8 Secret Hacks for a FLIGHT UPGRADE (Never Fly Economy Again!)
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- Опубліковано 10 тра 2024
- FREE & CHEAP Flight Hacks to get upgraded by the airline on you next flight. These proven techniques that have consistently scored me multiple flight upgrades and they still work for travel in 2024. Tune in for budget travel hacks, including a sneaky hack that can get you upgraded even after boarding the plane. Whether you're traveling on a tight budget or just looking to experience luxury for less, this video is your gateway to smarter, savvier flying!
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Welcome to Portable Professional, where I, Megan, use my experience from over 300 flights to offer you simple, practical and game-changing travel tips and hacks. Our mission is to help you reduce stress and make the most of every trip.
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🐶 Chapters
00:00 How to get upgraded on flight
00:21 Bid for flight upgrade
00:57 Airline bid example
01:31 Best way to use points & miles
02:50 Where to find last-minute upgrades
04:02 Airline loyalty programs
04:17 HACK: status matching programs
05:15 Look for THIS on online check-in
06:41 Airlines credit + an upgrade
07:19 My upgrades
07:49 SAY this at the airport
08:38 DO this at the airport
09:12 Seat upgrade AFTER boarding
10:22 Fly this airline, not that one
11:25 Seat selection in economy
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Twice we were moved to first class. One I was standing in front of a pilot getting coffee and he ended up being our pilot, I bought his coffee. After the doors were closed he came looking for me and said he had two in first class and took us to them. Second time was after a fight was cancelled and everyone had to stand in line to rebook. Naturally everyone was mad and took it out on the people at the desk. When it was my turn they asked how they could help. Well first I would like for you to take a deep breath and relax. I'm sorry everyone is treating you so bad it's not your fault and you shouldn't be treated like this. The lady who was working next to the person taking care of me reached over and handed me the tickets. I thought she made a mistake but she smiled and said no, enjoy your flight. Just be nice it's not hard and there is such a thing as good karma
Is excellent advice especially in Irregular Operations situations. Wasn’t an upgrade, but a good friend was on his was on his way from Amersterdam to meet me when AMS (not even just KLM but basically the whole airport) was in meltdown. The security queue was kilometers long (literally) and he had shown up about four hours before the flight. Had SkyTeam elite status (but they erroneously charged him for his bag - that got refunded later down the line) so was even using the Sky Priority lines. Still waiting just to get through security, he calculates that there is no way he will get to the gate in time, so heads back to check-in desks to talk about rebooking. First agent tells him there’s not a flight for two days and the change fee is more than his original flight cost… he’s less experienced flying than I am, and he was writing gutted that we’d miss celebrating birthdays together (we were meeting because we have birthdays two days apart) and he could miss a really good music festival he’d paid a lot of money for. So he was really gutted about an airport problem that was not his fault, and to a great extent also not KLM’s fault since it was the airport that was in a state of meltdown just after COVID restrictions and been lifted and there was almost zero staffing for high-summer demand.
Anyway to finish a long story shortly, he finds another agent in the check-in or possibly ticketing area (thinking he may need to buy a new ticket, and that happens in another place). He explains in a nice, calmed-down way (he had been quite tense already), Listen, I really like your country, I like KLM from past travels, I know this isn’t your fault, but look at this. Trash is piled in the airport, there are queues that can take four hours to wait in (he had been in one). This is unrecognizable and now I may miss several days and important events as a result. He made this all very calmly, and he also has a way of turning on charm when necessary. The agent says, “Yes, I know. I’m sorry. What can I do for you?” He says he just wants to get to Stockholm, or even anywhere with a train or ferry to Stockholm. She taps away, seconds later hands him a boarding card for the next flight to Stockholm.
Now, I’m sure that seat was probably from someone who had also missed a connection or a flight owing to the chaos, but I’ve no doubt his demeanor and rational explanation that he knew the airport was the issue, not her, not even the airline, made her look a little harder and get him onto the flight.
When things go wrong, calm down, be nice, express empathy that the person in front of you is not the person who made this problem, and genuinely seek their help. They usually will if they can, and break a few “rules” if they need to when it comes to changes, repricing, etc.
Brown nose always works 😂
I've been extremely courteous like that but I've never had any employee reciprocate in any particularly nice way.
@@kathyradford7187keep trying. Because it’s who you, not for what you want.
@@kathyradford7187Looks play a role in this
I work as a flight attendant for a major airline. For us, if the agent doesn’t upgrade you, it’s most likely not going to happen. However, there have been rare times I’ve upgraded people in order to sort out seating issues. We can be fired for just upgrading people.
Interesting. How come you didn't get fired?
