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Home » Upgrades » Absurd: How To “Blag” An Upgrade “Because You Deserve To Travel Like Beyonce”
Upgrades

Absurd: How To “Blag” An Upgrade “Because You Deserve To Travel Like Beyonce”

Matthew Klint Posted onDecember 12, 2024December 12, 2024 48 Comments

a woman with long hair looking at the camera

It’s time for my annual “you can’t get an upgrade by dressing nice or flirting with the flight attendant” post. No, that simply will not work. The best upgrade advice remains to be loyal to your airline or at least to a credit card that earns you points affiliated with that airline.

Nope. You Still Won’t Get An Upgrade Because You Dressed Nicely or Because It Is Your Birthday…

A story from HuffPo popped into my newsfeed with a very British title: How To Blag A Free First Class Upgrade According To Travel Experts. Blag is a British term meaning to persuade somebody to give you something, or to let you do something, by talking to them in a clever way. The subtitle is “Because you deserve to travel like Beyonce” (but doesn’t she fly private?).

So what’s the expert advice? One dotard explains:

“An easy way to try and get an upgrade is to dress nicely! Believe it or not, attire plays a huge role in how passengers will be perceived by gate agents when it comes to giving out complimentary upgrades, with those seen as “worthy” candidates often the ones that are well dressed (think elegant suits) versus those wearing casual clothes (jeans and t-shirts) though this will also depend on your general demeanour, so make sure your attitude is elegant too!”

Yes, an elegant suit and attitude mark an “easy” way to get an upgrade…what a shame Rip Van Winkle has been sleeping for three decades.

Oh, but wait, there’s more. You also stand a great chance of an upgrade if it is your birthday or anniversary.

“If you’re travelling for a special occasion – for example, a honeymoon or a milestone birthday – then drop it into the conversation. Remember that if you’re saying it’s your birthday, don’t make it up, as they’ll be able to see your date of birth on your passport!

“Try to be subtle about it by initiating a conversation with the check-in staff, rather than walking straight up to the desk and declaring, ‘It’s my birthday!’.”

The Skinny On “Free” Upgrades

Folks, if you want an upgrade you need to pay for it. If you want a “free” upgrade (no upgrade is really free) the best way is to throw a lot of business toward one airline with a loyalty program that offers space-available upgrades on a complimentary basis for its more frequent flyers. This is true for Alaska, American, Delta, and United on many domestic routes.

Otherwise, you save miles in one loyalty program and can attempt to upgrade with those miles, though with flights so full these days I would not expect much.

Finally, so-called “operational upgrades” do still occur in limited oversell situations. For example, if premium economy class is oversold you may be moved up to business class and that may be based upon a random factor like what seat you have assigned. These sorts of upgrades are thrilling, but not something you can prepare for.

CONCLUSION

No, you don’t deserve to fly like Beyonce and no, you cannot get an upgrade by dressing nicely or casually mentioning that it is your birthday. But upgrades are still a thing: the path to upgrades remains through points, miles, and fidelity to one airline loyalty program.

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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48 Comments

  1. Henrietta Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 10:59 am

    Disappointed to see the transphobic, homophobic and racist Little Britain video posted here. Even the creators/actors have apologised for this series.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 11:27 am

      Sorry, I disagree. Little Britain was a great look at the culture of the time and serves as a valuable time capsule to just 20 years ago. No need to erase history we are uncomfortable with and Bubbles Devere can hardly be described as “transphobic, homophobic and racist.” I’m not posting Emily Howard bits and making fun of trans people.

      • Mark Reply
        April 13, 2023 at 2:30 pm

        Quite right in your analysis…….Little Britain was a cultural, humorous reflection of the times and, if for no other reason than that, is a valid reference

      • emercycrite Reply
        December 15, 2024 at 6:02 am

        Little Britain was amazing.

