Is it possible to sit at a seat of higher class, for free, after boarding a flight? [duplicate]

I referenced How can I get a different seat after boarding a flight?. Herein, suppose that many seats of higher class (eg Premium Economy or Busines Class) are empty after boarding. Also, suppose that the passenger doesn't will to pay anything.

My outright guess is no; a counterargument would be that if everyone did this, then because there aren't enough such seats, then it wouldn't be fair to the peope who failed to perceive these empty seats.

Yet what would be some arguments in favour? Has this happened? Those empty seats feel wasteful.

airlines

Best Answer

"Those empty seats feel wasteful." Ultimately, moving someone from economy to premium economy or to business once the plane is loaded doesn't change the number of empty seats, it only changes the location of the empty seats. The plane is still just as full as before and the airline's revenue is the same, so there is no real motivation for the airline to move you.

There are cases where someone maybe assigned a premium economy seat without paying for it, when the plane is full and the only remaining empty seats when they check in are in the premium section. But that is done by ground staff out of necessity, not out of kindness once the airplane is boarded.

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Can you ask for a free seat upgrade?

The most reliable way of getting upgraded for free is to have elite status on the airline you're flying. Most airlines reward their most frequent flyers with complimentary upgrades on domestic routes.

Can you ask to be upgraded to first class for free?

The best way to get upgraded to first class for free is to earn elite airline status. Complimentary upgrades are offered to frequent fliers on all the major airlines, although not necessarily on every route.

How do I avoid seat charges?

Ways to avoid seat selection fees Some airlines make it seem like you must (or at least should) select a seat during checkout. Frontier Airlines even has a graphic interstitial page telling you why selecting a seat is such a great option. Don't fall for it.

Can you upgrade seats after checking?

Be early. Many airlines establish an upgrade wait list based on check-in times, with priority given to those who checked in first. The option to check-in online is usually available at least 24 hours before departure for most airlines, so the earlier you can get yourself checked in, the better.

how to get an airline upgrade | budget travel tricks

More answers regarding is it possible to sit at a seat of higher class, for free, after boarding a flight? [duplicate]

Answer 2

I and two family members traveling together were once upgraded from "last class" to first class (in a 747) flying from Seattle to London. This was 1989, so YMMV.

We arrived at the Seattle departure desk about 40 minutes before the cut-off time 45(?) minutes before departure, but had to join a long queue. At right about the cut-off time, we got to the desk. The agent told me the flight is full. I glanced at the clock and said "Well, we're here on time; what are you going to do about it?" She seemed none-too-pleased, but clacked away at the keyboard for a minute or two. I was extremely curious what she was doing, but uncharacteristically remained quiet. She then provided three new tickets (which was how boarding passes were done then), and said "I'm upgrading you to first class. Have a nice flight."

I had negotiated aggressively months before for excellent fares; likely we paid among the least of anyone on that flight, approximately $375 (round trip) per person for a late August two week trip when the going rate was $675–750. My mom was seated next to a highly opinionated London businessman. When they got to discussing ticket prices he asked for proof and then harangued a flight attendant mercilessly for charging him $3,500 for a one way ticket and being seated next to someone paying less than a tenth of what he did.

I expected that for the low fare we paid, we'd still get coach food service, but no: we got all the goodies (travel kit, complementary towel, etc.), food, and drink—like free cocktails and wine—just like all the other first class passengers.

No such luck on the return flight, and it hasn't happened to me since even after traveling for more than four million miles.

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