Ask the ticket counter agent nicely. Does this work? 99% of the time, absolutely not. In most cases, on most airlines, the ticket agent is not authorized to upgrade passengers unless you have frequent flyer status and even with frequent flyer status, you will most likely need to use miles to get your upgrade. However, you might be able to ask the ticket counter agent to kindly add a code to your ticket. Why? Because the code signifies to the gate agent that you as a passenger are potentially eligible for an upgrade. It works with the right airline and you will need to know which code to use, as each airline uses different codes for different situations that are independent of other carriers.
If you are late because of a competitor, make sure the airline is aware of that. They will try to give you a good impression of their airline, especially after your bad experience with one of their competitors.
Use your connections. If you just so happen to be related to a family member or are friends with an airline employee, you certainly could ask for an upgrade, but keep in mind that airlines are in the business of making a profit, and if there are upgrades to sell, or loyal frequent flyers to keep happy, don’t expect to be first in line for an upgrade.
If you happen to be a travel agent, show your ID. Again, if and only if seats are available will an airline offer a free upgrade and even though a travel agent might have some pull, you always have to assume that frequent flyer status will help more than just travel agent status. If you have both, you will only improve your chances of an upgrade. It certainly does not hurt to try.
Ask a flight attendant for an upgrade if you see a seat available. Typically flight attendants never upgrade passengers and simply asking for an upgrade is not going to work. However, there are legitimate reasons why a flight attendant will upgrade you. Here are a few:
An oversold flight – Typically airlines overbook flights and hope that some passengers will simply not show. If, however, there are more passengers than seats in coach, your best chance to be upgraded is to get assigned a seat towards the front of the aircraft. If there are no seats left and the flight is oversold, you may also be asked to volunteer to take a later fight. This would also mean (usually generous)compensation, but not necessarily a first class upgrade.
A problem with your seat – In some cases where your seat has malfunctioned and you cannot comfortably sit there, i.e. a seatbelt problem or the seat will not stay in the up position, the flight attendant will make an attempt to find you another seat. If no other seats are available in coach yet space is available in first, you will be moved to first class. However, this is a very rare occurrence, and you should never try to purposely break your seat.
A problem with a fellow passenger – If by chance you are sitting next to a passenger and you have a legitimate complaint, the flight attendant can, at his/her discretion, move you to first.
Book with a travel agent. When you book with a travel agent, it is possible, with a valid reason, to have the agent mark your reservation with a comment, such as OSI (Other Significant Information). The record may indicate that you are a VIP or CEO of a big corporation (but if you are a VIP or a CEO of a big corporation, then chances are you can afford first class, and you probably have your own private jet plane anyway.). Airlines like to see this information as they are trying to win more and more business away from their competition. If there is a chance that an important decision maker is flying with them, it could potentially mean extra revenue for the airline as they may want to try to win your company’s account. This may lead to a free upgrade.
Book directly with the airline. When you book directly with the airline, there is the possibility of also adding an OSI to your record. If you are a travel agent, travel writer, or event planner, it certainly won’t hurt your chances.
Upgrade using frequent flyer points or status. If you are a frequent flyer, you can certainly use your miles to upgrade as long as allocated seats are available for upgrade. Not all seats are allocated for frequent flyer upgrades, as the airlines want to hold a certain block of seats for fully paid customers so that they can earn as much as they can for each flight. Using the right miles at the right time is also of importance. Each airline has their set terms and conditions for frequent flyers, miles and upgrades. You will need to determine the best case scenario for each flight you want to take. Short flights are typically not worth the upgrade since you would waste valuable miles. Of course, on many airlines having frequent flyer status will only help to get free upgrades. Typically, the higher the status, the better chance of getting a free upgrade confirmed days before the flight.
Be in the know. In an attempt to woo passengers and business, airlines will offer specials frequently throughout the year. You might even encounter a special that allows you instant status in their frequent flyer program. This refers to a higher level than just basic frequent flyer membership. For example, American Airlines has these levels: Member, Gold, Platinum, and Executive Platinum.
Buy an upgrade.
Many domestic carriers, in an attempt to earn more business, will happily sell first class seat upgrades on a first-come, first-serve basis. Obviously, they want to earn as much money as possible and they will release first class seats typically only at the airport and only on the day of the departure. Instead of paying $1,200 for a first class flight coast to coast, you might end up paying $300 for the coach ticket and just $150 each way for the first class upgrade.
Keep in mind that there are specific rules for who can use them and how they are used. You need to read the fine print carefully.
Upgrades for most major carriers can be purchased on eBay, in travel forums, and some can be found for sale in classified ads. In some cases you can purchase an upgrade for as little as eight dollars, but as usual, these upgrades can only be applied to your ticket at the check in counter once you arrive at the airport. Other more expensive upgrades will allow you to confirm your upgrade over the phone before you arrive at the airport.
Buy discounted first class tickets cheaply. Contrary to what you may have seen or heard, first class tickets are not always expensive, and there are numerous ways to purchase discounted tickets. The price may not be as cheap as coach tickets but with fierce competition, one can buy tickets that are heavily discounted that in comparison to coach tickets, may make sense to spend a little bit more to travel in style.
Volunteer to get "bumped" from an overbooked flight. If you do get bumped, you usually get a free flight to use within a year, and some spending cash. If they end up not needing you to get bumped to a later flight, they may upgrade you for your willingness to get bumped.
Buy a full fare coach ticket and ask for a first class seat. Many airlines have a fare code that automatically grants first class privileges, but you have to ask. Call the airline directly and ask them how much a coach class ticket with first class seating privilege will cost. This will be much less than a first class ticket. Be careful though, like most coach tickets it will probably be non-refundable.
Tips
You also have to hope they actually have first class seats available for upgrade. By the time you arrive at the airport, there is a good chance that the first class seats that have not been sold have been allocated to frequent flyers.
Get a frequent flyer card as soon as possible. In most major airlines, it's free and will only help you upgrade and of course you start to earn miles with your first flight. All the major airlines have either their own frequent flyer program or a joint one with another airline. Remember that frequent flyer members can use their rmiles with other airlines too.
If you have status on the airline, check in early. In a tiebreaking situation between 2 travelers wanting one first class seat, the person who checked in first wins.
If there are seats available, ticket agents may, but rarely will, upgrade you if you are on the flight for a special occasion (e.g. going to your wedding, on your honeymoon, anniversary, etc.).
It's all about who you talk to and how you do it. Be polite and flexible.
Unaccompanied minors may also get a first class seat if they are sick or very young.
If you have high frequent flyer status with an airline, it's possible that you might gain equivalent status with another airline by telling the airline's phone agent and faxing in supporting materials.
Visit frequent flyer forums - virtual communities of people who travel a lot. They can usually offer you tips and tricks that aren't that commonly known. Just remember to be polite and always search the forum before you post.
Look the part. Airlines are more willing to upgrade passengers who look as though they will fit in with those who willingly paid the extra money.
If you absolutely must fly first class, just pay the first class fare.
Warnings
Don't be too pushy, this can frustrate crew members, booking agents, ticket counter agents and everyone around you.
Never threaten them. It won't help your case.
Service members are encouraged to travel in uniform whithin the continental United States. Frequently, this does result in a free upgrade.