Are you tired of the mundane and uncomfortable experience of flying? Well, look no further because I’ve got 15 airplane hacks that will completely transform your next flight, and the best part is, they’re all free! First, let’s talk about getting the best seat. Checking in early can give you better seat options, and choosing row 13 may increase your chances of having a whole row to yourself. Another hack is to book the middle seat, especially on flights that aren’t likely to be overbooked, as people are less likely to book the window or aisle seat if someone’s already sitting in the middle. Loyalty to one or two airlines can also lead to free upgrades and other perks, so it’s worth sticking with your favorite airlines. ExpertFlyer is a helpful tool to set alerts for desired seats, and if all else fails, don’t be shy to ask for an upgrade at the check-in counter or gate. Once you’re on the plane, scope out empty rows and ask the flight attendant if you can move. You can also bid on a first-class seat for a chance to get an upgrade, and requesting a bulkhead seat 24 hours before departure can increase your chances as well. Finally, choosing flights in the early morning or overnight can be cheaper and offer better upgrade opportunities, and sitting in the middle of the plane can reduce turbulence. Plus, selecting a special meal can ensure you’re served first and have more options. By following these hacks, your flying experience will be upgraded in no time, without costing you a penny!
Now you can look forward to the actual travel part of traveling! These 15 airplane hacks will make your airport and airplane experience much more enjoyable. By checking in early and selecting the right seat, you can increase your chances of having a whole row to yourself. Loyalty to airlines can lead to free upgrades and other perks, and using tools like ExpertFlyer can help you get the seat you want. Don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade at the check-in counter or gate, and once you’re on the plane, keep an eye out for empty rows and ask the flight attendant if you can move. Bidding on a first-class seat and requesting a bulkhead seat can also increase your chances of an upgrade. For smoother flights, choose flights in the early morning or overnight and sit in the middle of the plane to reduce turbulence. Finally, selecting a special meal ensures you’ll be served first and have more options. So, get ready to upgrade your flying experience for free with these simple travel hacks!
Check-in Strategies
When it comes to flying, one of the most important aspects is choosing the right seat. By following a few simple check-in strategies, you can increase your chances of getting a better seat option. One of the easiest ways to do this is by checking in early. Many airlines allow you to check in 24 hours before your flight, and sometimes even up to 48 hours in advance. By setting an alarm on your phone, you can be one of the first, if not the first, person to check in. This gives you access to the best available seats, including those that would normally cost extra in economy class.
Another strategy to consider is choosing a seat in row 13. This may sound counterintuitive, as many people consider the number 13 to be unlucky. However, this superstition works to your advantage when it comes to airline travel. Several airlines have actually gotten rid of row 13, going from row 12 to 14 instead. This means that row 13 is often the least likely to get booked. So, if you’re not superstitious, choosing a seat in row 13 can increase your chances of having a whole row to yourself.
If the flight isn’t overbooked, another tactic to try is booking the middle seat. This may seem like an undesirable option, but if you’re flying solo and you know the flight is unlikely to be fully booked, booking the middle seat can actually work in your favor. People are less likely to choose the window or aisle seat if someone is already sitting in the middle. This gives you a higher chance of getting a whole row to yourself. If you’re flying as a couple, one of you can book the window seat and the other can book the aisle seat. This way, the middle seat is less likely to be chosen unless the plane is full. If the middle seat remains unoccupied, you and the person you’re flying with will have some extra elbow room.
Loyalty Programs
Another way to increase your chances of getting an upgrade is by being loyal to one or two airlines. By consistently flying with the same airlines, you can build up loyalty status, which often leads to free upgrades and other perks. It’s important to choose an airline that you love traveling with and that flies to many of the destinations you want to visit. By climbing up the loyalty ladder, you may find yourself in first or business class without having to pay anything extra.
In addition to being loyal to airlines, you can also use websites like ExpertFlyer to set alerts for your desired seats. ExpertFlyer allows you to receive notifications when the seat you want becomes available. This can be especially helpful if someone cancels or changes their flight. By using this feature, you can snag your preferred seat for free.
