Asking For Upgrades

The person who can make that decision is under a huge time crunch, so interrupting them might actually hurt your chances.

Many times a day, your gate agent hears, “It can’t hurt to ask, right?” If you are asking for free upgrades at the ticket counter, it probably hurts your case a little less. But, if you are still at the ticket counter, consider checking those kiosks to see how much a paid upgrade is. On the day of your flight, it might be cheaper than checking a bag!

The person deciding seat changes is the person who arrives at your gate one hour before departure time. They are turning on a computer that takes several minutes and signing in to start. They are required to make an initial announcement that might be answering a lot of the questions people are starting to line up to ask. They have a timed Tetris game to play, and one more interruption might actually hurt your chances at being considered for freebies.

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Better Than Asking

Consider leaving a note to leave by your gate agent computer before they even arrive. If your party is flexible and willing to split up to accommodate others, let them know in the note. Just say hi and thank them for all they have been doing during these difficult times. Sign your name with your seat number if you have one. Otherwise they will find where you are sitting by your last name. No need to ask for freebies. They know.

Most airline employees are not allowed to accept tips, but consider a gift card to make an overpriced airport meal or drink more affordable for them. If a gift card is too much, I have gone shopping for small souvenirs before the airport to save on packs of chewing gum, nice pens, and of course… stickers!

Leave your note and/or goodies, then sit back and enjoy your adventure!

Prefer to listen instead of read?

Suggested Upgrade Request Gift:

Seat Tetris Sticker

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