8 Secret Hacks to Get an Instant Flight Upgrade

8 Secret Hacks to Get an Instant Flight Upgrade - 1

Shutterstock

If you have first class envy when boarding your flight , you can do something about it the next time you plan to fly. While airlines are more strategic, passengers are savvier, and competition for that coveted legroom or lie-flat seat is fierce, scoring a flight upgrade is still possible—and it doesn’t always require elite status or deep pockets.

From loyalty programs and credit card perks to timing your ask just right, here are seven expert-backed hacks that can actually get you bumped up to a better seat this year.

RELATED: 7 Airlines With the Best In-Flight Entertainment

A smiling woman looks out of the window of an airplane - 2

Shutterstock

Flying solo has its perks on land as well as in the air. Boarding a mid-week or early morning flight as a solo passenger can increase your odds of scoring a free upgrade, even if you’re not an elite airline member, travel experts say.

Why? It’s simple. It’s easier for crew members to move one person into a nicer onboard situation than it is to do so for a couple or family traveling together.

A flight attendant grabbing a plastic water bottle during service on a flight - 3

iStock

If you’ve got a flexible schedule, booking less-busy flight times is a hack that can raise the likelihood of scoring a seat upgrade.

Experts say to look for early or late departures during non-peak months to find the least-crowded fares . Tim Hentschel , CEO of HotelPlanner , also suggests “Signing up for airline alerts” and calling the airline to book.

He also recommends booking flights on Tuesdays for better deals and warns against revisiting booking sites to avoid sneaky price hikes.

RELATED: The Pros & Cons of Flying on Budget Airlines

Person Talking on Phone - 4

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

Many airlines hold back a certain number of premium seats to sell at the last minute. But if they’re not moving and you express interest using the right phrase, you may convince them to release a few for upgrades—especially if the flight isn’t full.

Call the airline’s reservations line and ask, “Have revenue management released any first-class seats for miles upgrades yet?”

According to one frequent flier, this signals that you know just how seat allocation works.

If the agent says none are available, don’t hang up. Instead, ask if they can check again or connect you directly to revenue management.

Then, follow these tips to successfully score a class upgrade .

Inside Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, passengers use the American Airlines self-serve check-in kiosks within terminal B/C. American Airlines is the fifth largest airline in the United States. - 5

iStock

This one is obvious because the flight crew usually announces over the intercom, “Anyone who volunteers to take a later flight will be rewarded with several perks, including first-class tickets.”

Volunteering to take a later flight is one of the most reliable upgrade hacks around. Again, if you have a flexible schedule, consider “taking one for the team” on an overcrowded flight—and level up in the process.

RELATED: Flight Attendants Say Never Drink These 2 Beverages Onboard

united airlines customers - 6

Shutterstock

It doesn’t hurt to be nice to the airline crew as you ask whether or not there are any upgrades available, says Julian Kheel , founder and CEO at Points Path .

Just ask politely at the check-in desk, “Is there any upgrade availability?” If there’s an open slot on the list, it could be yours, Kheel says.

If not, and seats are available at the last minute, a flight attendant on board may be able to offer you an upgrade post-takeoff. That is, if you ask nicely.

Flight attendant - 7

Trending TikToks reveal a sweet trick: bring treats for crew and board late with a smile.

One passenger, Henry Wade , shared on his TikTok, @henryjwade , “Start by picking up some snacks or a small gift… “Now, you gotta make sure you board last,. As soon as you get to the gate and approach the cabin crew, pass them over the goods and just be super nice to them.”

RELATED: 10 Secrets Flight Attendants Will Never Tell You

delta plane - 8

Shutterstock

In 2025, loyalty still counts—at least with your preferred airline.

If you travel frequently, and depending on the airline, you can get complimentary bump-ups to a better seat or row, such as an exit row or extra-legroom seat with your miles , says travel expert Justin Crabbe from Jettly .

Or, you can pay to get an upgrade to a better class, such as business or first.

woman's hand giving a credit card to a male cashier who is holding a card reader - 9

Shutterstock

You can use credit card airline fee credits for upgrades, says Mercedes Zach , a travel expert at AsapTickets .

Amex, Chase, and Capital One all offer great airline-connected options to rack up miles and get perks like upgrade certificates. As your spending increases, so too will your travel points, which you can also redeem for upgrades like better seats or a more premium cabin.