Upgrade Requests
Sometimes, all it takes is asking. When checking in or at the gate, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade. While it may not always work, especially during peak travel times, it’s worth a shot. This strategy can be especially effective if you’re traveling solo. Get to the airport a little bit earlier than usual, dress a little bit nicer than you normally would, and approach the check-in counter. Politely ask the agent if there are any upgrades available in first or business class. They may give you a price, but if it’s too much for your budget, you can kindly decline. In some cases, you may get lucky and find an agent who is willing to upgrade you free of charge.
If asking for an upgrade at the counter doesn’t work, there’s still another opportunity to score an upgrade. Once you get through security and make your way to the gate, keep an eye on the departure time. As it gets closer to boarding, go up to the gate agent and ask if there are any available upgrades. At this point, there may be seats that have become available due to cancellations or no-shows. If the airline doesn’t want to leave any seats empty, they may be willing to upgrade you for free in order to fill those seats.
During the boarding process, pay attention to the rows around you. If you notice an empty row, especially once the announcement for a fully boarded flight is made, ask the flight attendant if you can move to that row. As long as it’s safe to move around, flight attendants are usually accommodating and won’t mind you claiming an empty row. This can give you extra space and make your flight much more comfortable.
Another option to consider is bidding on a first-class seat. Some airlines offer the opportunity to bid on a business or first class seat for an additional cost. While this does come with an extra charge, the price often depends on the amount you’re willing to pay. After booking your flight, the airline may email you with the chance to bid on an upgrade. If you place the highest bid, you’ll win the upgrade at the price you set. However, if you don’t win the bid, you don’t have to pay anything extra.
Bulkhead Seat and Timing
If you’re looking to increase your chances of an upgrade, consider requesting a bulkhead seat 24 hours before departure. When you call the airline, ask for a bulkhead seat and provide a reason if they ask why. You can make up an excuse, such as having a child who kicks the seat in front of them or experiencing restless leg syndrome. Alternatively, you can be honest and simply say that you want the extra room. Even if you don’t end up with a bulkhead seat, your name will be in the system as a potential candidate for an upgrade. When you arrive at the airport, make sure to dress nicely and politely ask the desk agent if the flight is overbooked. If the answer is yes, there’s a higher chance of getting an upgrade since the economy section is already overbooked.
Booking your flight for the early morning or overnight can also increase your chances of an upgrade. These flights are typically cheaper and less in demand, meaning they are less likely to fill up. With fewer passengers, there’s a better opportunity to snag a free upgrade or purchase a heavily discounted business or first-class ticket.
Seating Strategies
Choosing the right seat can greatly enhance your flying experience. If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy turbulence, consider sitting in the middle of the plane. This area is generally less bumpy compared to the front or back of the aircraft, resulting in a smoother flight.
Another seating strategy to consider is selecting a special meal. During mealtime on an airplane, things can get chaotic. By opting for a special meal, such as a vegan, gluten-free, kosher, or vegetarian option, you can ensure that you are served earlier than others. Airlines often prioritize serving those with special meal requests first, giving you more options and a higher chance of getting a meal you’ll enjoy. This can be particularly helpful on full flights, where the best meal options tend to go to those who are served first.
Rewards and Points
One of the best ways to upgrade your flying experience for free is by taking advantage of rewards and points programs. Many airlines offer points cards that allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend on flights or other purchases. Over time, these points can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, and other perks. If you frequently travel by air, getting a points card can be a worthwhile investment. Not only will you accumulate points for future travel, but you may also gain access to exclusive benefits and discounts.
In conclusion, there are several strategies you can employ to upgrade your flying experience for free. By checking in early, choosing specific seat options, being loyal to airlines, and utilizing upgrade requests, you increase your chances of enjoying a more comfortable and luxurious flight. Additionally, requesting bulkhead seats, choosing morning or overnight flights, and selecting seats strategically can also improve your flying experience. Finally, signing up for points cards and taking advantage of rewards programs can help you earn free flights and seat upgrades. So why settle for a mediocre flying experience when you can elevate it without breaking the bank?