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Twice we were moved to first class. One I was standing in front of a pilot getting coffee and he ended up being our pilot, I bought his coffee. After the doors were closed he came looking for me and said he had two in first class and took us to them. Second time was after a fight was cancelled and everyone had to stand in line to rebook. Naturally everyone was mad and took it out on the people at the desk. When it was my turn they asked how they could help. Well first I would like for you to take a deep breath and relax. I'm sorry everyone is treating you so bad it's not your fault and you shouldn't be treated like this. The lady who was working next to the person taking care of me reached over and handed me the tickets. I thought she made a mistake but she smiled and said no, enjoy your flight. Just be nice it's not hard and there is such a thing as good karma

@geoffreyschultz8515

Ай бұрын

Is excellent advice especially in Irregular Operations situations. Wasn’t an upgrade, but a good friend was on his was on his way from Amersterdam to meet me when AMS (not even just KLM but basically the whole airport) was in meltdown. The security queue was kilometers long (literally) and he had shown up about four hours before the flight. Had SkyTeam elite status (but they erroneously charged him for his bag - that got refunded later down the line) so was even using the Sky Priority lines. Still waiting just to get through security, he calculates that there is no way he will get to the gate in time, so heads back to check-in desks to talk about rebooking. First agent tells him there’s not a flight for two days and the change fee is more than his original flight cost… he’s less experienced flying than I am, and he was writing gutted that we’d miss celebrating birthdays together (we were meeting because we have birthdays two days apart) and he could miss a really good music festival he’d paid a lot of money for. So he was really gutted about an airport problem that was not his fault, and to a great extent also not KLM’s fault since it was the airport that was in a state of meltdown just after COVID restrictions and been lifted and there was almost zero staffing for high-summer demand. Anyway to finish a long story shortly, he finds another agent in the check-in or possibly ticketing area (thinking he may need to buy a new ticket, and that happens in another place). He explains in a nice, calmed-down way (he had been quite tense already), Listen, I really like your country, I like KLM from past travels, I know this isn’t your fault, but look at this. Trash is piled in the airport, there are queues that can take four hours to wait in (he had been in one). This is unrecognizable and now I may miss several days and important events as a result. He made this all very calmly, and he also has a way of turning on charm when necessary. The agent says, “Yes, I know. I’m sorry. What can I do for you?” He says he just wants to get to Stockholm, or even anywhere with a train or ferry to Stockholm. She taps away, seconds later hands him a boarding card for the next flight to Stockholm. Now, I’m sure that seat was probably from someone who had also missed a connection or a flight owing to the chaos, but I’ve no doubt his demeanor and rational explanation that he knew the airport was the issue, not her, not even the airline, made her look a little harder and get him onto the flight. When things go wrong, calm down, be nice, express empathy that the person in front of you is not the person who made this problem, and genuinely seek their help. They usually will if they can, and break a few “rules” if they need to when it comes to changes, repricing, etc.

@philip5899

Ай бұрын

Brown nose always works 😂

@kathyradford7187

Ай бұрын

I've been extremely courteous like that but I've never had any employee reciprocate in any particularly nice way.

@lesleymcneill1403

Ай бұрын

@@kathyradford7187keep trying. Because it’s who you, not for what you want.

@DiamondsRexpensive

Ай бұрын

​@@kathyradford7187Looks play a role in this

I work as a flight attendant for a major airline. For us, if the agent doesn’t upgrade you, it’s most likely not going to happen. However, there have been rare times I’ve upgraded people in order to sort out seating issues. We can be fired for just upgrading people.

@DiamondsRexpensive

Ай бұрын

Interesting. How come you didn't get fired?

@s4lino

Ай бұрын

I think unless for really short trips, asking say a solo traveler to move to a less desirable spot in the same type cabin so say a couple or family can be together is a bit...if they are upgrading the solo traveler up a class or offer some service exchange then I think maybe fair game...those solo book or choose those seats in advance for a reason but for emergency cases I can understand...or at least add some mile points for good karma??

@Flownthecoup23

Ай бұрын

@@DiamondsRexpensivewe have limited ‘leeway’ in order to get the flight out. These are exceptions 😊

@carinep.4520

Ай бұрын

Really? Getting fired? How often have I seen Flight Attendants talking to friends on board on a red eye and as people got ready to sleep and the lights were turned down, these friends were moved to first class. Come on…it happens way too often. Next time someone reading this is on a red eye flight, look at what happens once the lights go down.

