How to Get Upgraded

Whether we like it or not, the world is still divided by class, and whether they like it or not, we can still try to trick our way into the upper class and get that elusive upgrade. Whether it's upgrading from a cramped-up, smelly coach to the fully flat beds in first class, or from an average hotel room to a penthouse suite with wraparound balcony, Jacuzzi and flat-screen TV, it pays to try your luck if you want to upgrade your average-Joe lifestyle and enjoy superstar status. Remember, knowledge is power, so read on and equip yourself with the tips and tricks of the upgrade trade.

Be a Nuisance

While nobody likes a complainer, there is a way to go about it that won't leave you completely blacklisted by company staff. After all, the customer is always right -- and without customers, there's no business. If it's a first-class seat you're after, look around yourself in coach: Is your seat uncomfortable, or are you next to a fellow passenger who smells bad or requires one-and-a-half seats because they've eaten one too many Big Macs? Politely and discreetly bring it to the attention of the flight attendant, and leave it with her. She'll either tell you straight away that there's nothing she can do as there are no other seats available (highly likely) or you may be in luck, and she'll tell you that there happens to be a seat up front you can take. However, you must be realistic in this situation -- she might just move you to another seat in coach.

If it's a better hotel room you're after, make the effort to go down to reception to complain -- nobody likes a lazy lump who complains on the phone. Once again, politely and discreetly tell the staff at the reception desk that you're not entirely satisfied with your room; perhaps it has a "weird, musty smell that you can't quite put your finger on," or perhaps your view is of a brick wall instead of the ocean or city skyline. The staff will more than likely check the availability on their computer and move you to a room they know will be an improvement on your current one. Whether that room is the penthouse suite you've been vying for is another story, but an upgrade is an upgrade. If your gentle complaining doesn't work, then be persistent. The more needling and disruptive you are to their process -- without being impolite or rude, of course -- the more they will want to get you out of the way so they can continue with other customers. Be more specific when requesting an upgrade; you could say something along the lines of, "Is there a seat up front? It didn't look very busy when I walked through ..." or "How about room 106 -- I noticed that was empty from across the hall?" If it's late and he or she is tired, then they may just give it to you. After all, a luxury seat or suite doesn't cost more money to clean than an average room, so what's the point of leaving it to sit empty?

Plan Your Timing

When it comes to snagging that free upgrade, you must make sure you time your arrival perfectly. This is easier said than done, however; while many airlines and hotels stress the importance of arriving early if you are to be considered for an upgrade, this isn't strictly true. Upgrading on an airline begins when a flight is overbooked, and they only know if this is the case when most people have checked in. Check-in staff rely on a certain amount of cancellations and a few no-shows, and when more passengers turn up than expected, they'll start shipping the likes of you up front if you're one of the last to check in. Think about it: They're stressed and they need to do some shifting around with the seat plan. Are they really going to think about the first person they checked in, or are they going to pick you -- the guy standing in front of them -- so they can get the job done and make sure the flight takes off on time?

The same is true of hotels: Most hotel guests check in between midday and 2PM, while business travelers tend to arrive from 5PM onward. If you check in between 3PM and 5PM, then you know that the executive rooms will still be open to negotiation. Reception will also have an idea of how busy the hotel will be that night and will be more flexible with upgrades.