Travel Tips: How to Travel First Class at Great Rates

The advantage of flying first class can cost travelers thousands of dollars, but savvy passengers can tap into great deals on travel upgrades.

Here are seven tips for traveling first class at a great rate.

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1. Kindness — Kindness can sometimes pave the way to free or cheap upgrades to business or first-class seats on flights, according to Bankrate. To up your chances of getting an upgrade, offer a warm smile to gate agents and flight attendants and dress nicely.

2. Rewards — Frequent-flyer miles can often be traded in for upgrades. Travelers can also earn upgrades by switching to a travel-awards credit card, MarketWatch notes.

3. Flexibility — Offering to be bumped from an overbooked flight may give you leverage in bargaining for a first-class upgrade, MarketWatch said.

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4. Timing — An upgrade is more likely on early morning or off-peak flights, when demand is lower and airline staffers are less pressured, Bankrate said. Airlines may also offer discounted upgrades at the last minute rather than letting those empty first-class seats go to waste. To snag those deals, set an alarm to complete your online check-in as early as possible, ABC News suggests.

5. Keep a lookout — Checking in a second time at the kiosk may reveal last-minute deals on first-class or business-class seats with even steeper discounts. Keep an eye out for desperate-looking gate agents carrying a pad and pencil to negotiate last-minute upgrades with travelers, ABC News said.

6. Speak up — If the airline has inconvenienced you or caused a problem in some way, don't hesitate to ask for an upgrade, Independent Traveler advises.

7. Ask an agent — Travel agents sometimes have access to preferential seating and the ability to add notes to your reservation that will put you in consideration for last-minute upgrades, Independent Traveler said. Including your professional title on your reservation also can work to your advantage, if you are a judge, minister, or doctor.

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