    • Dave Edwards Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 11:31 am

      Only freaks even use those words or care about this stuff. Normal people realize you are either a man or a woman at birth and will die as the same. Cutting your junk off doesn’t make you a woman, it makes you a moron. And an attention seeking freak.

      • Not Lucky Reply
        April 13, 2023 at 12:49 pm

        Well you’ve outed yourself as a gem of a person, that’s for sure.

        • Chad Reply
          April 13, 2023 at 9:20 pm

          He’s outed himself as someone sane and rational.

          • Dom
            December 12, 2024 at 5:56 pm

            “He’s outed himself as someone sane and rational.”

            Only to the insane and irrational.

      • UA-NYC Reply
        April 13, 2023 at 8:54 pm

        Don’t forget to review Matthew’s excellent installment of his trip:

        https://liveandletsfly.com/aarstova-faroe-islands-restaurant-review/

        • Dave Edwards Reply
          April 13, 2023 at 9:27 pm

          UA, your history is well known on these blogs. But Matt doesn’t want us to attack the person so I’ll leave it to others to research what a Cuck you are. Not that there is anything wrong with your lifestyle choices. Or your kids, not judging that you have a son and a daughter that both prefer it in the rear.

          • Christian
            December 12, 2024 at 8:55 pm

            For someone who’s supposedly straight you fixate an awful lot on homosexuality, almost gleefully. I’m straight and married and couldn’t care less about what consenting adults do in private. That’s because men who are actually straight and secure in their sexuality don’t need to make silly exaggerated attacks on queer folk because we don’t feel tempted, unlike people who say they’re straight but rabidly fixate about gay men. You’re a one-note orchestra. Just come out of the closet and you’ll be the person you were born to be rather than who someone else told you that you should be.

    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 11:33 am

      I’m currently in a jury box with Alan Blagg. We’re on it. Now back to tea blagging.

    • Dougie Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 2:40 pm

      I watched several episodes of Little Britain – not a fan but don’t recall seeing anything homophobic. That would be a bit of a surprise as one of the two main stars is gay.

    • Chad Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 9:19 pm

      Shut up loser

    • Antwerp Reply
      December 12, 2024 at 6:20 pm

      I would suggest watching the movie Airplane! to help sooth your delicate sensitivities. It’s a deep and touching foray into the struggles of a former pilot suffering from PTSD and navigating his life through crisis. It’s a sensitive and deeply moving movie that will better suit your needs.

    • JG Reply
      December 13, 2024 at 12:21 am

      Oh my god shut up.

  2. Frank Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 11:16 am

    If birthday’s counted on domestic flight. I would get 365 fake ID’s and get upgraded every time I flew. Ridiculous, I know.

  3. Joey Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 11:26 am

    In the past (like 80s/90s) I have heard of colleagues getting domestic first class upgrades because they dressed nicely or would tell the airline agent it’s their bday or had a bad back, etc.
    I recall back in 2005 I was on Virgin Atlantic flight from JFK to London and since it was the holidays, the gate agent had a few people sing a holiday song and whoever was the best one got a free upgrade to upper class. I thought that was a neat thing for VS to do.

  4. Dave Edwards Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 11:27 am

    It’s from England, enough said.

    They may do things differently in 3rd world sh&tholes.

  5. Not Aaron Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 12:14 pm

    I was upgraded randomly once by an FA on U.S. Airways with zero status/loyalty and simply because I was interacting with the crew. The good ole days. I guess they were ‘Going for GreAAt’

    And don’t let HuffPost see your article about bin space. Their next headline will be “YES, THE OVERHEAD BIN ABOVE YOUR SEAT BELONGS TO YOU!”

    • Not Aaron Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 12:22 pm

      Also I was today years old learning “blag”. Have never heard this before. It’s been on Urban Dictionary for 20 years so I guess it’s just me.

      • Matthew Klint Reply
        April 13, 2023 at 12:55 pm

        I had to look it up too. At first I thought it was a typo (bag).

