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Snagging a Bargain on Empty Premium Seats
Unlike economy class, seats in premium, business, or first class don’t always get filled—hardly surprising, given their usually eye-watering price tags. That makes them out of reach for many travelers. Still, airlines aren’t fans of empty chairs. To fill vacant premium seats, carriers may send out last-minute promotional upgrades at slashed prices. If you’ve ever had a ‘last call’ email pop up just before takeoff, that’s your chance—sometimes less than an hour before departure! The early (or fastest) bird gets the worm, so keep a close eye on your inbox.
On average, a long-haul upgrade might set you back about €200 (roughly $215–$220 as of early 2024), but you might also be able to pay with frequent flyer miles if you’re signed up to the airline’s loyalty programs. That’s another good reason to join if you haven’t already; miles aren’t just for show-off collectors!
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Time Your Flight for the Best Chance
Business class (or ‘executive class’), as you might expect, mostly appeals to busy professionals who want a power nap between meetings that might be hours and continents apart. That means weekends and midday flights during the workweek are more likely to have empty business or first-class seats than rush-hour weekdays. If you have some flexibility, flying at less-crowded times could tip the odds in your favor for a sweet upgrade.
Strategy: Networking (Not Just the Tech Kind!)
Contrary to popular belief, being the first or last to check in at the airport doesn’t actually boost your upgrade chances—the seats are assigned long before most people even pack their bags. So, that legendary ‘secret technique’ is basically a myth (with a tiny exception here and there). However, knowing the right people still works wonders—as it always has. If you have a friend or relative working for the airline, their support could well change your fate.
Handing a request letter to the pilot or chief flight attendant could, provided there’s space, see you moved up to those nicer seats totally free. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and who knows, your message may just find a friendly audience at 35,000 feet.
Kindness, Charisma, and a Dash of Luck
It might sound too good (or too simple) to be true, but being genuinely nice to the cabin crew can really pay off. An attendant might take a shine to you and want to brighten your journey by bumping you up to premium or business. Sometimes, it’s just your unique charm that makes the difference! Maybe it’s your humor, your warmth, or maybe there’s something special about your travel circumstances—a bereavement, a wedding anniversary, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip with friends. All these can tilt the scales your way.
If you have a disability, are injured, or pregnant, cabin crew might also offer you a more comfortable seat, if available. The main ingredient? Be authentic and don’t overdo it! Genuine kindness stands out, far more than over-the-top stories ever will.
