Check-in upgrade: how to get a better seat

How free upgrades actually work

An upgrade without additional costs happens almost always due to operational necessity of the airline, not as a reward for politeness: if economy is in overbooking the airline must move someone, and solo passengers or those with a Gold or Platinum level in the loyalty program are the first candidates. You'll find exactly how passenger selection works in overbooking cases in the dedicated guide.

Paid upgrades: bidding platforms

In recent years several airlines have replaced informal negotiation at the counter with digital systems: ITA Airways, Air France, airBaltic, and Air Transat use platforms like Plusgrade, which send offers via email or allow you to make a bid (bidding) to move up a cabin class at a discounted price. Often this option activates exactly when online check-in opens, so it's worth checking as soon as possible: available spots in business or premium economy run out within hours.

What you can actually do at the counter

Politely asking staff if any operational upgrades are available costs nothing and sometimes works, especially on flights with lighter loads where the airline needs to rebalance weight between cabins. More realistically, if check-in is quiet, you might discover that a seat in an emergency exit row, with extra legroom, is still available: a smaller upgrade, free, and much more likely than jumping to business class.

If your airline uses a system like Plusgrade, mark the exact time of online check-in opening on your calendar: it's often the same moment the discounted upgrade offer arrives, and waiting even just a few hours could mean finding the best seats already taken.