@davidj7516

Ай бұрын

@@Flownthecoup23 I love the way carinep.4520 generalizes and offers information that h/s has no experience in or can justify. Just pissed off h/s didn't get that upgrade, so complains and lies about it. I was in customer service for 40 years. So glad I am retired. :)

One time my wife and I were upgraded to business from San Francisco to London Heathrow by taking a flight a day later, as they were overbooked. Was the best flight ever. Another time flying from London back to SF, we were supposed to fly through Chicago where there was a massive storm, so lots of folks on standby. We agreed to take a flight a day later, and they gave us $700 each (paid for our flights the next time), a free 4* hotel for the night in London, and a flight that went direct to SF

@Hippy2021

Ай бұрын

Nahhhhhh

@travelvideos

Ай бұрын

Nice. Which airline ? I had a flight delay for a day and to spent a night on highway motel. It was Lufthansa. Motel was ok, but I wish it was in the city, so I can get some meal or something.

@carinep.4520

Ай бұрын

Yep….that happens if you offer your seat when the flight is overbooked. The only thing they probably didn’t tell you is that you are a standby passenger on the next flight so if it is overbooked again, you might have to wait it out another day. If the flight leaves in the morning not too bad of a situation however if it leaves at night, by noon you have to leave the hotel and wait 8-10 hours at the airport not knowing you will get on or not. The denied boarding compensation will equal to double the one way price of the flight the person was bumped from up to $775. If no one had volunteered, the airline would have had to pick someone and then given them 400% of the one way fare up to $1350 to put the passenger on a subsequent flight over 2 hours later than the orignal departure. This said, they can offer more money if the want to.

@patriciamoore3318

4 сағат бұрын

Nice

I was bumped up to first class once because my armrest was broken. But the BEST story was a guy I knew back in the days when the Concorde was still flying. He was scheduled for a regular transatlantic flight on a regular plane, but they kept cancelling one flight and putting him on another and then cancelling that, and telling him he could leave for a while and then suddenly calling him telling him instead to hurry back, etc. etc., and they had (unintentionally) jerked him around so much that they took pity on him and upgraded him to the Concorde for no extra charge!! So he got from NYC to London in 3 hours.

@s4lino

Ай бұрын

wow sir you go way back to the Concorde days, only been on when it was a 'museum' now is in some desert graveyard I think...but can't wait till Concorde 2.0 or Airlander type replacements (the 3 hours is like the kid with the super CPU back in the days when others still loading to install their game)

I was in Italy for work in 2019. Prior to my departure, I received several emails to upgrade from premium economy to Business. I did not take the original offers, as the airline was asking for $3.6K. The day before departure, they dropped the price to $800. Well worth for a 9+ hour flight. It was probably the best flight I’ve had. I landed feeling refreshed, not to mention the pampering while in that class seating

While on my way to Spain, I got an upgrade to a First Class Seat as a result of a high school trip to Spain. The airline overbooked the flight, and offered $400.00 voucher and booking on the next flight. I accepted and got off the plane. When I got to the desk for my voucher, (Last in line), they told me there had one seat left on the plane. Figuring that was my kind of luck, I grabbed my bag and followed the attendant. When we entered the plane, she turned left and I followed to a wonderful 7.5 hour flight to Spain. What a deal for me.

I always fly solo and with only carry-on, and sometimes I can be flexible with my time. I've never thought to offer to take a different flight when they invariably find they've sold too many seats. Thanks for the tip!

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

Your welcome! Good luck on a future upgrade!

Interesting ideas but I am one to just book the flight and pick my seat which is economy or economy plus. I feel fine and happy just to be flying and looking out a window. It is the vacation spot where I prefer to spend the little extra money on things. It is just me I suppose.! Love all you do for us Megan and Ollie is such a cutie.

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! We all have priorities for those extra dollars. I like yours! Happy travels!

Good to know! I have flown biz class - and I love it! I've become so spoiled. I like everything about the biz class experience: priority check-in, priority security, priority bag (although, I can think of only once where my bag was amongst the first out), lounge access, priority boarding, elevated food and drink...I almost feel like a star.

I don't know about the whole "chocolates for the attendants" being cringy. From what I've read, they usually really appreciate it, and I've done it on two flights before and the attendants were very happy at the thoughtful gesture. I wasn't doing it to try and score an upgrade or anything. I was just doing it to help show my appreciation for everything they do for us passengers. I wouldn't do gift cards because those are too variable - i wouldn't know how many attendants are on my fight, where they'd want a gift card to, etc. I wouldn't want to get them a fast food gift card and then find out that they don't really eat at McDonalds or wherever. Prepackaged, individually wrapped Chocolates are usually a safe choice because most people enjoy them, they're sharable amongst the entire crew, and they're affordable for the passenger to give. I gave Lindt truffles last time in a factory sealed bag just so the attendant could have confidence that they hadn't been tampered with. Again, they were incredibly appreciative.

