How can I get a free upgrade from coach to 1st class on my Continental flight from Houston to El Paso.?
I'm not a one pass member and don't have any miles. Is there a way to still get an upgrade? Thanks so much!
Air Travel - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
On a flight that short I wouldn't worry about getting upgraded, you'll barely have time for a drink. Plus, it's pretty hard to get an upgrade without using frequent flyer miles and especially if you're not a member of their frequent flyer program. Why don't you join their program? I'm sure you can do it online and it doesn't cost anything.
2 :
Just be polite with a smile on your face and ask if there are any upgrades going that day. They can only say no, but sometimes they say yes. Staff at airports have to put up with a lot of abuse some days from disgruntled passengers. If you are polite it can go a long way.
3 :
In addition to the above dress appropriately for business class if you dress like a bum like I do when travelling you can be sure that you are NOT going to get an upgrade. Next best thing is to ask for an exit row at the ticket counter or at the gate sometimes you can luck in with a bit of extra leg room.
4 :
I hate to say it, but in most cases you will have to pay for an upgrade.
5 :
Houston to El Paso is a pretty busy business route even though it is not a long flight. You'll be competing with a lot of frequent fliers for the upgrade so don't get your hopes up. The best you can wish for is a discounted, paid upgrade, probably $50 for a flight that short. But even that is unrealistic. Face it, if the airline is going to give anyone a free upgrade, they are going to start with their frequent fliers who have Elite status cause those are the guys spending all the money. Then they will move on to the frequent fliers who have no status, and that is very rare--- they would rather fly with empty seats in First than upgrade someone who doesn't do a lot of business with them. So you can ask nicely and dress nicely and come up with a line about it being your birthday or something and you're still in the back of the plane.
