My husband and I score flight upgrades all the time. Here's how

Looking to score that elusive upgrade? Here's your cheat sheet.

My husband and I have scored many upgrades to premium economy and business. Sometimes it’s just a stroke of luck, but most of the time it’s because we play our cards right. Here are some tips to help you score an upgrade.

Be loyal

If you tend to change airlines every single trip, your chances are slim. By picking one airline or alliance and sticking to it, you build your loyalty and potentially move up status tiers. Since living overseas, we’ve changed to Emirates. As a oneworld member, we leverage our oneworld priority tier when we fly partner airlines including Qantas and Cathay Pacific.

Being oneworld members gives us a healthy advantage. Picture: Sabine Leroy

Earn points where you can

Though a free upgrade is nice, we’ve scored upgrades on points at the airport by asking check-in staff if there are any last minute points upgrades available. After you’ve picked the airline to stick with, work out how to accrue points. The two main choices for Australians are  Qantas or Velocity – there are loads of ways to earn points on everyday spending. However the quickest way is not by flying, but through a points earning credit-card. Most big banks have cards which allow you to earn Qantas or Velocity points. If you regularly fly Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada or United Airlines, you could consider HSBC’s Star Alliance Credit Card. Once you’re signed up, you can pick from one of these airlines and earn miles directly into its loyalty program. 

Chase status

Being loyal to one airline or alliance will also help you with status. The reason for chasing status is that check-in staff are more likely to award upgrades to frequent flyers. There are tricks to fast tracking status.With HSBC’s Star Alliance Credit Card mentioned above, you can get fast tracked to Star Alliance Gold Status in the first year when you spend $4000 on eligible purchases (within 90 days from card approval). Gold status is great leverage when you’re trying for an upgrade.

You’ll also unlock over 1000 lounges around the world, priority boarding and check-in, priority baggage handling and additional baggage allowance on selected flights.

If you’re loyal to Qantas, look out for Double Status Credit offers. These only happen once or twice a year, and Qantas don’t tell anyone when they are coming. During the offer, Qantas will double the number of status credits on new flight bookings, allowing members to move up in status.

Reaping the rewards of chasing status... Picture: Sabine Leroy

Book the right fare

When booking a ticket there are a few fare options from the cheapest fare with little flexibility to the fully flexible fare which is the most expensive. While it makes a big difference to your hip pocket, it’s also the make or break for an upgrade. Every fare type is reflected on your booking so the check-in staff know what fare you’ve purchased.

Avoid peak times

You’re never going to score an upgrade during Christmas or school holidays. Upgrades are more likely during quiet periods simply because there are empty seats.

Upgrades are more likely to occur in off-peak times. Picture: Sabine Leroy

There’s no harm in asking

I know, it’s cringe asking, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get. My husband asked at check-in when we were flying back from Tokyo on Japan Airlines. Because there was a bus full of high school students in economy, the check-in lady gladly upgraded us to Premium Economy. 

Part of the trick is what you say when you ask. If you have any status with the airline or the partner alliance, you want to mention that.

Even ask when you are already seated

Some airlines allow you to pay for an upgrade when you are already on board. Never hurts to ask and you could score a bargain. 

Originally published as My husband and I score flight upgrades all the time. Here's how