I have upgraded passengers just because they were nice and were dressed nicely. It was so much fun and I made a statement!

On a trip from London to San Francisco, I had asked for an upgrade when checking in (1999). I was shown my seat and was sitting in it when a young boy came along and advised me I was sitting in his seat! I asked him to find a flight attendant, which he did, and she came along and asked me to follow her. I was shown to the first class cabin and had a wonderful flight. I did not have to pay any upgrade fee.

@PortableProfessional

24 күн бұрын

Nice! Those last minute upgrades make the experience even more enjoyable!

@lepunksmoothie

19 сағат бұрын

Also had a similar incident! Having flown to the Philippines to attend a loved one's funeral wasn't exactly a trip was looking forward to, so it bummed me out when on my flight back home (Manila to Dubai leg of the flight via Emirates), there was a man sitting on the seat I booked online. We checked our boarding passes, and true enough, we have the same seat number. I immediately informed an FA about the situation and after a few minutes, she came back and asked me to come along - and, voilà, she led me to my "new" seat in business class! It was a treat! At that moment, I thought to myself, " Thanks, Dad, for the nice goodbye gift!"

Highest I've flew was Business class. Once I got a free upgrade from a transit to a long haul flight. It was a life changer. 😅

I got a free upgrade, Vancouver to Rejkavik because at the last minute they changed my Edm-Rejkavik flight left from Vancouver. So they flew me to Van. and put me first class for the long flight.

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

First class! Very nice!

Your presentations are helpful, up to date and professionally delivered. I learn something important in each video.

I got a upgraded to Polaris business class last year on a United FRA-DEN flight. I booked my journey in premium economy & redeemed miles for upgrade waitlist on the outbound Durango CO. My connection to Denver had upgrade confirned but not for the leg to Frankfurt. As for return flight, I recieved the good news from United just as boarding commenced so I was able to switch to group 1 line!

I chose premium economy for my flight from Newark to London and back. I also always bring the flight attendants and crew chocolates of some sort as a token appreciation, lol not for an upgrade! I feel like they have the worst job so a little something to brighten their day is worth a few bucks!

I recently flew on American using miles and found that taking flights at odd times or adding one stop significantly reduced the miles required. A direct from Mexico City to NY on Business/First was almost 100,000 miles. By flying to Dallas and grabbing a flight one hour later, it went down to 30,000 miles. I found it was also very comfortable to divide the long flight into two shorter segments and, in both Mexico City and Dallas, I had access to the Admiral’s Club.

Thank you...for giving details plus your own experience

I was flying to Sydney from NYC once. First leg had a layover in Manilla. I had a premium eco seat at the bulkhead but the pop out tv screen didn't want to come out so was upgraded to Business right after the flight took off. Was great on a 12+ hour flight. :)

Good ideas. Might try. Thanks for the tips.

Great tips, especially the Seat Guru one although you are “rolling the dice” on that one. I’ve been upgraded only once, it was a long time ago and, honestly, I don’t remember why. I’m traveling to Italy in September, will certainly keep these tips in mind! Thanks for a great video Megan 🤗 Oh, enjoyed having your ‘sidekick’ make an appearance!

Hello and thank you for all the great info, Megan. I've been watching your channel for about the past year and have learned quite a bit. However, I must take exception with your comment about chocolates and dressing nicely being 'cringe'. My wife and I have flown about a dozen times on Delta and Alaska Airlines over the past two years and as we step onto the plane I'll give the first flight attendant we see a small package of chocolates (something nice such as Ghirardelli), and say "it's for you and the rest of the flight crew". I have a cousin who was a flight attendant for years so I know how tough their job is, well, second-hand knowledge anyway. We're not looking for anything from the flight crew, but the response has been a sincere 'thank you' in every case. There have been a few times where a different flight attendant came over to us mid-flight and asked if we were the ones who brought the candy - and then thanked us again. All the best.

@JeddieT

Ай бұрын

Actually, the flight crew cannot eat any passenger gifts like the chocolates you’re talking about. They have to be very vigilant about unscrupulous people with nefarious intentions. She may have thanked you for the kind gesture, but your chocolates were probably trashed.

@judithstrachan9399

Ай бұрын

Aww, what a shame. Being nice to the attendants is always a good idea, tho. Even if they don’t remember you, they’ll appreciate the kindness & feel a bit less taken-for-granted. Nobody likes that.

