Domestic

Upgrade Strategies That DO Work

As we noted previously, just looking good or talking tough won't get you that coveted lie-flat seat, but here are ideas that might ... including some that have worked right at the airport.

Yesterday, we started a discussion on the subject of free upgrades. We noted that, according to a recent survey, only 4% of those upgraded were able to get up front through their own actions, and not by some special status or airline error.

As we said, there are lots of so-called tricks that don't work. Today, using the same sources, let's look at some that do:

Be Somebody if You are
Airline staff usually see through anyone "putting on airs" to get a better seat in the air, but if you've legitimately got the chops to impress, put them on display. When you make your reservation, include your title if it's something like Senator, Doctor, Judge, or Reverend. Be sure the agent includes it in the OSI (Other Significant Information) section on your ticketing record.

Pull Strings
If you know someone in the industry, or are in it yourself, don't be shy about making this known. That goes double if you're a corporate travel buyer.

Pick a Flight with More Premium Seats
If you can fly a 757 instead of a 737 to the same destination, you have improved your chances for an upgrade just because there are more premium seats available to make the switch.

Special Trips
Yes, airline personnel do have hearts, so if you're on a honeymoon or rushing to see your baby born, make it known. Couples, however, should note that asking for side-by-side upgrades adds difficulty, so decide beforehand whether sitting together in misery beats being apart but having legroom.

Be Willing to Starve
The airlines only carry enough premium meals for reserved passengers, so your chances increase if you declare that you'll gladly skip the Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Pay Top Dollar for a Bottom Seat
Upgrades usually go first to those paying full fare for economy tickets, and those at the top of the elite status heap. Ask also if you can pay for an upgrade at the gate. It may cost less than you think.

And Always Ask Quietly
Nothing reduces your chances like other passengers hearing that you're getting upgraded and they're not. Be discreet and you may win the gate agent or flight attendant's discretion in granting you the move.

Yes, You Can Upgrade at the Airport
Perhaps the rarest of free or low-cost upgrades is the one a recent article in our subscription newsletter, First Class Flyer, calls the "last chance to enhance." It's the one you get right at the airport ticket counter or gate.

This airport upgrade is tough to get, says First Class Flyer, but not impossible. In fact, your chances improve measurably if you use one of the four strategies laid out in the FCF article. They involve:

--Buying multiple tickets, either on a refundable basis, or with a willingness to hold the unused one until a later date.

--Timing your arrival properly for those fleeting moments when upgrades are most available, either at the airport or prior to arriving there.

--Choosing routes on which last-minute upgrades are most possible, due to traffic, competition, and other factors.

--Following the specific rules for last-minute upgrades of your airline. They vary considerably by carrier. We don't have space to detail the differences here, but the First Class Flyer article gives the inside details on Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, and US Airways.