If money wasn’t an object, it is a mathematical certainty that every single person would choose to fly first class like a boss. Unfortunately, money is an object and air travel is expensive enough as it is. Therefore the pleasures of first class travel are saved for the few and the uncomfortable, inconvenient suffering that is economy class is saved for the many. Let’s face it, economy class sucks.
In fact, did you know that EU regulation dictates that the air transport of animals such as cattle, pigs etc’ requires keeping the animal in a cage that allows them to stand up and circle around within the cage? Can you do that is economy class? Can you stand up and turn around in your seat?
No. So there you have it, a cow will have far better conditions than you. There must be a way around this, and luckily there is.
You need to minimise the cost of air travel whilst maximising your convenience and comfort. Here are a few tips you can use to achieve such a goal. Let’s face the truth: we all want to travel like a boss (or pick any fancy, upper-class synonym) and for as little as possible.
Book early
Cheapair.com has conducted a study and monitored about 1.3 billion flights (yes, billion) and after analyzing the data, the conclusion is that the ideal time to book a flight is 54 days in advance. So if you know you have a trip you must book, do it seven and a half weeks in advance. Do it before airlines begin to raise the prices of their flights. Remember, once the prices start going up, they only begin to fall again at the very last minute, and last minute flights never work out. Do you personally know anyone who has ever successfully booked a last minute flight? Exactly. So book in advance if at all possible.
Travel alone
This may sound harsh, but it’s the cold hard truth. The chances of being upgraded to business class or first class are slim if you are traveling with other people. Hoping to get your entire family or group of friends upgraded simply isn’t being realistic.
Give the air line a call
This strategy is fantastically simple yet mighty effective. Approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your flight, call the airline and ask about your seats. Tell them that you are a loyal customer and inquire if the flight is full. Then, regardless of their answer, politely ask if they could write a note on your file mentioning that you are interested in a free upgrade if that is at all possible. Remember to be as polite as possible. Next comes stage two, call again 2-3 days before the flight and inquire about that note that’s in your file mentioning an upgrade. If you still didn’t hit the jackpot, worry not. Follow up at the airport, at the check-in counter ask again about your upgrade and if you are denied politely try and ask for the manager and inquire with him also. You’ve got anything to lose. Give it a try.
Check in early
If the phone calls were a no go, it is vital that you check in as early as possible. The earlier you are the higher the chance that a free seat in business class will be given to you and not someone else.
Dress well
If you legitimately paid the fees to enjoy first class, then by all means, show up in your flip flops. However, if you are hoping to score a free upgrade you need to look the part. Image is everything. You don’t need a $10,000 watch and a $2000 suit, but dress sharp, be clean, groomed and wear respectable smart clothes along with your most expensive watch. You would be surprised at how the way you present yourself can effect your chances.
You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it. – Edith Head
Be cool
Should you successfully get that first class seat, please contain your excitement. Don’t jump around and don’t take selfies in your first class seat. Please don’t embarrass yourself.
Enjoy the lounge
Most first class and business class tickets offer the use of the airlines lounge at the airport. Most of these lounges are brilliant. They usually offer free high quality food and drink, relaxation areas, a safe place to store your hand luggage, computers, printers, movies and heaps more. Most lounges allow anyone to enter for a fee even if they are using a regular economy ticket. The entrance fees usually start at around $30 for the lesser lounges and rise after that depending on the lounge. Even if the entrance fee is a bit expensive consider that you won’t need to pay $10 for a cup of coffee or $30 for a disgusting meal. Food and beverages are free in the lounge. So if you have a long stopover it’s a no brainer.
Remember, the lounge is no joke. Here are a few photos of the Star Alliance lounge in Istanbul.