I think unless for really short trips, asking say a solo traveler to move to a less desirable spot in the same type cabin so say a couple or family can be together is a bit...if they are upgrading the solo traveler up a class or offer some service exchange then I think maybe fair game...those solo book or choose those seats in advance for a reason but for emergency cases I can understand...or at least add some mile points for good karma??
@@DiamondsRexpensivewe have limited ‘leeway’ in order to get the flight out. These are exceptions 😊
Really? Getting fired? How often have I seen Flight Attendants talking to friends on board on a red eye and as people got ready to sleep and the lights were turned down, these friends were moved to first class. Come on…it happens way too often. Next time someone reading this is on a red eye flight, look at what happens once the lights go down.
@@Flownthecoup23 I love the way carinep.4520 generalizes and offers information that h/s has no experience in or can justify. Just pissed off h/s didn't get that upgrade, so complains and lies about it. I was in customer service for 40 years. So glad I am retired. :)
One time my wife and I were upgraded to business from San Francisco to London Heathrow by taking a flight a day later, as they were overbooked. Was the best flight ever.
Another time flying from London back to SF, we were supposed to fly through Chicago where there was a massive storm, so lots of folks on standby. We agreed to take a flight a day later, and they gave us $700 each (paid for our flights the next time), a free 4* hotel for the night in London, and a flight that went direct to SF
Nahhhhhh
Nice. Which airline ? I had a flight delay for a day and to spent a night on highway motel. It was Lufthansa. Motel was ok, but I wish it was in the city, so I can get some meal or something.
Yep….that happens if you offer your seat when the flight is overbooked. The only thing they probably didn’t tell you is that you are a standby passenger on the next flight so if it is overbooked again, you might have to wait it out another day. If the flight leaves in the morning not too bad of a situation however if it leaves at night, by noon you have to leave the hotel and wait 8-10 hours at the airport not knowing you will get on or not. The denied boarding compensation will equal to double the one way price of the flight the person was bumped from up to $775. If no one had volunteered, the airline would have had to pick someone and then given them 400% of the one way fare up to $1350 to put the passenger on a subsequent flight over 2 hours later than the orignal departure. This said, they can offer more money if the want to.
I was bumped up to first class once because my armrest was broken. But the BEST story was a guy I knew back in the days when the Concorde was still flying. He was scheduled for a regular transatlantic flight on a regular plane, but they kept cancelling one flight and putting him on another and then cancelling that, and telling him he could leave for a while and then suddenly calling him telling him instead to hurry back, etc. etc., and they had (unintentionally) jerked him around so much that they took pity on him and upgraded him to the Concorde for no extra charge!! So he got from NYC to London in 3 hours.
wow sir you go way back to the Concorde days, only been on when it was a 'museum' now is in some desert graveyard I think...but can't wait till Concorde 2.0 or Airlander type replacements (the 3 hours is like the kid with the super CPU back in the days when others still loading to install their game)
I was in Italy for work in 2019. Prior to my departure, I received several emails to upgrade from premium economy to Business. I did not take the original offers, as the airline was asking for $3.6K. The day before departure, they dropped the price to $800. Well worth for a 9+ hour flight. It was probably the best flight I’ve had. I landed feeling refreshed, not to mention the pampering while in that class seating
Good to know! I have flown biz class - and I love it! I've become so spoiled. I like everything about the biz class experience: priority check-in, priority security, priority bag (although, I can think of only once where my bag was amongst the first out), lounge access, priority boarding, elevated food and drink...I almost feel like a star.
Interesting ideas but I am one to just book the flight and pick my seat which is economy or economy plus. I feel fine and happy just to be flying and looking out a window. It is the vacation spot where I prefer to spend the little extra money on things. It is just me I suppose.! Love all you do for us Megan and Ollie is such a cutie.
Thanks for watching! We all have priorities for those extra dollars. I like yours! Happy travels!
I don't know about the whole "chocolates for the attendants" being cringy. From what I've read, they usually really appreciate it, and I've done it on two flights before and the attendants were very happy at the thoughtful gesture. I wasn't doing it to try and score an upgrade or anything. I was just doing it to help show my appreciation for everything they do for us passengers. I wouldn't do gift cards because those are too variable - i wouldn't know how many attendants are on my fight, where they'd want a gift card to, etc. I wouldn't want to get them a fast food gift card and then find out that they don't really eat at McDonalds or wherever. Prepackaged, individually wrapped Chocolates are usually a safe choice because most people enjoy them, they're sharable amongst the entire crew, and they're affordable for the passenger to give. I gave Lindt truffles last time in a factory sealed bag just so the attendant could have confidence that they hadn't been tampered with. Again, they were incredibly appreciative.
