Does checking in early increase the chance of upgrade?

Should you check-in before upgrading?

Early check-in? A gamble, my friend, a delightful, potentially lucrative gamble. Think of it as a poker game with your hotel room as the prize. Sooner is better, yes. Like snatching the last croissant at a Parisian patisserie—you gotta be quick!

Why early check-in ups your upgrade odds:

• More Inventory: They're less likely to be sold out of sweet upgrades. Think of it like the best seats on a flight—gone before you can say "suite upgrade."
• Negotiating Power: You're holding the cards. Early birds get the worms, and early check-in-ers often get the better room.
• Hotel's Perspective: Imagine a hotel with empty rooms. They'd practically beg you to upgrade! It’s a win-win. They make more money; you get a nicer view.
• Less Stress: Let's be honest, vacation stress is the worst. This minimizes it considerably, trust me. Especially if you’re traveling with my family, ha! (I have two kids – its pure chaos sometimes).

However, discounted upgrades are a rarity. Don't bet the farm on it. They're akin to winning the lottery; a delightful surprise, not a sure thing. But that’s half the fun, no?

Seriously though, try for an upgrade at check-in. You might be pleasantly surprised. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission, right? Except with hotel staff. Be polite. I learned that the hard way once...

Is it better to check in early or late for upgrades?

Okay, so... Upgrades, huh? Listen, I swear, early check-in for upgrades is usually B.S. Happened to me, like, last July. Flying United, San Francisco to Newark, right? I am, or was, Silver.

I thought, "Hey, I'll snag that upgrade." Chose my seat 24 hours out. Nada. Zip. Zilch. They offered it for, get this, $500! Absolutely not.

Fast forward. I stroll up to the gate – looking decent, not like a total slob, you know? - maybe 20 mins before boarding. Asked the agent, super politely, if any upgrades were available.

Boom! First class. No extra charge.

Here is what I think:

• Status helps early on.
• Being nice works wonders later.
• Dress presentably! It matters.
• Gate agents have real power! Remember that.
• Don't be a jerk. Seriously. No one likes that.

I honestly think it's more about how you ask, not when. Sometimes, gate agents just want to help someone who's nice and appreciates it. Plus, maybe they just had empty seats. Luck? Could be. I will take it.

When should I check-in for an upgrade?

I check in early. Really early.

Hoping...hoping it'll matter. Upgrades are a lottery, right?

Maybe the sooner you check in, the better your chances are to snag a discounted upgrade.

It doesn't always work. Still I try. You have to.

• Check in as soon as it opens online (usually 24 hours before my flight).
• Check the app constantly. Like, obsessively. After check in too. Something might change.
• Sometimes, just ask at the check-in desk. Be nice. Being kind works, sometimes.
• Consider airline credit cards. I have the Delta SkyMiles card. Helps with status.
• Loyalty means something. I'm Silver Medallion. Small victories, but still.
• Red-eye flights rarely get upgraded. Fewer people willing to fly at 2 a.m.

My last upgrade was from Premium Select to Delta One on a flight to Amsterdam in March 2023. I remember that. Never thought it would happen. Now I chase that feeling. It's probably stupid. I know that.

Should I ask for an upgrade at check-in or gate?

Check-in's your best bet, darling. Gate agents are stressed, resembling frantic squirrels guarding acorns (their remaining seats). Check-in folks? More relaxed, like a sloth enjoying a mango smoothie.

Higher status? Bingo. Those precious miles earn you more than just a free pretzel; think of it as your upgrade amulet. Seriously, loyalty programs are airlines' subtle way of saying "We like you, and yes, you deserve extra legroom."

Here's the lowdown:

• Check-in: Higher success rate; they're less harried. Think of them as the calm before the gate's chaotic storm.
• Gate: Slim chance. Like winning the lottery with a crumpled dollar bill. Unless you're an airline executive, or perhaps, exceptionally charming (not my strong suit).

My last upgrade? Delta, 2023. Check-in, naturally. Smooth as butter. Unlike my last attempt at making croissants (a culinary disaster involving a fire alarm, let’s just say that).