This Is the Best Time To Request a Seat Upgrade on Your Flight

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If you feel like flying has become more and more uncomfortable, you’re not alone. According to a recent Thrillist survey, 78% of respondents said that the seat on their last flight was uncomfortable. That’s why, more than ever, finding your way to an upgraded seat is essential if you want to ride in comfort.

But airlines don’t just hand away upgrades. Usually, you’ll have to either have airline status or pay some type of compensation to snag a roomier seat. But that’s not always the case.

Here are ways that you can potentially get a seat upgrade on your flight at varying times during your travel, and when the best time might be.

When You Book Your Flight

If you really feel you can’t fly without a seat upgrade, choosing one when you book your flight may be your best option. Sure, you’ll have to pay more, but in exchange, you will be 100% locked in to the seat you want.

Some airlines offer discounted seat upgrades for purchase at the time you buy your initial flight ticket. For example, if you’re booking an economy ticket, an airline might try to entice you to upgrade to premium economy or even business class by offering you a discounted upgrade option. You’ll still have to pay, but perhaps not as much as if you booked that upgraded class in the first place.

Of course, if you have high-level status with an airline, you might not have to pay for an upgrade at all. Elite members of an airline often have access to upgraded or extra-leg-room seats at the time they book their flights, or at least during online check-in.

Before You Travel

As your flight date approaches, airlines sometimes try to sell their unfilled seats by offering paid upgrades to those who have already booked in a lower class. In many cases, these upgrade purchase offers are less expensive than what you were offered when you originally bought your ticket. However, these upgrade offers are not guaranteed, so you’d be rolling the dice a bit hoping to receive one. 

When You Check-In

If you check in online, you might get one last paid upgrade offer from the airline. The same is true if you check in at a kiosk at the airport. 

In some cases, you might not be offered an upgrade when you check in, but rather cash if you take a later flight. As airlines typically overbook their flights to make up for the statistical chance of a no-show, they sometimes need to bump a few fliers to make room for everyone. You may be able to get $500, $1,000, or even more in cash and/or flight credits if you decide to take a later flight. You can use that money to upgrade your flight, or simply put it in your pocket.

As mentioned above, if you have status with an airline, you might have access to upgraded seats at no charge when you check-in.

At the Gate

When you arrive at the gate, being courteous, respectful and friendly with the agent could pay dividends in terms of an upgrade. But perhaps not for the reason you think. There’s plenty of advice on the internet suggesting that flashing a bright smile or wearing a smart outfit could get you an upgrade, but those days are over if they ever truly existed.

But being courteous with an agent and asking if any upgrades are available could keep you in their mind if any operational upgrades are indeed available or required on a flight.

On the Flight

Your last chance to request a seat upgrade is when you are actually on your flight. A flight attendant isn’t likely to bump you up to business class simply because you ask. However, in some cases, operational needs require a flight attendant to move someone up from one cabin to another.

If you’re kind and courteous to the flight crew, you might be on their mental list as an option.

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