Tell them it's your honeymoon, join a loyalty scheme and NEVER wear your pyjamas on the plane: How to get an upgrade to first class without paying for it

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First or business class travel is normally enjoyed by chief executives, A-list actors or rock stars, but it has actually never been more attainable for the average traveller.

While it may be a rare feat, flyers can bag a free upgrade and enjoy perks such as steak or lobster dinners, a seat that converts into a fully flat bed, and pre-flight Champagne.

From joining a rewards scheme to simply asking for one, these are the best ways holidaymakers can improve their chances of securing a first class seat without paying for it.

Travellers may find that the best way to get a free upgrade is to join an airline's frequent flyer programme

Join a frequent flyer scheme

This is the loyal traveller’s best shot at getting their bottom in one of the best seats on their flight.

Those who regularly fly with the same airline should join its rewards scheme and earn miles on every flight booked or goods or services purchased from the carrier’s partners, including hotels, restaurants and car hire firms.

Once they accumulate, miles or points can be used towards a first or business class seat, or membership alone can lead to a better seat as airlines tend to upgrade their most loyal customers first when the economy cabin is oversold.

Long-haul flights offer the best perks, and some programmes or credit cards offer incentives for new customers.

Scott Keyes, a 28-year-old writer, recently travelled 20,000 miles on 21 flights – in first class and mostly for free – after racking up more than 135,000 frequent flyer miles on 25 credit cards. 

Fly solo

The odds of receiving an upgrade are greater for those who are travelling alone.

Airlines are more likely to upgrade a single traveller than a couple or a family of four.

A recent study by Skyscanner found that almost three quarters (72 per cent) of flight attendants are more inclined to offer a free upgrade to a passenger who is flying alone.

 Perks in first or business class include lobster or steak dinners, and seats that convert into fully flat beds

Celebrate a milestone

This may be the oldest trick in the book, and it may not offer the best results, but it doesn't hurt to tell staff at the check-in desk or gate if the trip is in celebration of a special occasion.

A honeymoon seems to be a couple's best chance at scoring an upgrade, as requests based on birthdays or anniversaries tend to fall on deaf ears.

Skyscanner's survey of 700 cabin crew members revealed that 58 per cent would consider upgrading newlyweds who are jetting abroad for their honeymoon.

Dress for success 

While it may not be the reason for an upgrade, dressing smart can improve one's chances over passengers who are wearing T-shirts or torn jeans, if flight attendants are looking to move passengers from economy to a higher class.

Experts said travellers should dress 'smart casual' for their flight, as airlines want first and business class to look like a league above. 

Be flexible

If a flight is oversold, airlines will reward passengers who volunteer to be 'bumped' to a different flight.

Incentives can include a free upgrade or vouchers for use towards a future flight.

According to TravelSupermarket, a pre-booked meal or pre-flight request could hinder a traveller's chances of being upgraded, as it may be considered a hassle to move them. 

 When the economy cabin is oversold, flight attendants may look to upgrade smartly dressed passengers

Just ask for one

This is a long shot and it may annoy staff at the check-in desk or gate, but some travellers have found success with this approach.

Anyone who asks for an upgrade, however, should be polite and should not demand one.

Sometimes it just pays to be polite, as flight attendants have told tales of offering upgrades to passengers who smiled and were courteous while boarding.

Skyscanner's survey of passengers revealed that they are willing to say almost anything to get a better seat.

Three quarters told the travel website they would tell a lie if it improved their chances, while 14 per cent said they would pretend to be newlyweds.

Last year, a poll by MoneySavingExpert.com revealed one in five passengers had received a free upgrade in the previous two years.

Of those, only 1.4 per cent said they were successful after asking or attempting to talk staff into it. 

Avoid busy times 

Holidaymakers may have better odds when regular business travellers aren't flying.

That means booking flights at mid-day, late at night or at the weekend, or on Bank Holidays, said Skyscanner.

At the very least, travellers will have a better shot at choosing their preferred seat in economy.

Break a leg

Alerting cabin crew to injuries or ailments may lead to a better seat. 

A Skyscanner survey of airline staff found that a passenger with a broken limb was more likely to get a free upgrade, given the need for additional legroom.

The study also found that nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) of cabin crew have given someone a free upgrade, and it was usually single men who were bagging the premium seats.