Robert Berg posted to TikTok to reveal how he nabs free business class seats every time he flies. “I’ve never paid for a business class ticket,” Robert boasted while clearly sitting in a business class seat on an aeroplane.
“There’s really no need to be first in line when you board a plane, right?” he began. “You already have your assigned seat… but if you wait until the very end, sometimes, the plane can be overbooked.”
Robert added: “And when economy is overbooked, they have to put you in business class, so try that next time you fly.”
Gathering nearly 500 views on the social media platform, people were quick to add their experiences in the comments.
One commentator said: “I’ve worked in multiple airlines, and on overbooked flights the rule is to put frequent travellers to first class, and then everyone else.”
Robert replied that his experience “with Qatar Airways is that they upgrade the people who boards last”. He added: “Has happened to me three times now.”
Another person who tried the tactic found he was upgraded to premium economy on British Airways.
One disgruntled nay-sayer remarked: “If you have an assigned seat you have a place to sit. If the plain is over booked you will be standing at the check in not getting a ticket.”
Robert hit back and clarified: “I’m talking about the process after checking in. I had my ticket with my assigned seat and I still got upgraded because economy was overbooked and I boarded last.”
Another affirmed she is usually the last one to enter the plane as she doesn’t like to queue unnecessarily, but is still waiting for the day to get a free upgrade.
“I usually am the last one to enter the plane as I don’t like standing up in the queue just to sit inside and wait for the others to board,” the commentator explained. “Hopefully one day I get lucky then.”
With mixed results, it’s important to highlight that Robert said this tip works “sometimes” but he’s been lucky enough to have it work for him on three occasions.
Robert added: “To be clear, they usually overbook economy when there’s still seats left in business because then they can sell more tickets and it doesn’t cost them as much to upgrade someone from economy.”