3 Unexpected Ways to Get a Business Class Upgrade

Getting upgrades to business class is one of the most sought-after perks of having elite airline status. Imagine, strolling up to the gate at the airport and seeing your name at the top of the upgrade list! It's like being an air travel celebrity, but without the annoying paparazzi.

Unfortunately, most people can't afford to fly enough or buy enough to chase elite status, and the rules of frequent flyer programs tend to change in unpredictable, customer-unfriendly ways. If you want to get a business class upgrade, even having elite status isn't always enough.

But the good news is: There are still a few unexpected strategies to get a business class upgrade, even if you don't have Platinum-Gold status or a million frequent flyer miles. Let's look at a few expert tips to get you the ample leg room and free in-flight cocktails that you deserve.

1. Be flexible with travel dates, times, and connections

Just like the basic tips for finding cheap flights, you are likely to have more success getting a business class upgrade if you can be flexible with your travel itinerary. That often means flying on less-crowded, less-popular flights, or agreeing to inconvenient connection times or overnight stopovers.

When airlines have a lot of empty seats on a flight, they're more likely to be generous with business class upgrades. That might include giving a free upgrade to a high-status frequent flyer, or offering a lower-priced business class upgrade to someone who's willing to pay with miles or cash.

Last year, my family flew to Germany for a Christmas vacation. We were flying on low-cost economy tickets that we bought on Priceline, and to get that ultra-cheap airfare, we had agreed to fly home from Europe on New Year's Eve -- which is not a popular day for travel. But to my astonishment, even though I didn't have elite status, the airline somehow upgraded all four of us to business class! It was a Christmas miracle! The flat-bed seats, premium food, and unlimited Spanish wine made that flight one of the best travel experiences of my life.

This plan might not work for everyone -- I had no right to be in business class, and I still wonder if the airline made a bizarre, wonderful mistake. But my experience shows that sometimes, business class upgrades happen when you least expect them -- and you can boost your odds by flying on less-crowded, less-in-demand dates.

2. Volunteer to give up your seat on overbooked flights

With rising demand for air travel, airlines often end up with overbooked flights. As a result, they will often ask for a few volunteers at the gate to give up their seats and be reassigned to other flights, in exchange for flight vouchers. If you're flexible with your travel plans and don't mind hanging out at an airport lounge for a few more hours, this can open up opportunities.

Marian Goldberg is a travel agent and frequent flyer with Gold status on United Airlines. She recently experienced the benefits of volunteering to give up your seat on an overbooked flight.

"I recently offered my economy plus middle seat on a full flight from Kansas City to Chicago," Marian said. "I offered to take a later flight and overnight in Chicago by the airport using my hotel points for my connection to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. United offered me a $1,000 flight credit voucher, and guaranteed business class on my connecting flight from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale."

Marian got this free business class upgrade in part because she was willing to go to the airport extra early for a less-crowded flight.

"The flight I got upgraded on was Chicago to Fort Lauderdale on a 6 a.m. departure," Marian said. "That route is more of a leisure trip, and most people don't want to get up at 3 a.m. to go to the airport by 4 a.m. for a 6 a.m. flight to start their vacation. So I'm sure there were lots of seats available."

The benefits of giving up your seat can help you earn a free flight or a business class upgrade that's worth the hassle. Business class perks are often worth going to the airport extra early or spending a night in a hotel.

3. Keep checking your email (and refreshing your airline app) for new upgrade offers

When booking flights, you've probably noticed how airlines are constantly trying to cajole you into spending more money: "Would you like to upgrade to Premium Economy with more leg room for an extra $100?" Airlines also offer these kinds of upsell opportunities on business class upgrades. But don't reach for your credit card just yet -- you don't have to take the airline's first offer.

The price of business class upgrades may go down as you get closer to your flight departure date. Keep checking your email and monitoring your airline's app for new in-app airline upgrade offers for discounts on business class upgrades. If you see a price you like, you can pay to upgrade your ticket from within the app or airline website. Business class upgrades can also be more affordable if you pay for them with frequent flyer miles (or travel credit card reward points) instead of cash.

Even if you don't have elite airline status, don't assume that business class upgrades are out of reach. With flexible travel planning, being a good volunteer to give up your seat on an overbooked flight, and savvy use of in-app discounts, you can get the business class travel experience of your dreams.