@mentonerodominicano

Ай бұрын

I've done that plenty of times and sometimes get free food and drinks or the FAs "forget" to charge me anything I've purchased inflight. The trick is to make sure to hand the gifts to the flight attendant working in your section, which you can easily notice by where they're standing during boarding, so if you're flying economy, don't give the treats to FAs at the door. Walk further down the aisle and give the treats to the FA standing closer to your seat, so when they start the food and beverage service you're likely to see that FA again and they will be VERY nice to you. I've been upgraded to Business once after doing that, but that flight was almost empty, so they had a lot of leeway to move passengers around.

I've only flown short-haul as an adult, and with budget airlines, but if I end up travelling more than I have done so far, I'll certainly keep these tips in mind. (And it honestly can't hurt to dress nicely, who wants to be the one scruff amongst the business class passengers?!)

This was a lot of really useful information, thank you so much for the video!

Did not realize that seat upgrade bidding was a thing all these years. Wow, I have been flying in basic mode all this time. Your video is enlightening!

Thank you, Megan! When it comes to choosing a better airline - that works only if other airlines are available with schedules that you can work with. American is the only airline serving my closest airport. You’ve provided some very cool tips in this video, though.

Thanks Megan, always great info.

I have brought the flight attendants and ticket agents chocolate and candies on more than one occasion. They have made sure to keep an eye out for me. We have gotten better seats in our same class and extras when flying.

A strange thing happened to me a couple of years ago. I worked for the US Government, but was on a personal trip from Washington, DC to Manila, Philippines on Emirates Airlines (a favorite of mine). It was my FIRST fight with Emirates. I flew from Wash, DC to Dubai, UAE --a long flight in Economy. I checked into the gate for my connecting Flight. There was a table set up outside the waiting area with a woman holding a portable radio. She took my Passport and my Boarding Pass, and told me to have a seat in the waiting area, someone would return my papers. Eventually, 98% of the passengers were already on the plane and I had no ticket, boarding pass or passport and was about to panic. So I asked an official where my papers were, and they gave them back to me and told me to board the plane, but the Ticket was for First Class from Dubai to Manila, another long flight. It was a great flight! Is that rare that airlines upgrade to First Class on an International Flight for a first-time customer flying with that airline?

I really enjoy your videos and wish I had you as my travel partner Keep the great videos coming 👍🏼✌🏼

recently flew with etihad from europe to malaysia, truly best economy experience I had. seat were really comfy and had most legroom. food selection and service also the best. would fly again.

I love your vids, so much good info.

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

That's great to hear!

You always have the best content, Megan! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! My next trip is to Croatia going down to Albania in November! It should be fun! I have also booked Peru and Machu Picchu in May 2025! Peru is on my bucket list and that will take me to 20 foreign countries visited! It is great to get out of the US craziness for a bit of time! Safe travels!!

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

Thank you, Patrick! You have some exciting trips planned. Enjoy!

Great video, made even better by Ollie!

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

Thank you! He loves to show off!

I prefer to book my travel early in the day, mostly for the potential impact of weather delays. But by planning early flights, I can accommodate getting bumped off an oversold flight and leveraging that bump to upgraded seating or extra miles/points for the loyalty program. Also if I’m traveling solo I feel I have greater flexibility than if traveling with family. Just from too much travel, I got seating upgrades several times per year with US Airways, but not so much since they merged with American.

Thank you Megan for the hard work you are doing to make such informative videos. I got a lot to know regarding air travel from your video. As one of my friend asking do DOCTOR get any specific advantage regarding free seat upgrading or any other benefit?

Thank you! I heart your videos, as am flying twice this year. Or, two trips with multiple legs. Very much appreciate your tips!

@PortableProfessional

27 күн бұрын

Glad to help! Enjoy your trips!

Glad Cutiedoodle also starred in this episode! As always, thank you for the great tips and tricks Megan! Much appreciated!

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

You're so welcome! Ollie was very pleased with his performance.

Megan-I love your dog's name, Ollie! Is that short for Oliver? That's my hubby's name and a great name, at that! I've been watching your flying videos for quite some time. They are sooo helpful when I fly and I've learned a lot from you! My deep thanks!

