Steve Mattus, Signet Ventures ©2006. www.destinedforadventure.com
I'm 6'2" and sitting in coach is horrifying. Every time I fly and I walk through first class on my way to my little seat in the back, I turn green with envy. My long legs just don't fit in those little rows. In fact, one time I was sitting there and after take off, this very large man sitting in the row in front of me decided to lean his seat back all of a sudden. Normally that's not an issue, but because I'm tall, my knees are pinned against the seat in front of me. So, when he reclined his seat he was crushing my knee caps into my legs. I actually hollered out, "Aaahhhh!" Oh that hurt so bad. I just want a first class seat. However, I don't fly enough to get the magic upgrade.
So, one day I was taking a flight and I figured out the secret to upgrades! It's so simple and yet it's so difficult! In fact, it's so hard, it's why 98% of individuals don't get an upgrade! But I'm going to share my experience with you and encourage you to follow suit every time you travel and odds are… you'll be joining me in first class.
Now, let me set some expectations. What I'm about to tell you won't get you upgraded every time. These days, it seems like first class is always full before you have a chance to get an upgrade. But, if the flight has open seats in first… you do have a chance. And, if you approach it right, you have a good chance. Also, these days, gate agents are very persnickety (is that a word?) and many are moody, so that can also affect your chances of success.
Ok, enough expectations. Here's the big secret. I'm about to reveal to you how you can join me in first class. You ready? It's pretty complicated, so let me get started.
Ask.
Ok, that's it. Complicated, right? No, it's not complicated but 98% of people don't do it. I have to admit, I was one of those folks for a long time. But, just the other day, once again, I did it and once again, I found myself in a comfortable first class seat while only paying for a coach seat. And, all I did was ask. Keep in mind that I am not even a member of this airlines frequent flyer program. It was the first time I've flown with them.
Here's how I did it.
1. Find out if the flight is full. Iknew the flight was fairly full being that I checked on line prior to the flight. (How'd I find out the flight was full? I'll let you know in a future article.) However, first class was not full. Not even close.
2. Get to the gate early and sit as close as possible to the gate agents that will be handling your flight. This allows you to 'overhear' them as they strategize on how they are going to handle the flight. This is especially important for full flights. You'll be surprised what you learn by just sitting there. I don't mean to be rude by listening in but I do have an objective. I'm not just being nosy, right?
3. Dress nicely. Looks do matter. So, dress the part. Even though the only good thing about first class these days in the room (as for the food… on my last flight in first class, all I got was a granola bar.) they still like it when the folks in first class are dressed nice. This is not mandatory, but it can increase your chances of getting an upgrade.
4. Be in a great mood, with a great smile and in a very sincere tone, approach the desk agent when he or she is not busy. Do NOT approach if there is a line or other people standing around. This is why I get there early. Can you imagine if there are people behind you in line and you ask for an upgrade and they say, "sure!" What do you think the next person in line is going to expect? Make sure you can have the conversation "alone" and speak in a soft voice, but one that the gate agent can hear.
5. Here is my script that's helped me get upgraded, "Hi there. Is now a good time for me ask you a question? Great. I was wondering if there was any possible way I might be able to get an upgrade?" Typically, the agent will say, "no, sorry." Then I ask, "is first full?" If it is, it is, and I can't do much about it. If they say, "no, but we have a long list of upgrades already waiting." Then I say, "Can I ask you something else then? How do people get on that list? Can you help me so I can get on it for my next flight?" Then, just shut up and let the gate agent take over. You'll find out a TON of amazing stuff. They'll ask you about frequent flyer programs, etc. Act as naïve as you want. If you have a humble, appreciative manner, most kind gate agents have no problem sharing the "inside secrets" on how to 'get in the good graces' of the agent.
Many times, the upgrade list is genuinely full with people who fly that airline all the time and they have every right to be upgraded. After all, they do give the airline a lot of business.
Truly - that's all I do. I can't tell you how many times that conversation alone has gotten me an upgrade. People love to feel like they've done something special for someone. Especially if you seem very nice, easy going, appreciative, and humble. And, to top it off and make it easier for the next guy to get an upgrade, there's one more thing I do.
6. If you get the upgrade, thank the gate agent like they just saved your childs life. Usually, I tell a little story about why it's going to help me so much. (Only do this if they aren't trying to accomplish a ton of pre-flight work.) Then, prior to the time they start boarding (only if no one is at the desk) I go up again and say, "I just had to come up again and thank you. You have no idea how you've made my day." The gate agent will feel like a hero - every human loves that feeling.
That's it. May be simple, but 98% of us don't even ask. So, get up the guts to ask and you'll increase you chance of getting an upgrade 100%!
You can even use some of these tips on the plane with the flight attendant if you notice there are open seats in first, but it's much more difficult. I haven't had to use that tactic but a time or two. It's much easier at the gate.
I wish you many upgrades and happy, happy knees.
Find out how to get seated in first class without paying first class prices! It's simple!