I always fly solo and with only carry-on, and sometimes I can be flexible with my time. I've never thought to offer to take a different flight when they invariably find they've sold too many seats. Thanks for the tip!
Your welcome! Good luck on a future upgrade!
Your presentations are helpful, up to date and professionally delivered. I learn something important in each video.
I got a upgraded to Polaris business class last year on a United FRA-DEN flight. I booked my journey in premium economy & redeemed miles for upgrade waitlist on the outbound Durango CO. My connection to Denver had upgrade confirned but not for the leg to Frankfurt. As for return flight, I recieved the good news from United just as boarding commenced so I was able to switch to group 1 line!
I got a free upgrade, Vancouver to Rejkavik because at the last minute they changed my Edm-Rejkavik flight left from Vancouver. So they flew me to Van. and put me first class for the long flight.
First class! Very nice!
Great tips, especially the Seat Guru one although you are “rolling the dice” on that one. I’ve been upgraded only once, it was a long time ago and, honestly, I don’t remember why. I’m traveling to Italy in September, will certainly keep these tips in mind! Thanks for a great video Megan 🤗 Oh, enjoyed having your ‘sidekick’ make an appearance!
Thank you...for giving details plus your own experience
While on my way to Spain, I got an upgrade to a First Class Seat as a result of a high school trip to Spain. The airline overbooked the flight, and offered $400.00 voucher and booking on the next flight. I accepted and got off the plane. When I got to the desk for my voucher, (Last in line), they told me there had one seat left on the plane. Figuring that was my kind of luck, I grabbed my bag and followed the attendant. When we entered the plane, she turned left and I followed to a wonderful 7.5 hour flight to Spain. What a deal for me.
I really enjoy your videos and wish I had you as my travel partner
Keep the great videos coming 👍🏼✌🏼
Good ideas. Might try. Thanks for the tips.
I love your vids, so much good info.
That's great to hear!
Thanks Megan, always great info.
Did not realize that seat upgrade bidding was a thing all these years. Wow, I have been flying in basic mode all this time. Your video is enlightening!
This was a lot of really useful information, thank you so much for the video!
I was flying to Sydney from NYC once. First leg had a layover in Manilla. I had a premium eco seat at the bulkhead but the pop out tv screen didn't want to come out so was upgraded to Business right after the flight took off. Was great on a 12+ hour flight. :)
recently flew with etihad from europe to malaysia, truly best economy experience I had. seat were really comfy and had most legroom. food selection and service also the best. would fly again.
You always have the best content, Megan! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! My next trip is to Croatia going down to Albania in November! It should be fun! I have also booked Peru and Machu Picchu in May 2025! Peru is on my bucket list and that will take me to 20 foreign countries visited! It is great to get out of the US craziness for a bit of time! Safe travels!!
Thank you, Patrick! You have some exciting trips planned. Enjoy!
Thank you, Megan! When it comes to choosing a better airline - that works only if other airlines are available with schedules that you can work with. American is the only airline serving my closest airport. You’ve provided some very cool tips in this video, though.
Great video, made even better by Ollie!
Thank you! He loves to show off!
I recently flew on American using miles and found that taking flights at odd times or adding one stop significantly reduced the miles required. A direct from Mexico City to NY on Business/First was almost 100,000 miles. By flying to Dallas and grabbing a flight one hour later, it went down to 30,000 miles. I found it was also very comfortable to divide the long flight into two shorter segments and, in both Mexico City and Dallas, I had access to the Admiral’s Club.
I've only flown short-haul as an adult, and with budget airlines, but if I end up travelling more than I have done so far, I'll certainly keep these tips in mind. (And it honestly can't hurt to dress nicely, who wants to be the one scruff amongst the business class passengers?!)
I chose premium economy for my flight from Newark to London and back.
I also always bring the flight attendants and crew chocolates of some sort as a token appreciation, lol not for an upgrade! I feel like they have the worst job so a little something to brighten their day is worth a few bucks!
I prefer to book my travel early in the day, mostly for the potential impact of weather delays. But by planning early flights, I can accommodate getting bumped off an oversold flight and leveraging that bump to upgraded seating or extra miles/points for the loyalty program. Also if I’m traveling solo I feel I have greater flexibility than if traveling with family.
Just from too much travel, I got seating upgrades several times per year with US Airways, but not so much since they merged with American.
I have flown in First Class on Singapore Airlines long distance. It was amazing.
What a great airline to start with so I can only imagine the comfort of first class! Happy travels!
@@PortableProfessional It was not my only time in First Class (before or since) but it was by far the best. Instead of lie-flat seats, the upper deck of the 747 had actual beds you could use after dinner/whenever in the main FC cabin. .
