How to upgrade the journey – Nordlys

Many myths are served on how to be upgraded on the flight, but is there really any truth to them? We reveal what is true and false, and also gives you some tips on how you can increase your chances of being upgraded.

Myth 1: To request an upgrade at check-in desk is the best way to secure a free upgrade.

Fact: Contrary to popular belief, it is very unlikely to request an upgrade in check-in desk gives you a seat in first class.

It’s actually the day before departure that most seat changes are determined internally in the airline. There is a greater chance that you will be selected to an upgrade if you are traveling alone, and the airline can see that you’ve traveled with them many times. The easiest way to demonstrate this is to become a member of the airline’s bonus program. The number of free upgrades depends largely on how overbooked economy cabin is and how many seats they have available in first class.

Myth 2: To request an upgrade on the street is the best way to secure a free upgrade.

Fact: Even more so than the check-in desk is normally seen too late to secure a free upgrade once you get to the street. But sometimes airlines sell upgrades at the gate at reduced prices. Then you may be lucky enough to coup a seat in first class at a reduced price.

Myth 3: If I dress nicely, it’s more likely that I will be upgraded.

Fact: Since most seat changes are likely to be made in good time before you arrive at the airport, would probably not a fancy suitcase or a designer outfit automatically put you first in line. The more money you have spent with an airline, the more likely it is that you get to enjoy benefits like free upgrades.

Myth 4: If I’m super polite and talkative with airline staff, it is more likely I am being upgraded.

Fact: Although airline staff will no doubt appreciate your courtesy, it is unlikely that it is this that will ensure you an upgrade. In reality it is rather celebrities, journalists and other important personalities, as well as loyal customers, which is seen as the main priority since they most likely will continue to contribute in the airline business.

Myth 5: If I tell the airline that I and your partner are on honeymoon, they will try to give us an upgrade.

Fact: Couples will rarely be upgraded to first class just because they are on their honeymoon. In addition, this is becoming such a prevalent myth that airline employees probably will doubt a bit on honeymoon story, which they have heard so many times before.

So what can you do to increase chances of being upgraded?

Make sure you register in the airline’s bonus program, so you can demonstrate your loyalty to the airline and how much money you have already spent on traveling with them.

– Try to travel with the airline regularly, to earn as many points as possible.

– If at first you do decide to treat yourself to an upgrade, it may be cheaper for the route you choose. Surveys show that the price difference between first class and economy class is at least on travel within Europe, or when you fly from North America to the Caribbean or Mexico. For these routes are first class tickets around 55-65 percent more expensive than economy class, compared to 200-300 percent for intercontinental long-haul routes.

– If you have a contact in an airline that has the authority to upgrade customers you should contact them as early as possible with your upgrade request.