Looking to fly First Class but discouraged by the high price tag? Travel provider HolidayMe has listed out amazing hacks to help you to upgrade to first class by paying a moderate amount or even without spending a penny.

•  Join frequent flyer schemes – It’s better to join the frequent flyer schemes and air miles’ reward points offered by several airlines. The best chances of getting free upgrades to business class or first class depend on having a loyal relationship with an airline.

• Try counter upgrades – Check-in early and ask nicely for an upgrade. Sometimes, seats are available in upper class and airlines try to offer them at a reduced price to passengers seeking upgrades.

• Use your reward points – Use your existing reward points to get an upgrade to business class or first class. Reward points accumulated during your yearlong air travel can be redeemed to get an upgrade while flying to far-off destinations.

• Don’t opt for upgrades during short-haul flights – Don’t opt for upgrades to business class or first class if your flight is for a short duration. Fly in the economy class and accumulate the points for upgrading while using a long-haul flight later.

•  Avoid ordering special meals – Special meals tend to significantly reduce the chances of your flight upgrades. Special meals are tailor-made and are packed only on order basis. Hence, they are rarely carried for the higher class in flights.

• Pick the right flight for upgrades – Try to pick red-eye flights or early morning flights. These odd-time flights are generally not preferred for travelling. Therefore, chances of getting an upgrade to business class or first class are much higher.

• Be ready to move if asked by cabin crew – If a cabin crew member asks you to relocate to some other seat in order to accommodate family members or other guests, be ready to shift your seats. Chances are very high to get an in-flight upgrade since the cabin crew will prefer to allocate you to the higher class if any seats are available.

• Flying solo maximises the chance of upgrade – Travelling solo has its perks. One of them is the ability to get upgraded to the higher class. Single passengers are preferred for upgrades rather than couples or families. It’s easier to allocate a seat in first class for single passengers.

• Use your connections in airlines – It’s better to contact every available connection working for any airline to check for special offers or employee offers. Airline officials can get you special discounts while upgrading your flight to business class or first class. - TradeArabia News Service