Hello and thank you for all the great info, Megan. I've been watching your channel for about the past year and have learned quite a bit. However, I must take exception with your comment about chocolates and dressing nicely being 'cringe'. My wife and I have flown about a dozen times on Delta and Alaska Airlines over the past two years and as we step onto the plane I'll give the first flight attendant we see a small package of chocolates (something nice such as Ghirardelli), and say "it's for you and the rest of the flight crew". I have a cousin who was a flight attendant for years so I know how tough their job is, well, second-hand knowledge anyway. We're not looking for anything from the flight crew, but the response has been a sincere 'thank you' in every case. There have been a few times where a different flight attendant came over to us mid-flight and asked if we were the ones who brought the candy - and then thanked us again.
All the best.
Actually, the flight crew cannot eat any passenger gifts like the chocolates you’re talking about. They have to be very vigilant about unscrupulous people with nefarious intentions. She may have thanked you for the kind gesture, but your chocolates were probably trashed.
Aww, what a shame.
Being nice to the attendants is always a good idea, tho. Even if they don’t remember you, they’ll appreciate the kindness & feel a bit less taken-for-granted. Nobody likes that.
I've done that plenty of times and sometimes get free food and drinks or the FAs "forget" to charge me anything I've purchased inflight. The trick is to make sure to hand the gifts to the flight attendant working in your section, which you can easily notice by where they're standing during boarding, so if you're flying economy, don't give the treats to FAs at the door. Walk further down the aisle and give the treats to the FA standing closer to your seat, so when they start the food and beverage service you're likely to see that FA again and they will be VERY nice to you. I've been upgraded to Business once after doing that, but that flight was almost empty, so they had a lot of leeway to move passengers around.
I have upgraded passengers just because they were nice and were dressed nicely. It was so much fun and I made a statement!
Those are excellent tips! Even if you don't get an upgrade by doing some research you can make an economy seat a better experience. I flew long haul with United recently on a 787-8 and was worried that they might use their new WILMA boarding system. As I'd booked an aisle seat right down the back, I thought I might miss out on getting space in an overhead lockers. So I bought a tiny tiny backpack that would be easy to put under the seat in front. And checked a free bag. As it turned out United did not use the WILMA boarding system but I was super glad that I'd bought the tiny backpack - there was virtually no space left in the over head bins when I boarded. Popped the little backpack under the seat & had a great flight.😀
Glad Cutiedoodle also starred in this episode! As always, thank you for the great tips and tricks Megan! Much appreciated!
You're so welcome! Ollie was very pleased with his performance.
I've flown First between two UAE states. No sooner was champagne given than it was ..... cleared away for landing. Darn it!
Very helpful video, which I'll watch again.
Glad you enjoyed the video but too bad you couldn't enjoy the champagne!
On a trip from London to San Francisco, I had asked for an upgrade when checking in (1999). I was shown my seat and was sitting in it when a young boy came along and advised me I was sitting in his seat! I asked him to find a flight attendant, which he did, and she came along and asked me to follow her. I was shown to the first class cabin and had a wonderful flight. I did not have to pay any upgrade fee.
We started flying first class especially when travelling to Hawai'i. The lay down bed seating on Hawaiian airlines and the service is fantastic. I agree that Air Canada is nothing special. Not a fan of them but for me to go back to see family they are my only option for most of the year.
Thank you! I heart your videos, as am flying twice this year. Or, two trips with multiple legs. Very much appreciate your tips!
Glad to help! Enjoy your trips!
One important thing I would suggest people figure out is how much points are worth in equivalent cash. So for example, with Southwest, it may be (and this depends on how the points were accrued) it may be that one point is equal to say 1 or 2 cents. If you can figure out the average of what one point gets you for your ariline of choice you can make informed decisions as to whether some deals are worth it or not (such as upgrades with points). There may be times (I found at least once or twice) where using points to pay for an upgrade didn't really pay out in the end as it cost more points than it would have, dollars, for a particular upgrade, like moving from Economy to a premium economy class (larger seat, and power port for example) on some airlines.
The highest class I've flown is business. On one trip, itwas from Chicago to Switzerland so that paid out nice. It actually worked out in my favor and I actually did not have to pay for the upgrade. An error in the ticketing process from the airline caused me to get a free upgrade (after a stressful boarding process that is). But this was a seat that would have cost me about $1,000 more at the time (I think my economy ticket was $600 round trip). Of course the upgrade was only for one way, so I had to fly economy on the way back, but for a 7 hour flight, business was great. I will generally fly economy, unless it is a longer (possibly "red-eye") flight and someone else is paying.
