Most travelers believe that scoring a free flight upgrade is a thing of luck. But it doesn’t have to be. There are a lot of things you can do yourself to increase your chances and score a free upgrade on your next flight. These tips will help you.

Ask for an Upgrade

If you want an upgrade, you will need to ask for it in a polite way. You can do that at a check-in desk prior to your flight. You can also check with flight attendants, but this tactic rarely works if you don’t have a pretty good reason.

Join a Frequent-Flyer Program

Airlines will often prioritize upgrading passengers who are members of their frequent-flyer program. If you fly often with the same airline, join their program, and the odds of you getting upgraded will be a lot higher.

Fly on “Quiet” Days

If you have the possibility, choose traditionally “quiet” days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Flights on these days are usually not fully booked, and there is a greater possibility of free seats in the business class.

Dress Nicely

The way you are dressed actually plays an important role in getting upgraded. The more formal you look, the better chances are that you will receive an upgrade. On the other hand, being in your coziest clothes will almost certainly work against you.