        • Not Aaron Reply
          April 13, 2023 at 1:04 pm

          Apparently blag can also be used as a fancier way to say blog. You’ve got a blag lol

          https://i.postimg.cc/DZ7hJgMQ/Screen-Shot-2023-04-13-at-1-03-09-PM.png

          • Matthew Klint
            April 13, 2023 at 1:44 pm

            LOL. Maybe in Ireland!

          • Not Aaron
            April 13, 2023 at 9:00 pm

            Today, in Ireland.. “lick the world, let’s get it done”.. smdh. The best comment: “Spoken like the New Dalai Lama” lol

  6. PM Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 12:52 pm

    I think Air Europa and Aerolíneas Argentinas also offer complimentary upgrades on international flights to their top elites. While there undoubtedly are lots of horror stories about AR out there, I recently flew with them in short haul Y and they seemed to have gotten their act together.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 12:56 pm

      I saw their beautiful new 737 MAX aircraft – would love to give this airline another try, but will wait till they upgrade the longhaul fleet.

      • PM Reply
        April 13, 2023 at 1:36 pm

        Yes, my flight was on a MAX, the cabin was very welcoming and spotlessly clean. Plus AEP is next to the city centre and very efficient indeed. Unfortunately they are still making heavy losses, and the taxpayer has to keep propping them up. Some things never change!

        • Matthew Klint Reply
          April 13, 2023 at 1:43 pm

          Does Aerolineas A. offer meal service in economy class? Still full service in the back (or front if you were in J)?

          • PM
            April 13, 2023 at 3:08 pm

            Yes, it’s full service although I was going to GIG and we only got a sandwich (no problem grabbing a second one on request). They do use the MAX on longer routes such as BOG, where I am sure there will be proper hot food. It’s also worth noting there’s no business class on the MAX, just Y and W (empty middle seat).

  7. Not Lucky Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 12:53 pm

    There’s a grain of truth in all of this. If a situation were ever to emerge in which there was an available upgrade seat that *had* to be filled, and all possible lists had been cleared, and there were two people standing in front of the gate agent, one dressed in a suit, and one in dirty ripped clothing, and everybody else in coach had announced that they refuse to be upgraded no matter what, then, it is possible that 2/3 of agents would upgrade the person in a suit over the “shabbily” dressed person. Ergo, dressing nicely can increase your upgrade chances.

    By 0.00000001% overall, but hey.

    • DCAWABN Reply
      December 16, 2024 at 12:24 pm

      I’d like to think that was true but my anecdotal evidence over the last couple of years with multiple flights on multiple airlines leaving with empty F seats says this isn’t remotely true.

  8. Stuart Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 1:09 pm

    “…what a shame Rip Van Winkle has been sleeping for three decades.“

    I’m so stealing this line to use now. Genius.

  9. Exit Row Seat Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 1:25 pm

    CRAZIEST UPGRADE: Was seated on the very last row of a regional jet and developed a conversation with an elderly woman sitting next to me. An FA come to us, stating the jet was out of balance and would we like to sit in 1st Class. Before the FA could finish her sentence, I grabbed our bags out of the overhead with one hand while dragging grandma up the aisle with the other hand as she was flaying her arms asking, “Where are we going!?!?” In 20 seconds flat, I had her seated in 1st class, the luggage stored, while enjoying our pre-departure cranberry juice. Poor woman was still in a daze as we climbed to cruising altitude.

    • lol Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 1:28 pm

      lol

    • Ken Reply
      April 13, 2023 at 2:23 pm

      LOLOLOLOLOL please I need some of whatever you are/were drinking.

  10. Dougie Reply
    April 13, 2023 at 2:37 pm

    I saw this article a week or two back and had similar thoughts!
    I remember a cabin crew member urged readers to give gifts to the cabin crew – chocolates, vouchers – because they can upgrade you. Hmm, in over 30 years I’ve worked with several airlines and none have allowed cabin crew to give random upgrades.
    The cabin crew also said to ask the gate agent, tell them (insert several reasons you “need” an upgrade).
    Interesting that the urge gifts for the cabin crew and not for the gate agent. Sounds like an April Fool’s prank on the gate agents!

    funny how several articles float around on how to get free upgrades, but none mention loyalty or travel spend!