Taking a later flight is a little hack I've used here and there. For example, if I'm returning from a trip (business trip) an dI have a travel day (basically a whole day assigned for traveling) I'll usually fly out early in the morning. This has paid off because I have opted to take a later flight when these opportunities arise and collect some flight vouchers which I generally will then use for personal travel like vacations, and since I have a full travel day where I don't have to report for work because I'm traveling, this allows me that flexibility. Worse case is that I just get home in the morning sometime (late morning usually if it's a 6am flight for example) and I don't get offered any vouchers for taking a later flight. But so far, it has paid for some trips in some cases (although I haven't gotten that much in the way of vouchers over time, maybe enough for 4 or 6 free flights so far). But for the last part, the malfunctioning entertainment system, had this happen on the flight back from Switzerland, and they offered a 50% credit (so it would have been about $300 if I remember correctly as the free upgrade didn't count towards this calculation) in travel credit, which would have paid for half of another flight to Switzerland around the same time of year, but i never took advantage of this and the voucher expired something like 12 months after issue (they had to do this for all passengers as the entertainment system failed on the plane in general, so nobody could use it; but this is a good reason to bring your own tablet with movies or music or a book to read).
I always purchase the Al Mahal Services on Qatar Air especially since my surgeries. I never thought about getting upgrades on my seats or class and might give it a try next time I go to the Philippines. Qatar Air biz class and Premium Economy are some of the best in theworld and I'd be delighted to experience them.
Thanks for your video!
Some years ago, I fly from Chile to England for a workshop-meeting at Cambridge University. On the way out, I find out at London Heathrow in the line-up that the assigned AA LHR-DFW flight has been cancelled. Not a pretty scene: hundreds of pax inconvenienced, and a "little" annoyed, especially with potential transatlantic flights to alternate cities with tight or poor connections to pax' intended destinations. After about 20-minutes in the line-up with extra contemplation and quick calls to me mates, I calmly and gently say to the AA agents (a) I don't have to fly out today, especially because I still have the international DFW-SCL and domestic SCL-LSC connections which I'm never going to make; and (b) would it be possible to route me in the "opposite" direction into continental Europe (re. Frankfurt, Germany), and I can do the massive reverse trip in a few days' time? This had the immediate benefit of getting this passenger "out of their hair" for the time being, and move "my problem" for a later date. The agent spoke to their supervisor, and within about 15 minutes, I was booked LHR-FRA that day, and my return (FRA-LHR) LHR-DFW, DFW-SCL, SCL-LSC was set in 3 days' time. If memory serves, I did ask and I might have in fact received an upgrade to business-class on one of the two international legs on return. I did have 1 piece of checked luggage, but in this case, it was not a big deal. Meanwhile, because I used to live in Germany, I decided to go "home" to Heidelberg and hang out with friends for a couple of days; Frankfurt to Heidelberg is a relatively easy journey on the train.
I fly business now for any flight over 4 hrs. Under that I do whatever may be "fancy economy"😂 the other day I was flying Delta with 2 pieces of checked luggage. By the time you add in my luggage fees I was $30 away for business upgrade which the bags would then be free. So I did that.
Megan-I love your dog's name, Ollie! Is that short for Oliver? That's my hubby's name and a great name, at that! I've been watching your flying videos for quite some time. They are sooo helpful when I fly and I've learned a lot from you! My deep thanks!
I’m flying Porter Toronto to Vancouver (round trip) in June. Heard good things about them , and thought I’d give them a try.
While I am signed up for loyalty programs with a couple airlines, I’m only able to travel once a year or once every couple years, so it’s not like I’m raking in the points. 🤷♀️
I’ve only been upgraded once, to business. It was a flight with my parents back in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s.
I’m also not willing to take a later flight going to the destination of my holiday. On the way home, that’s a different story, but I deliberately booked the early flight to make the most of my time at my destination on the travel day so as to not lose a day of my holiday. Not giving that up. On the way home, I don’t care. Lol!
Great information, as always! I would add that using an airline-branded credit card w/a frequent flyer program is also helpful-it can speed up the process to Medallion status as well as add perks.
Thank you Megan for the hard work you are doing to make such informative videos. I got a lot to know regarding air travel from your video. As one of my friend asking do DOCTOR get any specific advantage regarding free seat upgrading or any other benefit?
I have brought the flight attendants and ticket agents chocolate and candies on more than one occasion. They have made sure to keep an eye out for me. We have gotten better seats in our same class and extras when flying.
Wow really great tips, thank you so much, really great to know ❤🥰💓
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed watching!
I agree. As an Aussie who can’t afford o/s, frequent or longer flights, most of this was irrelevant, although great tips.
