TRYING TO GET A FREE EMIRATES UPGRADE TO DUBAI 

Step #1 of getting a free upgrade : wear a suit - not kidding! And being well-groomed only boosts your chances further. The airline staff doesn't want a full-fare paying business class guest to have to sit next to a backpacker in shorts, flip flops and a hoodie - they would rather that seat goes empty. I got this tip from an actual pilot who always carries a suit with him. when he's flying off duty for personal trips.

I remember i got an free upgrade with Emirates to business class from Dubai to Manila for free, and i didn't even asked for it. It happened unexpectedly when i arrived at the gate and i presented my boarding pass, normally there is a green light at the check in machine when they scan the boarding pass, but at mine that machine gave a red light that day, then the ground staff lady said well i have good news for you, you'll be flying business class today! Never forget that moment, it was awesome!

Jesus Christ - I can't even imagine having this kind of Confidence. I was getting anxious for you haha

This Is Next level Begging 😂😂😂

lol that fake phone call is neat

If you flew with Emirates all the time, you wouldn't of been checking in at the economy desk irrespective of your class of travel. Plus the agent didn't acknowledge you as a frequent flier (it all comes up in the computer with your miles balance & staus) so he probably didn't care. The place to get an upgrade is with the gate agent as they control the flight load. Dressing the part is also part of the criteria for an upgrade. However, I agree that there is no harm in trying lol.

I could have told you - it’s Emirate’s policy not to give free upgrades. An Emirates employee faces being fired if they give a free upgrade.

Usually, asking the question with a polite smile 'do I qualify for a free upgrade please' never really works just on it's own. It's how you are dressed as well as frequent flyer status and whether the flight is over sold in economy class or not. The airline's loyal frequent flyers will be the ones to receive a complimentary upgrade, then it is based on the fare and ticket class paid.

Next time on Simon Wilson: *walks into Lamborghini* Simon: Hey so I bought an Aventador on you website for delivery but I never received it

Worth a try. I once heard a celebrity say that "people don't get what they want, because they don't ask for it."

This is hilarious. As EK crew I already knew before I pressed the play button that there was gonna be NO AND NO contiously😂. We get this every single day and it just keeps getting easier to say 'no, buddy, not today' 😂😂

A video stealing food then hassling people to get a seat that you didn't pay for

A good attempt indeed, and don't take this the wrong way, I did enjoy the video, I'm trying to just shed light on upgrades, I'm sort of happy that airlines say NO to most people, or else no one would ever buy a business or first class ticket. Not only would it make the experience worth less, everyone would just be arguing with the staff saying they are the ones who deserve the free upgrade. If people stop buying business class tickets and all hope for the free update, eventually airlines will stop selling business class tickets and just pack in more economy at a higher price with a few extras added like lounges and more leg room. It goes for almost everything in life to be fair. A bad example is I want the better cut of steak in a restaurant, but I only want to pay for the steak sandwich and want the 50 quid Fillet. Do I keep asking the waiter until he gives in and gives it to me.

You could try and make a friend at the airport who flies 1st class and when you get there ask the person at the desk or in the Airplane if you can fly 1st class aswell because they are...

One time I asked for an upgrade and the gate agents laughed at me

Practically begging them for a free upgrade is completely and utterly the wrong way to do it, also airlines won't tend to just give out random free upgrades anymore, especially not to those without some form of loyalty or frequent flier status....

I tried to get an upgrade in an empty Emirates plane between Dxb and Gva. The stewardess looked at me and told me right in the face that it was to expensive for me and that my seat was good enough

Free upgrades are long gone. You either pay for an upgrade or the system chooses you by status level or credit card.

It's actually terrible how you snuck into the lounge, not only is it rude, it's theft.

