anyone know how to get free upgrades on flights??

[bayswater]

Has anyone had any experiance with getting free flight upgrades when going on holiday. We are going on our honeymoon soon and would like some tips that have worked in the past. we are flying with virgin

[vehelpfulguy]

I worked for an large international company for many years and flew all over the world and I was NEVER upgraded.

I have to say your chance of getting upgraded are not much higher than nil.

You MAY get upgraded if you are a member of the airlines "club" (they know you are a frequent flier with them)

You MAY get upgraded if you wait to the very last minute to check in (airlines often overbook flights in the hope that some people dont turn up). Economy MAY be full so they may upgrade you. The danger with this is that the PLANE may be full and you get bumped to another flight which would be an awful way to start your honeymoon.

You certainly WONT get upgraded if you are scruffily dressed (people pay extra money to keep away from the riff raff).

You could mention you are on your honeymoon when checking in and hope for some sympathy.

But I should work on the principle that you are NOT going to get upgraded and just accept you will get the seats you paid for.

[vehelpfulguy]

Search on "Flying Getting an upgrade" for some articles

Like:

http://www.thetravelinsider.info/2003/0228.htm

http://www.asiatraveltips.com/TipsonGettingUpg radedInflight.shtml

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4665194.st m

[bayswater]

thats sounds like sound advice. i guess the best thing is for us to keep our fingers crossed (or wint he lottery!!!!!)

[JonnoGenie]

For all intents and purposes, there is no such thing as free upgrades. So, better that you just forget that idea....

[Thicko2006]

Why should you expect to get a free upgrade? The other passengers in business or first class will presumably have paid the going rate - so what is so special about you that you should expect something for nothing?

[bayswater]

thicko2006 - lets get this straight there is nothing special about me at all, it�s only a challenge. Lets be honest we all like something a bit special but all don't have the ability to get it, getting married, honeymoon, owning a home and children and running my own business are all things that isn�t cheap and are all things that we face all of the time. If there is an opportunity to get something a little extra I don�t see that as a problem - if you are content to go along with the flow that�s fine if you don't want a little extra in life and to better yourself as it appears that these are things you have no interest in. Thank you everyone else for your constructive answers

[filthiestfis]

I agree with you bayswater. Some people like Thicko2006 have jealousy oozing out of their pores! They cant stand to see others getting a good deal! Hey, go for it, I say. There's nothing wrong with trying.

[annie0000]

The way I look at it - if someone is going to get the upgrade it may as well be you. Turn up to travel as smartly dressed as you can, mention that it is your honeymoon when you check in. Don't smell of alcohol or cigarettes and look as ameniable and pleasant as you can - then keep your fingers crossed. They will give upgrades first to frequent flyers

[Thicko2006]

How do you equate getting something for nothing with bettering yourself?

[Dee Sa]

ring Virgin about 2 weeks before your flight and tell them what the special occasion is and can the captain announce on the plane tannoy, that way they know something about you. Ask, innocently can you pre book a bottle of champagne to celebrate and keep your fingers crossed that your call has been taken by an old romantic.
Good luck and ignore bitchy comments.

[bayswater]

thanks for all of your replies, we have been and come back and no we didn;t get an upgrade. Worth trying though!!!