how do airlines decide who to upgrade?

Getting an upgrade can be a little difficult sometimes, but when you do, you get the other additional service, which helps to make your journey more enjoyable and full of comfort. There are various factors due to which the airlines decide who to upgrade; to know the various things, you have to read the following information carefully. The following factors are as follows:

• It depends on loyalty, as the requested fliers with the elite status are often given priority for the upgrades.
• The upgrades are also based on availability, and there is also a hierarchy for the limited seats.
• It also depends on the time of travel; flying during quieter times, like mid-week or off-peak, can increase the chances of an upgrade.
• The booking class also matters, such as first-class or basic economy, and can determine who gets an upgrade.
• It also depends on the time of the check-in, as early bird check-in can help to ensure you get a seat. 
• In addition to all this, you can also ask for an upgrade when you book or even during the boarding, but you will need to pay for it. 

Will the airline upgrade you, if you ask?

The travelers or the passengers rarely are given a chance of a free upgrade for a better seat, but that does not mean you do not get as there are chances to get the upgrade. If you are a frequent flyer with elite status, then it will be easy for you to get an upgrade. Still, the airline could ask you to pay for one, per travel plus the leisure. So it also depends on the airline with which you are going to travel. 

Do airlines ever upgrade you for free?

On most of the flights, the passengers who get the upgrades are either the ones who pay for the upgrade in advance or are the frequent fliers with the elite status who receive the complimentary upgrades as part of the perks that they get being the elite status members. But there are exceptions, yes, very few exceptions so that you can ask the airline, and if there will be enough available seats, then maybe the airline could get you an upgrade for free, or they may ask you to pay the charges for the same. 

How do you politely ask for a flight upgrade?

Visit the airport and then reach the check-in counter; here, you can ask the agent to be polite and respectful and remember that upgrades are never guaranteed. Along with all this, you will also have to dress well and ask if there are any seats available for the upgrade and if the prices are reasonable. The agency will provide you with the same if there are enough available seats. You will have to pay the fees if asked for the same. 

Conclusion:

This was all the information you were looking for regarding how to get the upgrade, and how the airline decides who to upgrade. Hope, now you know all the required information and can get the required upgrade without facing any issues or problem.