Thanks for your video! Some years ago, I fly from Chile to England for a workshop-meeting at Cambridge University. On the way out, I find out at London Heathrow in the line-up that the assigned AA LHR-DFW flight has been cancelled. Not a pretty scene: hundreds of pax inconvenienced, and a "little" annoyed, especially with potential transatlantic flights to alternate cities with tight or poor connections to pax' intended destinations. After about 20-minutes in the line-up with extra contemplation and quick calls to me mates, I calmly and gently say to the AA agents (a) I don't have to fly out today, especially because I still have the international DFW-SCL and domestic SCL-LSC connections which I'm never going to make; and (b) would it be possible to route me in the "opposite" direction into continental Europe (re. Frankfurt, Germany), and I can do the massive reverse trip in a few days' time? This had the immediate benefit of getting this passenger "out of their hair" for the time being, and move "my problem" for a later date. The agent spoke to their supervisor, and within about 15 minutes, I was booked LHR-FRA that day, and my return (FRA-LHR) LHR-DFW, DFW-SCL, SCL-LSC was set in 3 days' time. If memory serves, I did ask and I might have in fact received an upgrade to business-class on one of the two international legs on return. I did have 1 piece of checked luggage, but in this case, it was not a big deal. Meanwhile, because I used to live in Germany, I decided to go "home" to Heidelberg and hang out with friends for a couple of days; Frankfurt to Heidelberg is a relatively easy journey on the train.

I always purchase the Al Mahal Services on Qatar Air especially since my surgeries. I never thought about getting upgrades on my seats or class and might give it a try next time I go to the Philippines. Qatar Air biz class and Premium Economy are some of the best in theworld and I'd be delighted to experience them.

Those are excellent tips! Even if you don't get an upgrade by doing some research you can make an economy seat a better experience. I flew long haul with United recently on a 787-8 and was worried that they might use their new WILMA boarding system. As I'd booked an aisle seat right down the back, I thought I might miss out on getting space in an overhead lockers. So I bought a tiny tiny backpack that would be easy to put under the seat in front. And checked a free bag. As it turned out United did not use the WILMA boarding system but I was super glad that I'd bought the tiny backpack - there was virtually no space left in the over head bins when I boarded. Popped the little backpack under the seat & had a great flight.😀

I fly business now for any flight over 4 hrs. Under that I do whatever may be "fancy economy"😂 the other day I was flying Delta with 2 pieces of checked luggage. By the time you add in my luggage fees I was $30 away for business upgrade which the bags would then be free. So I did that.

One important thing I would suggest people figure out is how much points are worth in equivalent cash. So for example, with Southwest, it may be (and this depends on how the points were accrued) it may be that one point is equal to say 1 or 2 cents. If you can figure out the average of what one point gets you for your ariline of choice you can make informed decisions as to whether some deals are worth it or not (such as upgrades with points). There may be times (I found at least once or twice) where using points to pay for an upgrade didn't really pay out in the end as it cost more points than it would have, dollars, for a particular upgrade, like moving from Economy to a premium economy class (larger seat, and power port for example) on some airlines. The highest class I've flown is business. On one trip, itwas from Chicago to Switzerland so that paid out nice. It actually worked out in my favor and I actually did not have to pay for the upgrade. An error in the ticketing process from the airline caused me to get a free upgrade (after a stressful boarding process that is). But this was a seat that would have cost me about $1,000 more at the time (I think my economy ticket was $600 round trip). Of course the upgrade was only for one way, so I had to fly economy on the way back, but for a 7 hour flight, business was great. I will generally fly economy, unless it is a longer (possibly "red-eye") flight and someone else is paying. Taking a later flight is a little hack I've used here and there. For example, if I'm returning from a trip (business trip) an dI have a travel day (basically a whole day assigned for traveling) I'll usually fly out early in the morning. This has paid off because I have opted to take a later flight when these opportunities arise and collect some flight vouchers which I generally will then use for personal travel like vacations, and since I have a full travel day where I don't have to report for work because I'm traveling, this allows me that flexibility. Worse case is that I just get home in the morning sometime (late morning usually if it's a 6am flight for example) and I don't get offered any vouchers for taking a later flight. But so far, it has paid for some trips in some cases (although I haven't gotten that much in the way of vouchers over time, maybe enough for 4 or 6 free flights so far). But for the last part, the malfunctioning entertainment system, had this happen on the flight back from Switzerland, and they offered a 50% credit (so it would have been about $300 if I remember correctly as the free upgrade didn't count towards this calculation) in travel credit, which would have paid for half of another flight to Switzerland around the same time of year, but i never took advantage of this and the voucher expired something like 12 months after issue (they had to do this for all passengers as the entertainment system failed on the plane in general, so nobody could use it; but this is a good reason to bring your own tablet with movies or music or a book to read).

