The Best Way to Upgrade to First Class Without Paying Full Price

Tips for Upgrading: 10 Ways Regular Passengers Can Also Enjoy Front-Row Privilege
First and business class appear like "another world" to most people. Large seats, champagne, hot towels, early boarding, private lounges, etc. It's more "grounded" than you might imagine to move ahead to the next class.

Ordinary travelers can sit in a more comfortable posture, but you don't have to be a super VIP to acquire a seat. Here are some useful suggestions to help you increase your chances of upgrading: don't spend a lot of money, and don't rely on chance when placing bets on familiar faces.

✅ Why sign up for a frequent flyer program?

The "Enter Frequent Flyer Number" step is frequently skipped when purchasing flights on Trip. Try not to miss it again! You can accrue miles and points for every flight in your airline account.

You will be able to take advantage of the following if you join the airline:

• Free Upgrades to Seats
• First Boarding
• Checked baggage (extra baggage) is free.
• Entry to the Lounge
• Synchronization of trip points automatically (enabled by some carriers)

🛫 How do you pick your preferred airline and arrange your trip's Membership Advancement Route?

1️⃣ Look for flights from an airport close to your home with carrier hubs!

For instance:

• China Eastern MU is the top option if you reside in Shanghai (SkyTeam member).
• Cathay Pacific CX and its Oneworld alliance are particularly active if you live in Hong Kong.
• The mainstay of the Star Alliance is Air China's CA if you're in Beijing.
• Trip.com's airfare search prioritizes the airlines you wish to join in the future and allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines.

2️⃣ Give alliance carriers priority for easier point-sharing.

The following are the three main airline alliances:

• Air China, United Airlines, ANA, Japan Airlines, Swissair, and other airlines are part of the Star Alliance.
• Chinese Eastern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air France, Asiana Airlines, and others are part of SkyTeam.
• Oneworld includes American Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific, among others.
• You can choose an airline inside the alliance to pool your points more easily because the majority of flights displayed on Trip.com will specify which alliance they are a part of.

✈️ Overview of Popular Airline Upgrade Policies

📌 Easy Ways to Boost Your Upgrade Chances

✅ Presentable and well-groomed passengers are frequently given preference.

✅ Avoid being late; your chances increase if you check in or board early.

✅ Keep a screenshot of your credit card or loyalty card points on hand in case you need to verify.

✅ Get the airline's app; frequently, three hours before to departure, upgrade offers are pushed.

🚀 It's not a dream to upgrade: The preferred "double-upgrade" tactic among trip users
Double Hack:

🔹 Status Match: For instance, several airlines offer Status Match in Trip Connect, enabling you to move to the same tier of membership of other airlines for free if you're currently a Silver member of China Eastern Airlines.
🔹 Upgrade your travel arrangements: By using Trip.com to book a flight, hotel, and shuttle, you can increase your chances of being automatically upgraded by the system if you spend more money and allow the airline to identify you as a "high-value customer."

🎁This is a reminder from Trip to remember these!
✔Every time you book a flight, enter your frequent flyer membership number.
✔Get frequent flier upgrades by booking premium economy (Flex/Eco+).
✔Trip occasionally sends out promotional letters that involve limited-time relationships with "mileage-earning carriers."
✔ You can also indirectly reduce your airfare expenses by using Trip Coins to book hotels, which will help you spend less overall.

Here's how you can use Trip Coins Guide👇

💳 Travel credit card perks on Trip: upgrades in addition to ticket purchases!

You may use Trip for more than simply booking hotels and flights; it has partnerships with several banks, airlines, and credit card companies to provide special co-branded card advantages along with membership upgrades, and occasionally a covert version of those upgrades! Additionally, these partner credit cards get you VIP-like preferred treatment on your subsequent trip in addition to helping you save points:

🔥 Benefits offered by Trip on well-known airline credit cards (some have collaborative promotions with Trip)

✈️ Chinese users (Trip Chinese website)

• Earn additional points for booking flights with China Merchants Bank × Trip, which can then be redeemed for airline upgrade coupons.
• When buying tickets at Trip, the ICBC Global Card offers automatic access to the VIP lane and expedited security checks.
• China Construction Bank Dragon Card Global Travel Credit Card: Exclusive Mileage Acceleration for Travel + Entry to First-Class Airport Lounges

🚀Trip Plus: An Invisible Helper for Upgrades

• Still not a Trip Plus member? Sign up right now! Trip Coins, or points, can be earned through Trip Plus, the company's membership program, and then exchanged for lodging, airfare, and other travel arrangements.
• Free vouchers for upgrades (certain airlines), Priority flight change processing, early standby, and committed customer service.
• Certain carriers, like Xiamen Carriers, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines, offer upgrade sorting and priority check-in tied to Trip Plus!

👉Your chances of receiving a front-row seat or an upgrade increase with the number of points you accrue and your tier level!

🏨 Save money for an upgrade when you book a hotel on Trip!

