8 Secret Hacks for a FLIGHT UPGRADE (Never Fly Economy Again!)

FREE & CHEAP Flight Hacks to get upgraded by the airline on you next flight. These proven techniques that have consistently scored me multiple flight upgrades and they still work for travel in 2024. Tune in for budget travel hacks, including a sneaky hack that can get you upgraded even after boarding the plane. Whether you're traveling on a tight budget or just looking to experience luxury for less, this video is your gateway to smarter, savvier flying!

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Welcome to Portable Professional, where I, Megan, use my experience from over 300 flights to offer you simple, practical and game-changing travel tips and hacks. Our mission is to help you reduce stress and make the most of every trip.

🐶 Chapters
00:00 How to get upgraded on flight
00:21 Bid for flight upgrade
00:57 Airline bid example
01:31 Best way to use points & miles
02:50 Where to find last-minute upgrades
04:02 Airline loyalty programs
04:17 HACK: status matching programs
05:15 Look for THIS on online check-in
06:41 Airlines credit + an upgrade
07:19 My upgrades
07:49 SAY this at the airport
08:38 DO this at the airport
09:12 Seat upgrade AFTER boarding
10:22 Fly this airline, not that one
11:25 Seat selection in economy

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[cindybuck]

Twice we were moved to first class. One I was standing in front of a pilot getting coffee and he ended up being our pilot, I bought his coffee. After the doors were closed he came looking for me and said he had two in first class and took us to them. Second time was after a fight was cancelled and everyone had to stand in line to rebook. Naturally everyone was mad and took it out on the people at the desk. When it was my turn they asked how they could help. Well first I would like for you to take a deep breath and relax. I'm sorry everyone is treating you so bad it's not your fault and you shouldn't be treated like this. The lady who was working next to the person taking care of me reached over and handed me the tickets. I thought she made a mistake but she smiled and said no, enjoy your flight. Just be nice it's not hard and there is such a thing as good karma

[michaeltincher]

While on my way to Spain, I got an upgrade to a First Class Seat as a result of a high school trip to Spain. The airline overbooked the flight, and offered $400.00 voucher and booking on the next flight. I accepted and got off the plane. When I got to the desk for my voucher, (Last in line), they told me there had one seat left on the plane. Figuring that was my kind of luck, I grabbed my bag and followed the attendant. When we entered the plane, she turned left and I followed to a wonderful 7.5 hour flight to Spain. What a deal for me.

[bbbrunella]

So many people are flying now days that unless you are a high status frequent flier you aint getting upgraded period. If you are an infrequent flier, even if you are in their frequent flier program, trust and believe there is someone higher than you who will get that seat. This has not always been the case but planes are so full now there just arent empty seats in business/first. We fly often and only on United ever. In June we flew nonstop from SFO to Rome FCO. The outbound flight was 100% full. The return was full in Polaris (united's business/first class) but not that full in coach and i heard a flight attendant telling someone they could spread out. My husband is 1K million miler and he hasnt been upgraded on an international flight in years.

[peterb]

One time my wife and I were upgraded to business from San Francisco to London Heathrow by taking a flight a day later, as they were overbooked. Was the best flight ever.
Another time flying from London back to SF, we were supposed to fly through Chicago where there was a massive storm, so lots of folks on standby. We agreed to take a flight a day later, and they gave us $700 each (paid for our flights the next time), a free 4* hotel for the night in London, and a flight that went direct to SF

[Flownthecoup]

I work as a flight attendant for a major airline. For us, if the agent doesn’t upgrade you, it’s most likely not going to happen. However, there have been rare times I’ve upgraded people in order to sort out seating issues. We can be fired for just upgrading people.

[zarquondam]

I was bumped up to first class once because my armrest was broken. But the BEST story was a guy I knew back in the days when the Concorde was still flying. He was scheduled for a regular transatlantic flight on a regular plane, but they kept cancelling one flight and putting him on another and then cancelling that, and telling him he could leave for a while and then suddenly calling him telling him instead to hurry back, etc. etc., and they had (unintentionally) jerked him around so much that they took pity on him and upgraded him to the Concorde for no extra charge!! So he got from NYC to London in 3 hours.

[janetkensett]

On a trip from London to San Francisco, I had asked for an upgrade when checking in (1999). I was shown my seat and was sitting in it when a young boy came along and advised me I was sitting in his seat! I asked him to find a flight attendant, which he did, and she came along and asked me to follow her. I was shown to the first class cabin and had a wonderful flight. I did not have to pay any upgrade fee.

