The travel blog Flight Hacks has offered tourists a number of tips that could help them get an upgrade the next time they fly.
Whilst many tourists enjoy jetting off to an exotic destination, long-haul trips in economy class can be crampt and uncomfortable.
However, despite being incredibly uncommon, Immanuel Debeer, noted that passengers can be upgraded, particularly when travelling on quiet planes.
He advised: “Free upgrades on flights are rare, but not a myth. Not every plane is fully booked, and sometimes, a free seat in first class is just waiting to be claimed.
“What’s more, on quieter flights, airline staff often have to move people into these seats to balance the plane, so you’ve just got to make sure you’re the person they pick.”
According to Flight Hacks, one of the best ways to be in with a chance of receiving an upgrade is by travelling alone.
In recent years, more tourists are embarking on solo travel, which gives them the chance to see exactly what they want at a pace that best suits them.
However, another advantage to solo travel is that flight attendants can easily relocate a passenger to a single vacant seat elsewhere on the plane.
Another tip offered by the blog is to arrive to the airport wearing more formal clothing to blend in with other passengers typically travelling in business class.
Whilst it may feel like a small touch, putting on something smart can make tourists look more like a frequent flyer who takes business trips.
As a result, Flight Hacks argued, the airline will be more inclined to offer an upgrade for you in a bid to gain loyalty with the brand.
Finally, Flight Hacks stressed the importance of being polite to members of staff at the airport and on board the plane.
In a recent survey, 82 percent of flight attendants noted that they would be more inclined to offer a flight upgrade to a passenger who was friendly and well-mannered.
The blog suggested that, when talking to members of staff, it could help to mention events such as birthdays, honeymoons or anniversaries, which can also help to persuade them to suggest an upgrade.