United has a system where you can pay points plus some cash for a business class upgrade, even from a discounted economy ticket. The trouble is, the upgrade isn't guaranteed and they keep your points and cash even if you don't get the upgrade. I've done this several times flying from US to Australia (the upgrade is SO worth it for that long trans-Pacific flight) and it used to be that I'd get notified of the upgrade several days before the flight. But the last flight I did in 2019 we only got the upgrade one way and not for the return. It was pretty annoying, since I was out a bunch of points and $500. Oh, I got the upgrade to business for the domestic leg of that trip (which was how they justified keeping my points and cash), but it was the MEL to LAX leg that I really cared about. It had been a long time since we'd had to do that long leg in economy and it was rough, especially since we aren't getting any younger.

thanks

I have flown in First Class on Singapore Airlines long distance. It was amazing.

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

What a great airline to start with so I can only imagine the comfort of first class! Happy travels!

@barryfletcher7136

Ай бұрын

@@PortableProfessional It was not my only time in First Class (before or since) but it was by far the best. Instead of lie-flat seats, the upper deck of the 747 had actual beds you could use after dinner/whenever in the main FC cabin. .

Great information, as always! I would add that using an airline-branded credit card w/a frequent flyer program is also helpful-it can speed up the process to Medallion status as well as add perks.

Ok ! I’m contemplating on a long trip to Portugal from Florida which airlines should be more accommodating? Thanks

We started flying first class especially when travelling to Hawai'i. The lay down bed seating on Hawaiian airlines and the service is fantastic. I agree that Air Canada is nothing special. Not a fan of them but for me to go back to see family they are my only option for most of the year.

I've flown First between two UAE states. No sooner was champagne given than it was ..... cleared away for landing. Darn it! Very helpful video, which I'll watch again.

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video but too bad you couldn't enjoy the champagne!

I’m flying Porter Toronto to Vancouver (round trip) in June. Heard good things about them , and thought I’d give them a try. While I am signed up for loyalty programs with a couple airlines, I’m only able to travel once a year or once every couple years, so it’s not like I’m raking in the points. 🤷‍♀️ I’ve only been upgraded once, to business. It was a flight with my parents back in the late ‘70s or early ‘80s. I’m also not willing to take a later flight going to the destination of my holiday. On the way home, that’s a different story, but I deliberately booked the early flight to make the most of my time at my destination on the travel day so as to not lose a day of my holiday. Not giving that up. On the way home, I don’t care. Lol!

I used 15k miles to book a one way economy ticket from SFO to HNL on United. Every day I would check out on the app how much it would cost to upgrade to first class and most times it would be over a thousand dollars. However getting closer to the flight, I saw the price drop to 399 but it was a middle first class seat. I purchased it and then on the day of the flight, they switched the type of plane and now I’m sitting by the window on a Polaris flight without having to pay extra. Score!!!

I learned so much from this video. Thank you 😊

@PortableProfessional

10 күн бұрын

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!

@dname1802

10 күн бұрын

@@PortableProfessional Thank you 😊

I would love to fly first or business class. Sadly, I'm a poor peasant LOL I'm just happy to get an aisle seat when I do long haul flights.

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

Aisle seat is my preference as well! Happy travels!

@judithstrachan9399

Ай бұрын

I’m travelling with my daughter next month, 2-hour flight, & have booked the aisle & window seats. If the middle one goes, one of us may swap. We’ll see.

Thanks Megan for the tips. I’m on my second of at least 3 consecutive round trips from the west coast to Bangkok on Philippines Airlines, starting next Monday with a flight from KC to the west coast, a 4 hour layover, then a flight to Manila, a 4 hour layover, and a flight to Bangkok. Then, a 10 hour layover and a taxi ride from the airport to the train station and a 13 hour ride to Chiang Mai; my final destination where I’ll be at for 29 days. I fly PAL because I can buy round trip tickets for $600. I can use points on Southwest Airlines to get from my hometown to the west coast, and my train ticket costs $23. I have 2 checked bags at nearly 23 kilos, a carryon at 7 kilos and a small backpack of varying weight. I wear a hoodie, so I can stuff 1=2 lithium batteries in each pocket. I give myself plenty of time between legs of flights because PAL is notorious for being late and occasionally for cancelling flights. I’m taking the train because of the baggage that I have. The one thing that I promise not to do while waiting for my PAL flight on the west coast is not to offer to watch someone’s bags on a seat next to mine. Not because I’m afraid of being arrested over it. I just don’t care to spend hours replying to people here that feel like I’m taking a big chance in watching someone’s belongings. I said all that I care to say about the subject on another of Megan’s videos. Besides, I’ll be in CM seeing how many days in a tow I can eat Khao Soi.

I've been upgraded from business class to first class between Vienna and Tokyo a couple of times. The folks I was working for booked us in business class for any trip over a certain length, and I got really spoiled.