[couz]

I used 15k miles to book a one way economy ticket from SFO to HNL on United. Every day I would check out on the app how much it would cost to upgrade to first class and most times it would be over a thousand dollars. However getting closer to the flight, I saw the price drop to 399 but it was a middle first class seat. I purchased it and then on the day of the flight, they switched the type of plane and now I’m sitting by the window on a Polaris flight without having to pay extra. Score!!!

[marleenca]

Upgraded to 1st class for $125 from Toronto to Dublin, excellent choice, total lay flat seats, champagne, menu and dedicated hostess

[jgill]

I was in Italy for work in 2019. Prior to my departure, I received several emails to upgrade from premium economy to Business. I did not take the original offers, as the airline was asking for $3.6K. The day before departure, they dropped the price to $800. Well worth for a 9+ hour flight. It was probably the best flight I’ve had. I landed feeling refreshed, not to mention the pampering while in that class seating

[Jerryman]

In 1995 I was upgraded to business class by Asiana Airlines. Was traveling with my 18 month old daughter. It was awesome.

[cijmo]

I got a free upgrade, Vancouver to Rejkavik because at the last minute they changed my Edm-Rejkavik flight left from Vancouver. So they flew me to Van. and put me first class for the long flight.

[KarynHill]

I always fly solo and with only carry-on, and sometimes I can be flexible with my time. I've never thought to offer to take a different flight when they invariably find they've sold too many seats. Thanks for the tip!

[blueneptune]

I don't know about the whole "chocolates for the attendants" being cringy. From what I've read, they usually really appreciate it, and I've done it on two flights before and the attendants were very happy at the thoughtful gesture. I wasn't doing it to try and score an upgrade or anything. I was just doing it to help show my appreciation for everything they do for us passengers. I wouldn't do gift cards because those are too variable - i wouldn't know how many attendants are on my fight, where they'd want a gift card to, etc. I wouldn't want to get them a fast food gift card and then find out that they don't really eat at McDonalds or wherever. Prepackaged, individually wrapped Chocolates are usually a safe choice because most people enjoy them, they're sharable amongst the entire crew, and they're affordable for the passenger to give. I gave Lindt truffles last time in a factory sealed bag just so the attendant could have confidence that they hadn't been tampered with. Again, they were incredibly appreciative.

[DrJoe-Future]

A strange thing happened to me a couple of years ago. I worked for the US Government, but was on a personal trip from Washington, DC to Manila, Philippines on Emirates Airlines (a favorite of mine). It was my FIRST fight with Emirates. I flew from Wash, DC to Dubai, UAE --a long flight in Economy. I checked into the gate for my connecting Flight. There was a table set up outside the waiting area with a woman holding a portable radio. She took my Passport and my Boarding Pass, and told me to have a seat in the waiting area, someone would return my papers. Eventually, 98% of the passengers were already on the plane and I had no ticket, boarding pass or passport and was about to panic. So I asked an official where my papers were, and they gave them back to me and told me to board the plane, but the Ticket was for First Class from Dubai to Manila, another long flight. It was a great flight! Is that rare that airlines upgrade to First Class on an International Flight for a first-time customer flying with that airline?

[COtrucker]

I got a upgraded to Polaris business class last year on a United FRA-DEN flight. I booked my journey in premium economy & redeemed miles for upgrade waitlist on the outbound Durango CO. My connection to Denver had upgrade confirned but not for the leg to Frankfurt. As for return flight, I recieved the good news from United just as boarding commenced so I was able to switch to group 1 line!

[labtechsuperstar]

Good to know! I have flown biz class - and I love it! I've become so spoiled. I like everything about the biz class experience: priority check-in, priority security, priority bag (although, I can think of only once where my bag was amongst the first out), lounge access, priority boarding, elevated food and drink...I almost feel like a star.

[howcotube]

Interesting ideas but I am one to just book the flight and pick my seat which is economy or economy plus. I feel fine and happy just to be flying and looking out a window. It is the vacation spot where I prefer to spend the little extra money on things. It is just me I suppose.! Love all you do for us Megan and Ollie is such a cutie.

[dname]

Highest I've flew was Business class. Once I got a free upgrade from a transit to a long haul flight. It was a life changer. 😅

[hoperuiz]

Your presentations are helpful, up to date and professionally delivered. I learn something important in each video.