maximized your chances of picking the check-in clerk most likely to be receptive to your wishes, it's also important to look the part. How do the passengers who are booking in at the first class and business class counters look? Chances are, they're either in business attire, or are otherwise smartly dressed. They will have good haircuts and will smell of expensive perfume or aftershave. Their luggage will be matching and in good condition.
Your goal is to try and emulate this look as far as possible. Next time you're at the airport, have a look around and take some mental style notes. Although you don't need to invest in thousands of dollars worth of designer clothes or luggage, it's a very good idea to have put some thought into the impression you will make at the airport.
While comfort is always an important consideration, particularly for longer flights, you're much more likely to impress the people with the power to upgrade your seat if you're wearing a classy, coordinated outfit rather than a tracksuit and sneakers.
Attitude
The way you treat the airline clerk will also determine your level of upgrade success. There's a fine line to be walked here. You want to be friendly, without being pushy; pleasant without seeming desperate.
Involve the clerk in a chatty exchange in which you manage to be complimentary about the airline and your past experiences with it. Pop in a short, funny story if you can. The objective is to make a great impression on the clerk, and convince him that you're a nice person who deserves a break.
If you're coming to the end of the transaction and it doesn't look like he's going to offer you an upgrade himself, take a deep breath and politely ask if an upgrade would be possible. Chances are, if you've created a good rapport with this guy, he will at least consider your request and do what he can to accommodate you.
If it's simply not possible, the clerk will simply and politely refuse. At the very least, you will have had a pleasant exchange with another human being who's doing a very difficult job and no doubt appreciates dealing with a courteous customer.
But if the airline clerk says yes to your request, you will have saved yourself hundreds if not thousands of dollars, and ensured that your journey will take place in a more luxurious and comfortable part of the plane. With these considerable prizes in mind, isn't it worth your while to give some of these techniques a try?
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