To ask for an upgrade at the airport, speak politely and genuinely to the gate agent before boarding, or the lead flight attendant/door attendant during boarding, mentioning special occasions (birthday, anniversary), loyalty, or inconvenience (delay), but be prepared to pay for upgrades as free ones are rare; often, airlines prefer selling them or use automated systems based on status.
Kat Kamalani, former flight attendant and TikTok creator, tells T+L that the best time to ask for an upgrade is while you're waiting at the gate. Talk to a gate agent and let them know that you're interested in moving up.
Things to do which can get a free flight upgrade
Can I get an upgrade at the airport? Yes. On Australian domestic flights, Platinum One, Platinum, Gold, Qantas Club and Points Club Plus members with a paid and confirmed ticket can request an On Departure Upgrade Reward.
In short, it's completely OK to ask for an upgrade on a flight, but you shouldn't expect a free upgrade. Feel free to ask for (paid) upgrades from booking until boarding and, depending on how crowded the flight is, you may be able to pay your way to a much more comfortable seat.
If you're going to ask, being polite and undemanding and doing it with a cheeky smile is the best way. And be prepared for them to answer that you can pay for an upgrade. If they do, try haggling down the price.
Dressing in smart casual attire, being mindful of your personal space, and respecting the privacy of others are all part of the class and sophistication that define business travel. By following these etiquette rules, you'll ensure that your journey is as enjoyable for those around you as it is for yourself.
Can a flight attendant help you snag an upgrade to first class on your next flight? Sadly, the answer is no. Islands exclusively spoke to Barbi, a veteran flight attendant and journalist, and she let us know that if you're already on the flight, it's too late to ask for an upgrade.
The 35/7 rule for flight attendants limits Reserve Flight Attendants to a maximum of 35 flight hours in any seven consecutive days, primarily for scheduling purposes to manage fatigue and ensure safety, although actual operations can sometimes exceed this if waivers are used and regulations are met. While Lineholders often work to a 30/7 (30 hours in 7 days) limit, they can also complete trips exceeding 35 hours if they waive the rule. This rule, alongside recent FAA mandates for longer rest periods (like 10 hours after 14-hour shifts), aims to provide adequate recovery for cabin crews.
No jeans or trainers — so I always go for tight black trousers and a blazer or a dress. For men, chinos or trousers and a shirt are worn," one flight attendant told Who What Wear. Another flight attendant elaborated that you don't have to be on trend or wear designer clothes.
Your PCV increases if you book more expensive fares, fly more often, or have a special business/SME rate. These values could be used to decide which Platinum member gets the upgrade over another, for example.
Goodwill and Discretion: Gate agents and flight attendants have some discretion in offering upgrades, especially to passengers who are friendly, well-dressed, or celebrating special occasions.
Several years ago, travel blogger Bethaney Davies of Flashpacker Family offered these general guidelines to International Business Times: "Calculate the regular cost of a business class seat, then subtract what you paid for the economy fare and aim for around 20% to 40% of that price.”
Upgrading at check-in can be cheaper than paying for a business class ticket upfront, especially if business class has unsold seats. Airlines may offer discounted last-minute upgrades through the app, at self-service kiosks, or if you speak to a gate agent.
Even once boarding has begun, it's not too late to ask for an upgrade. If asking ahead of time didn't work out, a final option is to ask the lead flight attendant or the flight attendant at the boarding door.
Business class C and D fares and Economy class Y and B can be upgraded, and other fare types may also be eligible depending on the airline. An upgrade may be confirmed as early as time of ticketing if a seat is available. Some airlines may impose blackout periods where upgrades are not permitted.
With experience, senior flight attendants may make around $80,287 annually, and some can earn as much as $115,000 or more per year. Pay is typically hourly and starts when the aircraft door closes, meaning preflight work (like boarding and prep) is often unpaid.
That's why flight instructors teach a timeless checklist known as the “Five C's” — a set of actions to help pilots remain calm, regain situational awareness, and navigate back to safety. The 5 C's are: Climb, Conserve, Call, Confess, and Comply.
2: Can I arrive later than 2 hours before a flight? While technically possible, arriving later than 2 hours increases the risk of missing check-in or security deadlines, +61[1800] [490] [615] (AUS). Domestic flight counters often close 45–60 minutes before departure, +61[1800] [490] [615] (AUS).
Unless there is a very unusual situation, such as a medical event, flight attendants will not let you sit in those seats. The difference in fare between an Economy fare and a First class fare could be thousands of dollars.”
Here are some strategies that might help you get upgraded to first class without paying extra.
To ensure this is because of the brace position to ensure that in case of a sudden stop they're all safe and secured and they can immediately respond to any emergencies especially when it needs to evacuate passengers in less than 90 seconds.
Dress Like You're Going to a Business Meeting
Try to wear good-fitting pants; I always avoid wearing shorts and short skirts, because it gets cold in the cabin, and it is really not comfortable when I am trying to doze off in my lie-flat business-class seat.
In my entire flight reviewing career, I've never tipped a flight attendant, but I sometimes give them a box of chocolates if I have one with me. Thankfully, flight attendants don't expect tips, and the president of the Association of Flight Attendants agrees with the fact that you SHOULDN'T tip your crew.