A couple, though, like later flights, might be handy for my first-time-for-years flight next month.
I've been upgraded from business class to first class between Vienna and Tokyo a couple of times. The folks I was working for booked us in business class for any trip over a certain length, and I got really spoiled.
Thanks Megan for the tips. I’m on my second of at least 3 consecutive round trips from the west coast to Bangkok on Philippines Airlines, starting next Monday with a flight from KC to the west coast, a 4 hour layover, then a flight to Manila, a 4 hour layover, and a flight to Bangkok. Then, a 10 hour layover and a taxi ride from the airport to the train station and a 13 hour ride to Chiang Mai; my final destination where I’ll be at for 29 days. I fly PAL because I can buy round trip tickets for $600. I can use points on Southwest Airlines to get from my hometown to the west coast, and my train ticket costs $23. I have 2 checked bags at nearly 23 kilos, a carryon at 7 kilos and a small backpack of varying weight. I wear a hoodie, so I can stuff 1=2 lithium batteries in each pocket. I give myself plenty of time between legs of flights because PAL is notorious for being late and occasionally for cancelling flights. I’m taking the train because of the baggage that I have. The one thing that I promise not to do while waiting for my PAL flight on the west coast is not to offer to watch someone’s bags on a seat next to mine. Not because I’m afraid of being arrested over it. I just don’t care to spend hours replying to people here that feel like I’m taking a big chance in watching someone’s belongings. I said all that I care to say about the subject on another of Megan’s videos. Besides, I’ll be in CM seeing how many days in a tow I can eat Khao Soi.
On two flights, one to Hawaii the other to the UK we received an upgrade from economy to the upper deck on a 747. One flight we were sent back to check a bag and upon return, we were ushered upstairs. Who's going to argue with that?
All of our flights involve domestic travel (USA), and we rarely have any that involve greater than 4 hours on any one plane. I would say that all of our flights are fully booked…..so that doesn’t give any wiggle room for last-minute upgrades. There have been a couple of times when we did 24 hour checkin that they offered us upgrades….but they weren’t free, and I don’t recall if there was a discount for those seats.
❤ Ollie!!
I got upgraded on BA from LHR to JFK once to business class, it was nice but I'd have preferred it on the JFK to LHR leg so I could sleep. I simply said to a gate agent at checking in on TAP jn LIS that I've never been in first class. She put me in first class from LIS into Terceira in the Azores. It was only a 2 hour flight but nice and pre-9/11. Maybe someday my financial picture will allow me the opportunity to do this on the regular but for now I'll power through in economy but will always ask if I can upgrade for a small amount of $$.
I got a free 1st class upgrade from Seoul, South Korea to Hawaii. 😊
That must have been a nice flight!
I would love to fly first or business class. Sadly, I'm a poor peasant LOL I'm just happy to get an aisle seat when I do long haul flights.
Aisle seat is my preference as well! Happy travels!
I’m travelling with my daughter next month, 2-hour flight, & have booked the aisle & window seats. If the middle one goes, one of us may swap. We’ll see.
thanks
United has a system where you can pay points plus some cash for a business class upgrade, even from a discounted economy ticket. The trouble is, the upgrade isn't guaranteed and they keep your points and cash even if you don't get the upgrade. I've done this several times flying from US to Australia (the upgrade is SO worth it for that long trans-Pacific flight) and it used to be that I'd get notified of the upgrade several days before the flight. But the last flight I did in 2019 we only got the upgrade one way and not for the return. It was pretty annoying, since I was out a bunch of points and $500. Oh, I got the upgrade to business for the domestic leg of that trip (which was how they justified keeping my points and cash), but it was the MEL to LAX leg that I really cared about. It had been a long time since we'd had to do that long leg in economy and it was rough, especially since we aren't getting any younger.
Have to try the bidding process but seems like all my flights over the years are full so choice is very limited if at all available.
Hi Megan!. I've been your subscriber for a long time. I'd love it if I could take advantage of upgrades as you explain in your video, when available, but think I will never be able to use your tips. Please correct me if I am wrong.
1. I only fly from the US to Southeast Asia and always use my AA miles earned on credit cards with AA partners. Can I still avail myself of upgrades either due to being oversold or just being offered a business or first class upgrade at an additional cost? I have no flyer status since almost all my flights are purchased with miles. As it has never happened since 2017.
2. As I am in Asia usually for 6-8 weeks I always have a checked bag.
Anxiously awaiting your tips :-).
Thank you.
Bob
I've gotten some free downgrades, as well as upgrades. 😆 Painful ones at that, since I have long legs. On most European flights, the only real upgrade for me is the emergency aisles. I would not trade that for cramming myself into a regular seat with a nice sandwich and a complimentary drink. I have upgraded to an emergency aisle seat because I could understand the Irish and Scottish dialects of the flight attendants and volunteered to switch seats when the people sitting by the emergency exit didn't. So, I guess some language skills help! 😁
Never thought about the language but that certainly would be helpful in an emergency. Great tip for getting an upgrade.
@@PortableProfessional As you know, you need to understand the instructions of the flight crew in an emergency in these seats, at least the passenger expected to open the emergency door. That is what the flight crew is there for. On some quite short flights (about 1 hour) on some airlines they don't even bother with trying to serve or sell you anything, which is sort of a side-hustle for the airline.
I don't see value of business class unless I am flying for work. It makes sense if you travel with a group of coworkers and then all go to lounge, then one less worry about them in a busy airport. Laptop charger ? used to be only in business class, but now economy class has that one too. I used to have two batteries and was swapping them in the middle of long flight.
Dear Portable Professional do you have any ideas for someone who is going to make his 1st International Travel to Israel?
Oh, Have you been to Israel?
Yep I have traveled the U.S. extensively and to Canada and Mexico for mostly Business in the U.S. and for some travel for pleasure. At 66 years old travel now is for pleasure and I like traveling with Delta Air because they have the best 1st Class and the best/new planes ✈️ (if you ask me).
I was just on the phone with American Airlines.
I can tell you right now that the secret code to an upgrade is "My American Express number is.............". Upgrade? No problem! 😊
Doesn't always worked. I tried that flying back home from Hawaii. I was so miserable on the way to Hawaii, that I didn't care what it would cost on the way back. I told the agent that and put down my American Express. They were full, no takers!
@conniekershaw4412 Well, yeah, right about that. A full flight, and you're kinda screwed. Sorry it didn't work out for you. My flight ✈️ isn't until June, but there were only four first class seats available. I was happy to get one. Safe travels to you.
I’ve been in first class on a short flight but long haul premium economy 2 times!!!
Love your Portable Professional UA-cam Channel. My carry-on suitcase just broke and I have an upcoming flight next month. Do you have a carry-on bag brand that you would recommend?
She had recommended Level8 in a previous video.
@@madchatteress Thx! 🙂
Actually dressing nice and chocolates do work also compliments and a smile are good ways to upgrade. Not at all cringe.
Curious…is a ”long flight” literally from departure thru any layover to destination? Or literally from one point to next? I do see with one that a long flight is considered over 250. Still, same question. Full mileage? Or the different broken up? Thx for sharing
Yay Porter!
I flew first class from Vancouver to Las Vegas years ago. I was asking a question at the gate. They gave me the info and then asked if I'd like to upgrade to first class for $40. I was like umm of course yes lol.
Then another guy also upgraded. He didn't tell his friends though. As they boarded and walked past him they were all calling him a bastard haha.
I am soooo hoping I get upgraded into business class when I go to Japan this year. I have premi economy seats so it's possible!
I am finding these days since the pandemic airlines are not offering upgrades unless you have medallion points. Lots of points. We always give all check in counter, gate staff and flight crew handwritten notes with $10 Starbucks gift cards. They pour over us with words of appreciation, but never an offer to upgrade us o an empty plane. We do not do it for that reason but that would be appreciated. I did ask a gate attendant about paying for upgrading and she said Delta doesn’t do that.
Polaris on United. The airline added a direct route to my trans-Atlantic destination and Premium Economy wasn't available. My travel agent convinced them to put me in Polaris.
I flew first-class a couple of times. More comfortable as a very tall plus size lady.
The link for the Best Seats video said it wasn't available any more!
I recently, flew 1st class to the Azores! It was the first time and I have to say it was really nice!!!
Planes are fully loaded these days, seems hard to get a cheap upgrade
Can you do a video on a travel size carbon monoxide detector?
With everything being susceptible to technical glitches these days, I'd be afraid that I'd make the bid, not get any notification that I'd won, make the trip in economy, only to find later that I'd been charged anyway.
The last 3 times I have been on a plane, all classes have been completely occupied, so chance of an upgrade.
I have noticed that also. Flights are more often fully booked.
@@PortableProfessional I have a suspicion that some airlines cancel planes that are not fully booked
Thank you for your time and posting. IMO, and I don't fly that much. American airline companies do as little as possible, whereas airline companies outside of the US will do much more for you. I want to travel more but cannot stand flying on any US airlines. And I'm 6'2", so that doesn't help. Thank you again.