2:27 this was such a desperate move There is also a possibility to just pay for lounge access rather than sneaking in like a 10 year old. I feel like this is so disrespectful and unfair for the people that actually paid for this lounge. He does NOT deserve this.

watching this, always makes me realizing that if i had been working smarter rather than harder, i would be in a different level in my life

If only i had the balls you got i would be eating free meals everyday for the rest of my life

I've tried this many times on many occasions on numerous long haul flights. Even with Gold frequent flyer status you're placed on a "wait list" for upgrades but your number does occasionally come up. I did however once see a gentleman come into business class, find a free seat and plop his ass down. Crew ran with it and allowed it. I saw red and the 50k air miles I'd used seemed somewhat redundant. About 10 minutes later 4 crew approached him and requested he move back to his assigned seat.

Rule #1 of getting free upgrade: never ask for a free upgrade

You should've boarded last cuz that's when they check for upgrades

Lounges and business class exist to keep people like u away from first and business regulars

Just to be clear from the start, I have Elite Flyer status within Star Alliance (Gold Card holder) because I fly a lot with my job. Class-wise my flights are roughly a 50-50 split between Business Class and Premium Economy/Economy (it depends who’s paying, our company or our customers!!). Gotta say that I’m 50-50 on this trying to blag an upgrade milarky....I can see the fun (not to mention the challenge) in it, and I also agree with the old adage, ”don’t ask, don’t get”. It’s also a good thing to not be worried about getting a flat ”No” in your face sometimes in life!!😀👍🏻 On the other hand, chancers like this guy show their lack of ’flight hack’ know-how and a lack of basic knowledge about how airlines fill their different classes of seats. Putting the ’Chav’ airlines aside, every airline these days has an algorithm in their Checking-in and Boarding systems which recognises & notes each passenger’s Status and seniority (the number of years that the passenger has held that status) in that airline’s Loyalty Programme. This forms a queue on the flight manifest.....so a passenger that has held a Gold Card for 7 years will go above a passenger that has held a Gold Card for 6 years, etc. In other words, a non-status or low-status passenger has virtually NO chance of an upgrade on the large international carriers. I agree that it CAN happen.....but very, very rarely nowadays. By the way, coming out with stuff like ”I’ve got a lot of work and Emails to do” is NEVER going to cut it!! It’s extremely weak, and you’re gonna have to do a lot, lot better than that when chancing an upgrade!!😂😂😂✈️

I'm glad they didn't give you an upgrade. You seem like someone walking around trying to get freebies all day. The Emirates employees must have flagged you by the time you got to the gate and you don't even know it.

emirates crew are really friendly, i got an upgrade recently without using the mileage or paying anything extra. ☺️

Your a lad there is no question, the way you do all of this so effortlessly is brilliant!

I remember getting randomly upgraded on the A380 with Emirates. I had 10kg over the allowance and they just asked would you like to be Upgraded...

My husband and I once got a free upgrade to first class on Virgin Atlantic, LGW-MCO. To this day I have no idea why. We just got to the gate, our boarding cards beeped weird and they asked if we were on honeymoon or knew any Virgin staff, which we said no to. Then we got told we would be flying first class. Amazing.

I did not like this . Makes everyone who pays looks like a fool! Had this been a brown guy the comments also would have been very vitriolic . Just shows its people who are cheap rather than their nationality.

Highlight of my day when I get a new notification. Keep it up! Really enjoying the daily blog :)

I tried this when i was a new traveller. Works rarely. Now, i am just buying the better seats bcoz i have almost 15 years of flying behind me. Never going back to Economy again unless it's a short flight or it's the Emirates. Premium Economy and above for me now. Next up Business and then the Suite and Residence.

Surely just walking into a private lounge is fraud? Idk

I work at check in and it gets pretty tiring people trying to ask for free upgrades. If the flight is fully booked then it’s picked at random. Business and first class is airlines bread and butter.

Isn't entering a lounge without the proper permission considered a fraud? He used a trick to sneak in kinda illegally right?

