Free-flowing alcohol and a fully flat bed: The secret to a free first-class seat upgrade

No matter which type of premium cabin is offered by the airline you’re flying, one thing is certain: It’s better to be in first class than economy. Let’s look at what exactly comes with a first-class ticket—and how to get one.

What are the perks of flying first class?

Whether you’re taking a quick hop from Portland to Los Angeles for work or planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to French Polynesia, there are many reasons you should shoot for a first-class seat.

Access to airport lounges

Lounges are one of the best amenities offered by airports. These oases, sprinkled throughout most major airport concourses, provide a respite from the frazzle and noise pollution of the main thoroughfare. They often come with free alcohol, food, and comfy seats. You’ll even find showers and day beds at the more upscale locations.

When booking a transcontinental or international trip in first class (or even business class), you’ll often get access to multiple airport lounges. Generally, you will gain entry to the lounges operated by the airline you’re flying, though you may also get to visit nearby lounges operated by its partners. Those who book with miles tend to have the same lounge privileges as someone who paid thousands of dollars for the same seat, as long as the lounge isn’t at capacity.

Advanced boarding

Flying first class means you’ll be one of the first to board the plane. There will still be a few groups ahead of you (families with small children, active-duty military, and those with certain disabilities are often still at the front of the line), but you’ll soon be onboard to settle in and even sip a pre-departure drink before takeoff.

A bigger benefit is the disembarking process. Sitting at the front of the plane, you’ll be one of the first to exit. This is especially handy if you’ve got a short time before your next connection.

Better amenities

The amenities in first class are otherworldly compared to what those sitting behind the aisle curtain receive. For domestic first-class seats, you can expect free-flowing alcohol and better food. For international first-class seats, you’ll likely have perks like dine-on-demand, larger lavatories, pajamas, and an amenity kit with various hygiene- and sleep-related products. Some first-class cabins on luxury airlines even contain showers and a bar.

More legroom

The extra space may be the most significant incentive for booking a first-class seat. Domestic first-class seats tend to offer significantly more legroom than a regular coach seat (as much as eight inches, in some cases). Meanwhile, international first-class seats are often enormous and can be converted into a bed with a button. Many airlines will even offer a mattress topper, pillow, and blanket.

Even more over-the-top are a select few international first-class seats with a sliding door that encloses your area for incredible privacy.

How to get a first-class upgrade, for free

Domestic first-class seats routinely cost hundreds more than coach—and international first class can cost over $10,000, depending on your route. That’s a non-starter for most travelers, who must resign themselves to the cramped quarters offered in the more affordable economy sections.

Here are a few tips to getting a free first-class upgrade.

Use an airline loyalty program

Enrolling in an airline loyalty program gives you the power to earn rewards and elite status with the airline you’re flying. It’s free and easy to register—you’ll just need to enter a few personal details like your full name and email address.

While it’s possible that being a loyalty member could be the difference between earning a seat upgrade and not, your best bet to obtaining a first-class upgrade is to achieve elite status with a specific airline. Many carriers offer complimentary upgrades (when available) to flyers with specific status tiers​—and they even award upgrade certificates for which you can guarantee an upgrade on certain flights.

One note: It’s often the case that you may not be able to receive an upgrade to first class—even as an elite member—if the seat you’ve booked is more than one class lower. As an example, American Airlines systemwide upgrades will only upgrade you to the next best class of service. In other words, you’ll have to book an international business class fare if you hope for an upgrade to an international first-class seat. Also, Basic Economy tickets (the lowest and most restrictive fare) are often ineligible for an upgrade.

Get an airline rewards credit card

Opening a travel rewards credit card can do wonders for your seat upgrade success rate. Many come with annual statement credits that can potentially offset the cost to upgrade—effectively giving you a fancy seat for free.

Some of the best airline credit cards will specifically grant seat upgrade privileges just for holding them. For example:

• The charges a $550 annual fee. This makes those without Delta elite status eligible for complimentary upgrades on flights within the 50 U.S. states.
• The charges a $95 annual fee, waived the first year. It makes those with United Airlines elite status eligible for seat upgrades on select United- and United Express-operated flights when booking award tickets.

These cards have many other ongoing benefits, which means if you fly their respective airline even a few times each year, you should have no trouble justifying the annual fee.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here

Ask the gate attendant

Most airlines implement a firm procedure when upgrading passengers to first class. Upgrades are doled out according to a flyer’s elite status, airline credit card, and other related details. However, you may be able to get an upgrade simply by asking.

“If you ask about free upgrades and a gate agent suggests waiting until the end of boarding, this could be a positive sign,” says Krichelle Murphy, a Travel Agent Specialist at Celebration Wishes. “Boarding last may enhance your chances of securing a complimentary

upgrade. Keep in mind that patience and kindness can go a long way when trying to upgrade.” 

It’s an excellent point. One sorely lacking feature in the air travel world is manners. Dress nicely, and blow the dust off archaic terminology like “please” and “thank you.” You may be astonished at how far a bit of decency can take you.

Travel in the off-season

Don’t count on an upgrade if you’re vacationing during peak travel season. You’ll be squabbling over a finite number of first-class seats with many other flyers—many of whom likely have a higher elite status than you do.

Instead, travel during off-peak dates when the planes are emptier. Stay away from holidays and school breaks. Fewer travelers means less upgrade competition.

Travel alone

If you’re traveling with a large group, you’ll be less likely to receive an upgrade. The airline will probably prefer a solo traveler to avoid breaking up a party. If you’re traveling with others and aren’t bothered to sit together, you may have a better shot at booking everyone separately.

The takeaway

Traveling first class will help you enjoy your trip without engaging your thighs for hours on end to keep from touching the strangers on either side of you. You’ll even get free refreshments and, depending on where you’re going, lie-flat seats and fluffy pajamas. You can improve your chance of an upgrade by opening an airline credit card, working to earn elite status, and traveling in the off-season.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date but are subject to change at any time at the issuer’s discretion. Before applying, please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits.

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Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.