Does anyone here have suggestions on how to get an upgrade, assuming that the person seeking an upgrade does not fly regularly, has no frequent flyer miles available, doesn't want to pay for it, etc., etc.? In other words, are there things to say or do that would convince an airline employee to give you an upgrade?

-vm

Welcome to FT!

Suppose someone posted in an automobile forum:

The upgrade situation is similar. Competition has increased the number of people legitimately entitled to upgrades. If more are needed, those with some claim to priority (e.g., elite status) normally exceed the number of upgrade seats available. Airline employees are under increasing pressure to follow the book and not grant personal favors.

This is not to say it never happens. If you can become a famous, easily recognized movie star or athlete before your next flight, that would help.

Otherwise: your chances are slim to none, and Slim just left town.

At one time, "schmoozing" commonly worked if one knew what to say. But nowadays, with elites upgrading, others on award tickets and of course "full fare" F passengers, these small cabins fill up quickly.

I'll share one trick though that once worked for me. I was flying an airline for the first time and had just signed up for their FF program. Upon checking in, I asked if there was an inexpensive way for me to upgrade to F. (Of course, I knew there wasn't.) In so many words, the agent said "no." She proceeded to print out my boarding pass and the machine jammed. She kept apologizing for making me stand there while she tried to fix the machine. Every time she apologized, I just smiled and said "no problem." Finally, when she did print out my boarding pass, it was for a seat in First Class.

The point is that it pays to be friendly and it also pays to let them know you're interested in upgrading. If the cabin isn't full and the agent has the authority, you may occasionally get lucky. I think the gate agent is your best bet. Others, more knowledgable than me may be able to elaborate. Good luck!!

Always...Always...Always...Be nice to your gate agent. Also dress the part, you not very likely to get upgraded if you don't look like you belong in F in the first place. Biz-Casual is perfect. Ask if there are any other available seat, EG:Bulkhead or exit row. Don't make up sob stories about being sick or something. Also be flexible if an oppurtunity to get bumped comes along, ask to be seated in F on the next segment. I don't fly nearly as often as others on FT(Maybe about 6 times a year) but I have been op-upped to F twice, and given an exit row or bulkhead seat almost every other time. It pays to be nice when traveling.