Tips for Scoring Flight Upgrades

Not so long ago, there was the age of the "surprise upgrade." Like the "golden age of travel" the days of finding yourself magically moved up to first or business class on a flight have long since passed, but there are still ways to make your way into an upper-class cabin without booking there in the first place.

While it is very rare that a passenger would ask to be upgraded and actually receive a change of seat, it doesn't hurt to ask.

If you do, plan on following all of the rules-dress nicely, ask nicely-but do know that most airlines have designated their upgrades to frequent flyers and loyalty members and unless you have a stellar reason, the answer is likely going to be "no."

The easiest way to guarantee yourself an upgrade is to buy one. If you booked an economy seat on the plane, there are usually offers of upgrades during the online check-in process, and there is still a chance at the airport.

For those who want to put up the cash, the upper class usually awaits.

If you are thinking you may want to upgrade or even try for an upgrade when you are booking your ticket, make sure you are booking in a category that will allow you to make changes. Some airlines offering very reduced, low-cost fares will not allow for any changes, including to cabin selection.

Certain airlines, such as Air New Zealand, allow passengers to make a bid for an upgraded seat.

Air New Zealand's OneUp makes it easy for travelers to request an upgrade. Passengers must be flying on an Air New Zealand ticketed and operated international flight. They make a monetary offer on a one-class upgrade and find out three to seven days before the flight if their offer was accepted. Flyers can change or up their offer at any time during the process to increase their chances of acceptance.

Sometimes holding onto your economy fare and waiting until the last minute pays off.

Occasionally, airlines can offer deals on upgraded cabins for those holding economy tickets and sometimes these are lower than the price that was originally offered, meaning travelers can save significantly on class upgrades. The incentive to travelers is that they get a low-cost upgrade and, for the airlines, it can sometimes mean a flight isn't overbooked.

Flying regularly with one single airline has its perks, and one of those perks is elite status. Frequent flyers accumulate miles and the more you have, the more status you earn with the airline. Most offer complimentary upgrades once a traveler hits a certain mileage milestone, and the benefits just keep coming after that, including lounge access, free baggage and travel discounts.

Many travel credit cards offer customers mileage rewards for each dollar spent. These points can be used to purchase airfare but can also be used for upgrading tickets to business or first class.

Many travel agents have relationships with airlines and, while they likely can't get you a free upgrade to first or business, they could possibly get you a well-negotiated rate.

Travelers can skip the upgrade list and simply look for discounts on premium seating. There are sites dedicated to discount fares in first and business class as well as sites that offer two-for-one seats.

If you are looking to go straight to premium, set up fare alerts for tickets so that you know when it's a good time to buy.

Although rare, for the elite frequent flyer, upgrades for companions are also available. If you know someone who has a lot of miles, becoming their travel buddy could pay off.