Thanks for the tips. And Ollie is ADORABLE! 🥰

@PortableProfessional

11 күн бұрын

Thank you!! 😊. Glad you enjoyed watching!

Have to try the bidding process but seems like all my flights over the years are full so choice is very limited if at all available.

Wow really great tips, thank you so much, really great to know ❤🥰💓

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed watching!

@judithstrachan9399

Ай бұрын

I agree. As an Aussie who can’t afford o/s, frequent or longer flights, most of this was irrelevant, although great tips. A couple, though, like later flights, might be handy for my first-time-for-years flight next month.

I got upgraded on BA from LHR to JFK once to business class, it was nice but I'd have preferred it on the JFK to LHR leg so I could sleep. I simply said to a gate agent at checking in on TAP jn LIS that I've never been in first class. She put me in first class from LIS into Terceira in the Azores. It was only a 2 hour flight but nice and pre-9/11. Maybe someday my financial picture will allow me the opportunity to do this on the regular but for now I'll power through in economy but will always ask if I can upgrade for a small amount of $$.

Hi Megan!. I've been your subscriber for a long time. I'd love it if I could take advantage of upgrades as you explain in your video, when available, but think I will never be able to use your tips. Please correct me if I am wrong. 1. I only fly from the US to Southeast Asia and always use my AA miles earned on credit cards with AA partners. Can I still avail myself of upgrades either due to being oversold or just being offered a business or first class upgrade at an additional cost? I have no flyer status since almost all my flights are purchased with miles. As it has never happened since 2017. 2. As I am in Asia usually for 6-8 weeks I always have a checked bag. Anxiously awaiting your tips :-). Thank you. Bob

Actually dressing nice and chocolates do work also compliments and a smile are good ways to upgrade. Not at all cringe.

All of our flights involve domestic travel (USA), and we rarely have any that involve greater than 4 hours on any one plane. I would say that all of our flights are fully booked…..so that doesn’t give any wiggle room for last-minute upgrades. There have been a couple of times when we did 24 hour checkin that they offered us upgrades….but they weren’t free, and I don’t recall if there was a discount for those seats.

I don't see value of business class unless I am flying for work. It makes sense if you travel with a group of coworkers and then all go to lounge, then one less worry about them in a busy airport. Laptop charger ? used to be only in business class, but now economy class has that one too. I used to have two batteries and was swapping them in the middle of long flight.

Nice video. You link didn't work, but I typed it out and found the video. Thanks

@PortableProfessional

22 күн бұрын

Thanks so much for letting me know! I’ll update the links 😊

I recently, flew 1st class to the Azores! It was the first time and I have to say it was really nice!!!

❤ Ollie!!

Dear Portable Professional do you have any ideas for someone who is going to make his 1st International Travel to Israel? Oh, Have you been to Israel? Yep I have traveled the U.S. extensively and to Canada and Mexico for mostly Business in the U.S. and for some travel for pleasure. At 66 years old travel now is for pleasure and I like traveling with Delta Air because they have the best 1st Class and the best/new planes ✈️ (if you ask me).

On two flights, one to Hawaii the other to the UK we received an upgrade from economy to the upper deck on a 747. One flight we were sent back to check a bag and upon return, we were ushered upstairs. Who's going to argue with that?

I flew first class from Vancouver to Las Vegas years ago. I was asking a question at the gate. They gave me the info and then asked if I'd like to upgrade to first class for $40. I was like umm of course yes lol. Then another guy also upgraded. He didn't tell his friends though. As they boarded and walked past him they were all calling him a bastard haha.

Yay Porter!

Curious…is a ”long flight” literally from departure thru any layover to destination? Or literally from one point to next? I do see with one that a long flight is considered over 250. Still, same question. Full mileage? Or the different broken up? Thx for sharing

I am soooo hoping I get upgraded into business class when I go to Japan this year. I have premi economy seats so it's possible!

Love your Portable Professional KZread Channel. My carry-on suitcase just broke and I have an upcoming flight next month. Do you have a carry-on bag brand that you would recommend?

@madchatteress

Ай бұрын

She had recommended Level8 in a previous video.

@jadw33

Ай бұрын

@@madchatteress Thx! 🙂

The link for the Best Seats video said it wasn't available any more!

I’ve been in first class on a short flight but long haul premium economy 2 times!!!

Planes are fully loaded these days, seems hard to get a cheap upgrade

Hi I really enjoy your videos. It says that you are Canadian yet it would be nice to see a maple leaf, and we have peanut butter and jam sandwiches, not jelly, jam=Canadian.🇨🇦

Polaris on United. The airline added a direct route to my trans-Atlantic destination and Premium Economy wasn't available. My travel agent convinced them to put me in Polaris.

