A man has taken to TikTok to share his top tip for nabbing a free upgrade on your flight – but while some people have claimed it worked for them, others are skeptical
A man has posted on TikTok to share his secret for consistently securing free business class seats on flights. “I’ve never paid for a business class ticket,” Robert Berg bragged, evidently seated in a business class seat on an aeroplane. “There’s really no need to be first in line when you board a plane, right?” he started.
“You already have your assigned seat… but if you wait until the very end, sometimes, the plane can be overbooked.” Robert then continued: “And when economy is overbooked, they have to put you in business class, so try that next time you fly.”
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His video has amassed nearly 500 views on the social media platform, with viewers swiftly sharing their own experiences in the comments section. One commenter noted: “I’ve worked in multiple airlines, and on overbooked flights the rule is to put frequent travellers to first class, and then everyone else.”
In response, Robert stated that his experience “with Qatar Airways is that they upgrade the people who boards last”. He added: “Has happened to me three times now.”
Another individual who attempted this strategy was upgraded to premium economy on British Airways, , reports the Express.
However, one sceptical commenter pointed out: “If you have an assigned seat you have a place to sit. If the plane is overbooked you will be standing at the check-in not getting a ticket.”
Robert retorted by clarifying: “I’m talking about the process after checking in. I had my ticket with my assigned seat and I still got upgraded because economy was overbooked and I boarded last.”
One traveller shared her strategy of being the last to board the aircraft, as she dislikes queuing unnecessarily, yet she remains hopeful for a complimentary upgrade.
“I usually am the last one to enter the plane as I don’t like standing up in the queue just to sit inside and wait for the others to board,” she said. “Hopefully one day I get lucky then.”
While the success rate varies, it’s worth noting that Robert mentioned this tactic works “sometimes” and he has personally benefited from it on three separate occasions.
Robert clarified: “To be clear, they usually overbook economy when there’s still seats left in business because then they can sell more tickets and it doesn’t cost them as much to upgrade someone from economy.”