Making a reservation at a five-star hotel or a chosen chain (such Marriott, Hilton, or InterContinental) on Trip can also result in the "Travel Priority Traveler" designation.
Certain airline systems may check your itinerary to see if you have any premium accommodations, which may move you up the backlog for an upgrade.
💡 For instance, the airline system may favor upgrades for Trip Plus Diamond users and 5-star hotels on the same itinerary (based on the airline's algorithm).

✈️ To earn more points for your upgrade, arrive at the gate early!

When you booked your flight, did you do your research? Next, remember to time it correctly.

Even though TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and even domestic security green lanes are now available to everyone if you're hoping to try a last-minute upgrade, getting to the gate early is still crucial!

⏰ Arrive at the gate 60 to 90 minutes before departure.

🥳 Is today a special one? Be bold and speak up!

Don't "pass it by" if a noteworthy occasion falls on your route.

🎂 🎓 Birthdays, 💼 New job, Graduation Divorce and a fresh start, 🚚 Moving, traveling abroad for the first time, and so on can all be "mentioned in passing"! Talk about it casually as a chance to advance in your career!

Perhaps you might say something along the lines of:

"I have always wanted a first-class experience, and I'm traveling to celebrate my birthday."

"Today is my first business flight, and I'm a little anxious because I recently got a new job."

"I'm rediscovering myself on my first solo trip since my divorce."

These don't need to be exaggerated or overdone, but they need to be delivered naturally, honestly, and with a little smile.

How to respectfully request a seat change from the gate agent

Once you've reached the gate one to one and a half hours early, you can initiate conversation with the staff by following these general steps:

You may begin by smiling and saying something like, "Hello, good morning/afternoon! Please let me know how you are today.

A warm and casual introduction will lighten the tone of the discussion and leave a positive impression on the employees.

Even if a service member may be aware of your lack of interest, it is still fine to praise them on their smile, tie, or earrings while they are looking at the seating chart. Being courteous and kind is always a plus.

It will be easier to move to a forward-facing seat or even upgrade to First Class or Premium Economy if your flight is on a somewhat cool flight, but it still requires some luck!

You can politely inquire, "Can you double-check for me?" if the employee informs you that the flight is full. You should give it a shot. Or "I'm grateful! Can I return closer to boarding to see if anyone has boarded yet?

We still have a little time. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the staff may occasionally offer you a chance or even contact to inform you that you should return for a different seat.

What should I do if my entertainment system or seat isn't working properly?

Do not hesitate to respectfully inform the flight attendant if you observe a defective seat or an issue with your entertainment system.

It's about communicating your demands in a reasonable way, not about stirring up controversy. A seatbelt that is loose, headphones that aren't working, a screen that doesn't light up, or a seat that doesn't adjust can all negatively impact the flying experience.

Generally, if there is still room in the cabin or if the journey is lengthy, the flight attendants will probably move your seat and occasionally go above and beyond to improve your cabin as a form of payment.

👉My favorite "temporary upgrade" advice is this: malfunctioning equipment plus a thoughtful flight attendant plus available cabin space equals the ideal upgrade chance!

Create your own opportunities in the cabin if the gate is hopeless ✈️

Sometimes the gate personnel is unable to assist you in changing seats even after you have arrived early, tried your best, and communicated properly. It's your chance to fight for it, so don't worry! Don't move right away if you notice some seats adjacent are empty! After "all passengers have boarded" has been announced by the flight crew, kindly ask the flight attendant:

"Hey, I see that seat over there is empty. May I move to it? Since it is my birthday and anniversary, moving seats would add a little extra specialness to my trip.

This kind of circumstance is politely and sensibly handled and frequently leads to an unanticipated favor.

Being susceptible to air sickness and desiring a more secure sitting position

Having a fear of flying and wanting to be near the aisle or flight attendants to help with communication

Frequently needing to use the restroom for medical reasons. Standard seats are rather uncomfortable because they are tall.

All of these reasons are perfectly reasonable, and many flight attendants will try their best to accommodate them. Be aware, though, that communication must be done in the appropriate tone and at the appropriate moment; it should never be coercive or take up a safe window of time.

🚫 Some things to avoid when flying

To prevent ruining your entire flight experience or possibly getting into needless problems out of impulse, please bear these "forbidden" operations in mind when you are attempting to upgrade or move your seat.

❌ Always get permission before switching seats, especially before departure!
When they notice that business class, first class, or more forward positions are empty, many travelers feel compelled to sneak over. It is strictly forbidden to switch seats without permission while the aircraft is still in the boarding process.

📌 Recommendation: Don't ask nicely to move seats until after boarding is over and the announcement is made.

❌ Avoid "begging" for a seat!
We all understand that sitting in the middle seat can be difficult at times, but please refrain from "crying" or pleading with the flight attendants or ground crew to switch seats.

Of course, you can state your reason explicitly if you have one (e.g., physical discomfort, fear of flying, special needs, etc.), but instead of just whining, try to be as brief, firm, and courteous as you can.