How to get upgraded to first class

[triphunter]

Has anyone got any useful tips on how to get upgraded to first class (without having to pay through the nose for it)? There must be some clever tricks that i'm unaware of....

[Red Tape]

Become an elite tier member of an airline's frequent flier program. Most airlines offer some degree of complimentary upgrades on a space-available basis.

If it is something you want, you really should be willing to pay for it.
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[JimmyFoster]

I don' think so that there are some clever tricks to upgrade a first class icket. You just have to pay extra amount for the first class ticket.
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[jim25]

How much is it to upgrade to first class?

[Red Tape]

How much depends on the airline you're flying on and what their policies are.
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[Kay]

Getting an upgrade ain't easy. I contacted the marketing manager of a big airline and offered all kinds of things (free advertising on a travel site etc, etc) but I never even got a reply. I didn't get an upgrade either, even though I was crippled at the time (using a walking stick).
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[Kieran_M]

Yeh mate, you can try a number of things but to be honest, you'll be incredibly lucky to get upgraded if you don't know someone working in the airline. There is no reason for them to upgrade you, so it's incredibly rare for them to just hand them out.

To give yourself a slight chance you'll need to be very smartly dressed, and don't even try if you have kids with you, they'll never let you into the first class cabin.
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[erica_c]

my nana always seems to get upgraded...

[jackdsilva12]

Have you always wanted to fly first class, but never had the money? There are some other, roundabout ways you can get in those plush, spacious seats. With a bit of luck, you might find yourself sitting on the luxurious lap of first class.

When you book with a travel agent, it is possible, with a valid reason, to have the agent mark your reservation with a comment, such as OSI (Other Significant Information). The record may indicate that you are a VIP or CEO of a big corporation. Airlines like to see this information as they are trying to win more and more business away from their competition. If there is a chance that an important decision maker is flying with them, it could potentially mean extra revenue for the airline as they may want to try to win your company’s account. This may lead to a free upgrade.

[Red Tape]

but if you are not a VIP or a CEO of a big corporation, what could that OSI possibly be for an airline to give an expensive seat to someone who hasn't paid for it, nor has shown any loyalty to the airline? Seems to me that if they discover you're not really a VIP, you're never going to get upgraded....ever.

If I ran an airline (and many would be glad I do not), first or business class would not be available unless you pay for it in some way or another, be that with cash, or some demonstrated loyalty to the company.
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My flight map. A million miles and counting....Where I’ve been around the globe.