Travel experts reveal the secret to getting free first class upgrade with airlines

We've all heard of those lucky people who turn up at the airport and check in, only to be told they've been upgraded to business class, or even first class, for free.

While it might seem like something out of a film or sit-com, it does actually happen, and although there's definitely a fair amount of luck involved, there are certain things you can do to try and boost your chances.

For those of us who have never experienced the luxury of turning left when stepping on a plane, it's worth knowing what's actually involved when it comes to upgrading to business or first, though it does depend on a couple of factors.

If you're travelling business class on a long-haul flight, which is generally considered to be anything over six hours, you'll be treated to lie-flat seats, upgraded dining options, priority boarding, lounge access, more luggage allowance, and even amenity kits, which contain toiletries and other essentials.

There are things you can do to improve your chances of being upgraded (Getty Stock Images)

Meanwhile, if you're travelling first class on a long-haul flight, you'll experience the height of luxury with enclosed suites, à la carte fine dining, first class lounge access, designer amenity kits, and most importantly, personalised service. This could mean having your glass topped up at all times, without needing to be asked, or having your sleepwear laid out for you.

So, now we know what it is, how do we get our hands on it? Here are a number of things you can do, according to the airline experts over at Skyscanner.

Check in extremely early

Turning up extra early could work in your favour (Getty Stock Images)

While there's no guarantees, some travellers have reported being upgraded for free simply by turning up at the airport and checking in before anyone else arrives, including a product manager working at Skyscanner.

"My wife and I were flying to the Dominican Republic. We got to Glasgow Airport far too early, but at least there was no queue" he said.

"The check-in person told us that they had two spare seats in first class, and since we were the first to arrive, we could have them for free. So we happily accepted."

Show loyalty to your airline

One of the best things you can do is sign up to any loyalty programmes being offered by any of the airlines you fly with. Even if you mix up the various different airlines you fly with, it makes sense to let any potential points or rewards build up slowly over time.

"Even at the lowest level, you’re more likely to be rewarded than passengers without a loyalty card," a Skyscanner employee said. "So seriously, sign up for each airline you fly with and just watch those little loyalty rewards add up."

Being kind can go a long way. (Getty Stock Images)

Be nice to everyone

They say nice guys finish last, but that's simply not true. Being kind and polite to people can go a long way and will be counted when airline staff have freebies to give away.

One Skyscanner worker told how an act of kindness got her upgraded to business class while flying from the UK to the US several years ago.

"Flying to the US a few years ago, I boarded the plane late, as usual, and there was an older chap sitting down in my seat. The stewardess who I’d chatted to on the way in was nearby and heard the guy saying he just wanted to sit next to his wife," she said.

"I told her I didn’t mind sitting in his seat - it was the row behind, I think - and off she went, only to return five minutes later. She asked me to follow her… all the way up to business class.”