I doubt these tips would work with ULLC like Spirit, Allegiant, Frontier, etc.
what about the safely of your hotel room and B AND B
I’ve bid for both legs of my upcoming flights to Spain on Air Canada, but I’m not holding my breath 😅. People have too many points for me to compete 😢
You never know! Good luck and have a great trip!
@@PortableProfessional Thanks ☺️
Bidding? Emails? when I am already at an airport. I'd lose on EVERY offer cos I dont have a cellphone! arg. Plus I am disabled....so I am kinda dreading flying now....first flight for almost 20 yrs.
One time air France offered 900 to trade a seat. Someone in important business don't want to miss that flight. No one traded a seat. Thinking back i regret. I retired and was in vacation. AF even offered meals and free airport lounge and 900 all in pocket. I missed easy money!!!
Being polite, and even nice, doesn’t always work. I was having terrible leg cramps, a splitting headache, and shoulder pain that would not quit, plus I was dehydrated, probably a precursor to all of the above. I saw that there was a 2/3 empty water bottle that they had been using to fill cups (probably a pint of water left in it). I asked the stewardess, when she finally made appearance, if I could just have that bottle. I told her that I was very thirsty and just just wanted the remainder of the 1/3 full bottle of water sitting out with two other full ones, and she INSISTED on pouring it out into a 4oz cup, and then told me I couldn’t be “in the galley”, like standing in the aisle is better for anyone. So, I downed the water and asked for more. She gave me a puerile sneer, grudgingly poured me another tiny cup, then walked away and sat down with her friend. I held out my cup and more emphatically pitifully asked, “May I have more water, please!?” THREE MORE FUCKING TIMES, because she was too much of a cunt to just give me what I needed. I felt better after stretching and exercising in the empty galley and drinking a pint of water. 💦
And despite her rudeness, I did not descend to the same level one iota. The screw Air Canada. I’ve flown over 10,000 miles, and I still only have 4000 “points”, which doesn’t do fuck All. They wouldn’t even let me into the Air Canada Café at the Toronto airport. As far as I can tell all of flying these days, at least Air Canada, is just games, games, games, and not the fun kind. Commercial air travel just sucks.
🤪
But, I’ll look on the bright side: no major parts of my 737 max eight fell off this trip! 😝
I fly Delta. I have never seen upgrade bidding.
I think this is weighted too much to American travellers to be useful for folks outside USA. Is this correct?
This is off topic, but I’m very interested in world accents. Yours is unique. Sounds like a cross between Minnesota and New York, with a tad of British RP thrown in. It’s non rhotic. 😊
I seem to have a unique Canadian accent. Might have to do with my mom being English Canadian and my dad being French Canadian.🧐. Thanks for watching!
Do you you usually bring your dog with you on your international trips?
Getting upgraded is not as easy now..Frequent Flyers,Passengers who bought their ticket and paid full price,has the airline premium CC,agree to be bumped for a later flight due to over booking are some of the reason you stand a better chance to be upgraded..If First or business class has empty seats and not enough meals on a long haul flight,getting upgraded is almost nil..Many years ago if a boarding gate agent knew you when checking in,would upgrade you and those frequent flyers will never know,but now anyone can check to see how many first/business class seats are empty up to the last seconds before the flight...by putting your name on the list and you bought the lowest fare ticket,don't waste your time....I would ask how much is the cost to upgrade at check in if they have seats,and try to bargain if i find it still too expensive...On any flight over 5 hours,i fly business class and can't take the risk for an upgrade because of bad back and blood circulation...
Delta Airlines upgraded me to first class for free on my last trip to Costa Rica… I’m not sure why but no complaints from me…
Pie in the sky stuff if your flying out of say YYC going to Europe.
They will laugh at you. There will be 5-10 SE's and probably a few million miler's on an average AC flight because it's all rig pigs (oilfield workers) going to work. I know because I am one. I hit a million miles with AC 9 years ago. I've been rotating 22 years now. Currently I fly 11 round trips a year between YYC and Denmark via AMS on KLM. Every flight is completely full. Can't tell you the last time I saw an empty seat. So they don't care if your seat back tv doesn't work. And you aren't getting upgraded unless u pay the price. But goof luck on other routes.
upgrades are a thing of the past. We fly business all the time and there are never vacant seats-for any price. Flight attendants can't upgrade you. Doesn't matter what you're wearing.
Malfunctioning seats or any such issue are no help for better seats or upgrades. I have flown many times now for recreation but never ever was I upgraded. All is about buying…and money for airlines, so sad
How can a flight from Singapore to Thailand be "domestic"?
Ooops! Definitely not domestic! I was thinking of the low cost airlines that fly southeast Asia! Thanks for watching!
Ticket bidding? I had no idea