I got a free 1st class upgrade from Seoul, South Korea to Hawaii. 😊

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

That must have been a nice flight!

I'm so upset by Delta at the moment. I wanted to use miles and dollars for round trip first class Houston to Edinburgh, Scotland. I was told I couldn't combine dollars and miles for first class! One way cost a bit over $7000! One way! I flew home with only one stop (instead of the 2 on Delta) on British Airways in business, which was way better than first class on Delta, for less than half that price. I now have over 169,000 miles with Delta. How can I get a decent first class, Houston to Scotland? Tips? Delta's first class was crowded, no privacy and no pad underneath me for sleeping. The central air was so hot everyone complained. And the flight attendants were talking and laughing all night. I arrived in the morning so tired.

I've gotten some free downgrades, as well as upgrades. 😆 Painful ones at that, since I have long legs. On most European flights, the only real upgrade for me is the emergency aisles. I would not trade that for cramming myself into a regular seat with a nice sandwich and a complimentary drink. I have upgraded to an emergency aisle seat because I could understand the Irish and Scottish dialects of the flight attendants and volunteered to switch seats when the people sitting by the emergency exit didn't. So, I guess some language skills help! 😁

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

Never thought about the language but that certainly would be helpful in an emergency. Great tip for getting an upgrade.

@geirmyrvagnes8718

Ай бұрын

@@PortableProfessional As you know, you need to understand the instructions of the flight crew in an emergency in these seats, at least the passenger expected to open the emergency door. That is what the flight crew is there for. On some quite short flights (about 1 hour) on some airlines they don't even bother with trying to serve or sell you anything, which is sort of a side-hustle for the airline.

I am finding these days since the pandemic airlines are not offering upgrades unless you have medallion points. Lots of points. We always give all check in counter, gate staff and flight crew handwritten notes with $10 Starbucks gift cards. They pour over us with words of appreciation, but never an offer to upgrade us o an empty plane. We do not do it for that reason but that would be appreciated. I did ask a gate attendant about paying for upgrading and she said Delta doesn’t do that.

I flew first-class a couple of times. More comfortable as a very tall plus size lady.

Can you do a video on a travel size carbon monoxide detector?

what about the safely of your hotel room and B AND B

I travelled from New Delhi to Chicago, 16 Hrs. flight. Air India promoted my Seat to Business Class, Complimentery !!!!

@PortableProfessional

7 сағат бұрын

Nice! Happy travels!

With everything being susceptible to technical glitches these days, I'd be afraid that I'd make the bid, not get any notification that I'd won, make the trip in economy, only to find later that I'd been charged anyway.

I think this is weighted too much to American travellers to be useful for folks outside USA. Is this correct?

One time air France offered 900 to trade a seat. Someone in important business don't want to miss that flight. No one traded a seat. Thinking back i regret. I retired and was in vacation. AF even offered meals and free airport lounge and 900 all in pocket. I missed easy money!!!

I booked "comfort" class at i believe it was Air Holland from Amsterdam to the Dominican Republics. They had economy, comfort and first class. But then the the whole company "Air Holland" went bankrupt and Holland Excel took over. Holland excel had only economy and first class. So they gave us 2 first class tickets for the same flight.

The last 3 times I have been on a plane, all classes have been completely occupied, so chance of an upgrade.

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

I have noticed that also. Flights are more often fully booked.

@wncjan

Ай бұрын

@@PortableProfessional I have a suspicion that some airlines cancel planes that are not fully booked

Thank you for your time and posting. IMO, and I don't fly that much. American airline companies do as little as possible, whereas airline companies outside of the US will do much more for you. I want to travel more but cannot stand flying on any US airlines. And I'm 6'2", so that doesn't help. Thank you again.

Delta Airlines upgraded me to first class for free on my last trip to Costa Rica… I’m not sure why but no complaints from me…

I fly Delta. I have never seen upgrade bidding.

This is off topic, but I’m very interested in world accents. Yours is unique. Sounds like a cross between Minnesota and New York, with a tad of British RP thrown in. It’s non rhotic. 😊

@PortableProfessional

Ай бұрын

I seem to have a unique Canadian accent. Might have to do with my mom being English Canadian and my dad being French Canadian.🧐. Thanks for watching!

Bidding? Emails? when I am already at an airport. I'd lose on EVERY offer cos I dont have a cellphone! arg. Plus I am disabled....so I am kinda dreading flying now....first flight for almost 20 yrs.