  11. PolishKnight Reply
    April 14, 2023 at 9:08 pm

    It’s been a long time, but I recall handsome salesmen I know who got upgraded at the gate all the time by flirting with the gate agent. One guy I know got upgrades, gals who ran up to him with front row Bruce Springsteen seat that was “extra”, and complimentary alcohol in economy class (she showed him the cart and told him to take what he wanted.) Sigh, they dressed well but I think it was just genetics on their part. The one guy married a woman whose family owns Alexandria, VA office space so his kids are set for life.

  12. Scooter Reply
    December 12, 2024 at 3:22 pm

    You won’t get upgraded, but Singapore Airlines did give me a card and stuffed teddy bear for my honeymoon flights. Stuff like that is a cool touch IMO.

  13. derek Reply
    December 12, 2024 at 3:25 pm

    As recently as 2015, it was possible to upgrade free with silver status on Delta’s non-red eye transcon. No longer. Before, it was uncommon, though. Being gold was practically a guaranteed free upgrade around 2000.

  14. wac Reply
    December 12, 2024 at 3:27 pm

    Most airport employees are busy and if you approach them and strike up a casual conversation, they will probably find you annoying and make your chances of getting an upgrade even less. Sounds like HuffPo’s travel expert is a work-from-home content writer who books on Hotwire and stays in Airbnbs.

  15. Billiken Reply
    December 12, 2024 at 6:25 pm

    I’m flying on my birthday soon. I didn’t realize there was a chance I could parlay that into an upgrade! Maybe I should give it a shot!?

  16. Jerry Reply
    December 12, 2024 at 7:39 pm

    I tend to think wearing a suit on domestic flights makes you look either out of touch or as if you’re intentionally showboating.

    I get that someone could theoretically be going to a meeting and not have time to change, but you’ve got to be in a real big rush. I can’t think of a time I’ve ever not had an opportunity to change before or after a flight, and why would you want to wear a suit on a domestic flight anyway? Honestly, it doesn’t seem like appropriate attire to me.

  17. Christian Reply
    December 12, 2024 at 8:58 pm

    @Matthew – What about the famous “Whisper Revenue Management to the airline rep and they’ll help you right out”?

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      December 12, 2024 at 11:29 pm

      ROTFL

  18. PM1 Reply
    December 12, 2024 at 11:54 pm

    The only time I have been upgraded somewhat randomly to J was on a Turkish airlines flight back to the US in 2017. I was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. My economy boarding pass beeped at IST and they gave me a new boarding pass. Didn’t think much of it until I walked onto the plane and was directed left. For context, I was 1K with United and Star Gold at that time. I think J was at 50% load and Y was almost full.

    Every other upgrade has been the result of status, upgrade vouchers, miles or cash.

  19. mallthus Reply
    December 13, 2024 at 6:23 pm

    Years ago, this would have been valid advice. Before revenue management existed and before computer systems proactively monetized upgrades, being polite, looking right (in the eyes of the airline’s agents), and being lucky were enough to get you up front many times.

    I’ll never forget being approached by a Qantas agent whilst queued for an AKL-LAX flight in the late 80s. She said to my grandmother and I “I’m terribly sorry, but our flight is oversold. Would you mind if we moved you to business class?” And the number of times I scored upgrades on AA, flying out of Northwest dominated DTW, just by being polite to check-in agents was exceptionally high (although AA’s F on the F100 wasn’t anything special while economy on that same plane was better than most).

    But today? The only chance of these shenanigans working might be on some underfunded or poorly managed carrier in an underdeveloped nation.

  20. Pete Reply
    December 13, 2024 at 9:55 pm

    Beyonce hasn’t flown commercial for a very long time.

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