What's the best strategy to get upgraded to a higher class, when travel by air ?

The easiest way is to use miles/points earned from previous flights and try early before the empty seats fill up. Let me know if your flying united and maybe I can hook you up if its a domestic US flight

Join the Military (US), I works for me, Free upgrade on planes, free subway rides (NYC), Free train rides (Metro North and NJ Transit), Free Bus rides (NYC) and of course free cocktails almost everywhere.

Pay for the ticket. Why do many people embarrass themselves for an upgrade is beyond me!

You want to fly Business or First Class, pay for it. You can't afford it? Have some dignity and hold on to your economy status.

Cheers!

Flights do occasionally have a need to move passengers from the rear of the aircraft (Economy section) to the front (First & Business sections). These are called operational upgrades.

When that happens, the ground staff first look for premier members of their frequent flier program, then ordinary members, military personnel, and passengers who paid for a "full-fare" economy ticket. Only if there are not enough people in the above categories will they look for someone who is "polite and well-dressed".

Unless you are a premier member of the airlines FF program, you are more likely to win the lottery than to get an operational upgrade.

Join the airlines FF program and look for ways to earn miles. There is always a full explanation on the airline's website and you would be surprized by the wide range of ways (besides flying) to earn miles with most programs. Then use the miles to upgeade.

The other choice is to purchase a Business or First Clas ticket. Note that there ARE discounts for BC and FC tickets, usually obtained by purchasing them at least 2 months in advance.

Hi

There is no strategy as such for up-gradation to higher class. However, at at times airlines declare same fare for y and j class and your travel agent can oblige you by booking your seat in J class. You can also be obliged by air line staff while aboard, if you are a celebrity/ somebody