I was a check-in agent and this is how you can get a flight upgrade - but there's a catch

Who isn't in the mood to go on a holiday? With summer time around the corner, everyone’s looking forward to spending a relaxed, sunny, and much-deserved break away from the office. Even better for those who are jetting off abroad. Working as a check-in agent at Europe’s busiest airport and as a traveller myself, I’ve always thought that the best tip for starting a holiday on the right foot is to travel comfortably.

Check-in agents receive a lot of requests when travelling, whether it’s about baggage allowance or last-minute seat changes. But there isn’t a day without the questions about free upgrades from those going on a honeymoon, anniversary trips, or even birthdays. However, a free upgrade isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Flying business or first class is the dream, especially on long-haul flights. But those seats can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. Not only does it affect the check in agent's job when a free upgrade is given, but the airline also loses money. The main priority for an airline is to keep those seats available for any passengers wishing to purchase a last-minute upgrade.

However, splashing money isn’t the best solution, and you’d be better off using that as your spending money for travel, right? But if you’ve built a relationship with an airline, chances are you might be offered an upgrade.

You’ve probably seen movies where a passenger has received a free upgrade without paying for the full fare. In reality, it’s extremely rare.

Now, not only have airlines stopped providing "free" business class seats, but they've also started to charge passengers for the best airplane seats in economy - even for those with extra legroom. Yes, that includes the first three rows of economy, and of course, the emergency seats.

Instead of random upgrades that would affect the airline financially, airlines focus on rewarding frequent travellers through frequent flyer programs whenever seats couldn’t be sold. This is why upgrades are reserved for passengers with airline status or loyalty perks (especially on partner or codeshare flights).

Nonetheless, some airlines allow passengers seated in economy or premium economy to bid for an upgrade if there are empty seats, often at a lower price than you’d see online. Some of these airlines include Virgin Atlantic, AeroMexico, and Lufthansa.

While free upgrades are still technically possible, they are no longer common and tend to be offered in specific scenarios involving loyal customers or exceptional circumstances.

If you’re looking for an upgrade without paying its hefty price tag, focus on building loyalty with the airline and look for discounted upgrade opportunities. That be might be more achievable than just hoping for a free upgrade.

It’s also good to know that some airlines have introduced paid upgrade options, allowing passengers to secure an upgrade at a discounted rate. This usually happens at the time of booking, during online check-in, or even at the airport. And a little secret from me, you actually save a lot of money when the upgrade is purchased at the check-in desk.

These offers are given to passengers in hopes of filling empty seats, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable premium experience without paying full price. While it’s not a "free" upgrade, it’s still a much more affordable way to enjoy the business or first-class experience.

Before I started my job as check-in agent, I thought that "it doesn’t cost anything to ask, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to get it without paying for it," but that isn’t always the case. There's only so much that a check-in agent can do without putting their job on the line.

However, it never hurts to ask, which is why I would encourage everyone to ask any questions or requests they'd have before checking in or boarding the plane. And who knows, the odds might be in your favour!