Getting a seat upgrade on your next flight doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the right approach and a little bit of luck, you may score a coveted seat in first class or a better spot on the plane. Here are a few tips for how you can enjoy cheap first-class flights on your next travel adventure.

Dress Up

As in, don’t wear a tank top, ball cap, and gym shorts. This is especially the case if you want a chance of getting cheap first-class flights, but it applies to business class as well. The better you’re dressed, the more likely you’ll be picked over someone else for first class. You don’t have to have a tux or a call gown on, but dress professionally.

Be Loyal

One of the best ways to ensure that you get a seat upgrade is to be loyal to a particular airline. The more that you fly with one airline, the more frequent flyer miles you’ll accrue. Even if you don’t have enough miles to use for an upgrade, the gate agent will see that you’re a loyal customer and will be more likely to award you with a complimentary upgrade if they have empty seats.

Ask Nicely

Just ask, but do so nicely. Your chances are greater if you’re traveling alone. People who travel solo are much more likely to get a better seat than someone traveling with a spouse or family. If it doesn’t work at the ticket counter, then wait until everyone has boarded and you can see what seats may be available on the plane.

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Travel Solo

Again, you’ll increase your odds of an upgrade if you fly solo. The fewer people that you have in your travel party, the higher the chance that you’ll snag an upgrade. If you travel frequently with co-workers, it’s a better idea to split your reservations so that you boost your odds of getting a better seat.

Be Willing to Give up Your Seat

It’s not uncommon for gate agents to ask for volunteers to give up their seats on overbooked flights. If you have the time and availability to wait for the next flight, you’ll be more likely to get an upgrade when you finally take off. The delay may be worth the trade-off for getting to travel first-class.

Show up Early

When it comes to seat upgrades, the early bird truly gets the worm. Showing up early and introducing yourself to the customer service agent and nicely asking about the possibility of an upgrade will earn you a leg up on the late-arriving passengers.

Let the Agents Know of a Special Occasion

If you’re celebrating a special occasion on this trip, be sure to let the gate agent know. You’re more likely to enjoy a seat upgrade if the agent is aware that you’re traveling on a meaningful trip. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a honeymoon, don’t be shy about shouting it from the rooftops.

Have you ever used these tips to get a seat upgrade? How did it go? Tell us in the comments section below!