Clever Ways to Score a Free Seat Upgrade on Your Next Flight

11. Fly During Major Events When Business Travelers Stay Home

While peak travel seasons usually mean packed flights, certain major events can work in your favor when it comes to snagging an upgrade. Business travelers, who typically fill premium seats, tend to stay put during large-scale industry conferences, national holidays, or political summits. For example, flying out of a financial hub like New York or London during a major banking summit means fewer executives booking business class, leaving more empty seats for potential upgrades. Similarly, traveling during major sporting events (like the Super Bowl or the World Cup) can mean fewer premium travelers on certain routes. Keep an eye on global events that impact travel patterns and schedule your flights accordingly. Pro Tip: Even if you aren’t a frequent flyer, using airline social media channels to track “soft travel” periods can help identify when business cabins are likely to be emptier.