How to get a business class upgrade for free
78% of airline staff are willing to give upgrades for free
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ever boarded a flight and wished you were turning left instead of right?
For most travellers, business class is sadly out of reach. Those extra inches of legroom, and in some cases flat-bed seats, can add thousands to the cost of a flight, making it an unaffordable luxury.
Yet there are ways of blagging your way into business class without paying: 78% of airline staff are willing to give upgrades for free, according to a survey of 1,000 flight attendants, check-in counter workers and other airline employees by travel search engine Jetradar.
Gold and silver members of airline loyalty programmes are in the best position; 71% of staff would not refuse an upgrade request from these travellers.
If you are not a frequent flier, you still have a chance simply by asking nicely; 14% of airline employees would respond positively to a polite request.
Other reasons include complaining about the airline’s service (7%), feeling unwell (3%) and travelling with children (1%).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments