If you’ve ever wished you could be whisked to the front of the plane without paying the sky-high prices of non-economy ticket, well, get in line. Or, just pick up the phone. Because, while flying first class may seem like a luxury reserved for frequent flyers and business travelers with elite status, according to bestselling author and jetsetter Tilly Bagshawe, you don’t need fortune or a corporate card to get there. All you need are two powerful words.
Bagshawe, who regularly travels between the UK and Los Angeles, shared her upgrade secret with Bloomberg. Despite never purchasing a first-class ticket outright, she consistently finds herself in the premium cabin—thanks to a savvy (and polite) phone call to airline reservations. The magic trick? Mentioning “revenue management.”
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Here’s how it works:
When calling an airline’s reservations line—especially Virgin Atlantic, Bagshawe’s go-to carrier—ask the agent, “Have revenue management released any first-class seats for miles upgrades yet?”
According to Bagshawe, this signals that you know just how seat allocation works. Revenue management teams are responsible for maximizing a flight’s profitability, including how—and, more importantly for you, when—unsold seats are released and eligible for passenger upgrades.
If the agent says none are available, don’t hang up. Instead, ask if they can check again or connect you directly to revenue management.
Then, says Bagshawe, follow up with something like: “You still have 20 seats unsold? Why aren’t you releasing them for upgrades?” According to the author, this tactic often results in the agent unlocking a first-class seat for you using your miles—and at no extra cost.
Pro Tips for Even Better Odds:
If you’re really jonesing for a first-class ticket, these key moves may increase your chances at landing one.
- Call during off-peak hours when agents are less swamped.
- Be polite. Like any human interaction, you’re more likely to get what you want when you sound confident are are very courteous.
- Travel midweek when flights are more likely to have unsold inventory.
- Join the airline’s loyalty program. Even basic membership can help potentially land you an upgrade request.
Why This Works:
Many airlines hold back a certain number of premium seats to sell at the last minute. But if they’re not moving and you express interest using the right phrase, you may convince them to release a few for upgrades—especially if the flight isn’t full.
While this tactic is particularly effective with Virgin Atlantic, it may work with other airlines as well.
Above all else, always use your frequent flyer miles strategically, and don’t be afraid to ask the airline questions when you call them. A polite ask with the right words might just land you in a lie-flat seat (which is gold on a long flight).
What’s more, if a flight is overbooked, volunteering to take a later flight can also help you get an instant upgrade. In some cases, airlines may offer you a first-class seat as compensation in exchange for your chivalry (and flexible traveling schedule).
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.