8 tips for upgrading your next flight

8 tips for upgrading your next flight

Your fear of flying didn't stop you from booking a ticket. Good for you! Now that you've almost got one foot on the plane, why not try upgrading? We don't always know, but there are various tricks you can use to be upgraded and take advantage of your flight to discover business class...!

Be loyal to an airline

It's not necessarily easy to be loyal to an airline when you're afraid of flying. That said, airline loyalty programmes often offer benefits to regular passengers.

It would be a shame to be curled up in a comfortable seat and have to deal with your fear of flying at the same time! So start by taking a desensitisation course. Then choose an airline and sign up to its frequent flyer programme. If the airline notices that you're loyal to them, you increase your chances of being upgraded on your next flight.

Opt for less demanding flight times

**Fear of flying **doesn't just paralyse you when it comes to buckling up. Finding yourself in a crowded airport isn't really your thing either.

So while peak-time flights are generally fully booked, we recommend mid-week flights. And especially those scheduled for early morning or late evening. Airlines are sometimes more inclined to upgrade passengers on these flights, when there are seats available.

Share your special celebrations

Perhaps you've overcome your fear of flying for a honeymoon, anniversary or other celebration. When you have one of these events, don't hesitate to inform the airline. In fact, some companies have a policy of offering passengers a little extra attention on special occasions.

Imagine doing your relaxation and positive visualisation exercises in a comfortable business class seat... You have to admit that despite your fear of flying, the experience is still tempting...!

Ask politely at the recording

Sometimes the simplest way is the best! When you check in, politely ask if you can be upgraded. Remain courteous and discreet. If there are seats available, this may increase your chances of being upgraded.

If your anxiety about flying resurfaces when you are in business class, rest assured that the flight staff will be sympathetic and will do everything they can to reassure you.

Point out real problems

When you overcome your fear of flying to go to the other side of the world, you'd like the flight to go as smoothly as possible. But sometimes you may have a problem with your seat, or suffer from a nuisance near your seat.

If this happens to you, report it discreetly to the staff. Sometimes the best solution is for them to upgrade you rather than deal with problems during the flight.

Just a reminder: even if you have a problem with your seat or anything else, you should know that everything possible is being done to ensure optimum safety on board the aircraft. If you notice any defects, you can allay your fear of flying by remembering that the aircraft has been overhauled several times.

Be very early, or very late

This may be a trick that's a bit difficult for people who are afraid of flying to try out. We're about to advise you... to arrive late! So it's true, it's double or nothing. But it can increase your chances of being upgraded.

If you arrive early, the flight staff will be able to tell you whether the aircraft is full or not. If you ask politely, as we suggested above, you may be offered a seat in business class.

If you arrive late, and you haven't bought any tickets either, the airline staff may be able to get you a business class ticket. If you want to try out this method, make sure you don't miss check-in!

Don't order a special menu

Ordering a vegetarian, halal or gluten-free meal reduces your chances of being upgraded. So-called special menus can rarely be upgraded. And as you may have guessed, flight attendants are unlikely to offer an economy class meal in business class...

How can you say goodbye to your fear of flying?

All these methods may allow you to be upgraded on your next flight. But they won't get you over your fear of flying. That's why we suggest you take a desensitisation course before you go business class. You'll enjoy your flight more serenely and travel with peace of mind.

Desensitisation courses enable you to understand the origin of your fears and thus control them more easily. You will talk to psychologists and members of the flight crew. You also have the opportunity to climb aboard a simulator and put into practice the knowledge you have acquired during the course.

Thanks to a skilful combination of theory and practice, you will gradually master your fear of flying.

For those who wish, it is also possible to fly with an "accompanying person". This technique can be an effective way of taking the plane without stress, gaining self-confidence and making your air travel more enjoyable.

Fear of flying training