Simon Wilson what a lovely and genuine guy!❤

Did u just fake a phone call and sneak into the aspire lounge and picked up a free meal,that part to me was not clear

I flew out of Manchester 1 month ago and saw this video now, I also now realised he was the one who checked me in. Small world.

Cant say you didn't give it a good go! Emirates are notorious for expensive upgrades and no free ones though, so I really will be surprised if you manage it! I have been fortunate enough to fly first with them and had a shower on the plane, definitely a travel highlight for me!

i'm at work today, all by myself.. Extremely busy morning.. but after 12 everything chilled so i decided to watch as much of your videos as i can (your enthusiasm makes me feel good about life and i'm in a rough spot of my life now so this helps a lot)..so, this is the second time i'm watching this video and the first thing i notice in the beginning of the video, you "tired" to get a free upgrade :)) Love your videos mate

Isn’t it ilegal to go in a lounge without permission?

2:15 just to be aware the Aspire lounge is quite expensive think it was around 50 pounds and it can get fully booked from time to time if your flying economy I would highly reccomend the escape lounge it’s pretty decent

try to get into the cockpit next time :P

Good try, at least you got into the premium lounge. My first ever flight on Emirates they gave me a free upgrade to business class. I asked and they gave it straight away. Sometimes I think it depends on who serves you at the counter. You’ll get an upgrade one day on Emirates. Just keep trying.

I worked as a check in agent and trust me check-in agents have no power in upgrading passengers

Normally in one flight, there are so many many diamond, gold, silver members on a flight. It's almost rare for a gold card member to beg for an upgrade in a busy route, notwithstanding an average economy passenger who actually maybe paying a saving fare.......No harm of begging, but have to know where you are in the first place.

Here’s a tip if u want an upgrade then pay for one!!!! What makes u think u should have one for three when first and business pay thousands for one..

When you were in the queue pretending to be on the phone that was my nana 😂

Hey Simon! How do you get good and nice audio quality, is it only cause of your always wearing a headset? Or something u use to. Maybe I should try that wearing headset all the time also, so cool when it comes to men style 😎

You know, those upgrades are like 5-10 times the economy fare so it’s not easy. If you get in, I’d be suprised

you wasted your time. They don't give free upgrades unless you are staff or premium frequent flyer Why didn't you offer to pay something like 300 euro

Is it worth going through all that trouble just to get a ham and cheese sandwich and a cup of coffee?

Many years ago I used to pull all the stops from the old “limp” routine to the well dressed charmer, nowadays luckily I fly BC because I can afford to. Upgrades are prioritised for Gold and Silver members so it’s near impossible to get upgraded.. My best result was a BC upgrade with Qantas from London to Brisbane. I live in Dubai now for the past 12 years so it’s easier to build up the points using Emirates. Keep at it good show...lol.

Gotta give it to you simon, you make me envious of your confidence. How did you get so good at this 😂😂?

I got a free upgrade, I just smiled and the guy in Dubai asked would I like first class to India. I was on a big 6 month trip alone , I was 25 and so chuffed, unlimited drinks free, however had some dodgy scam in a taxi once in India but won’t moan about that x

Why are you traveling so much and what country are you living in

"ive already been in once can i go back in yeah?" Nice try 😂😂

Great video, but what you need to understand about getting upgrades on airlines is that they have frequent flier programs, and if there are empty seats in business or first they'll give to the people in economy who have a high status level in their FF-program.

There is no harm in asking whatsoever but at least have the common courtesy to dress appropriately before even thinking about asking for an upgrade. I frequently fly the MAN to BKK route via Doha with Qatar airways and even with paying for business class out of my own pocket and not through a company I have only just managed to reach Silver status again with the airline which allows me into the lounge regardless of travel class and please don't think I am being fecicious when I say this but I really wouldn't appreciate it if the airline decided to upgrade some chancer as opposed to one of their loyal frequent travelling customers who spend good money on premium class travel and are rewarded with airline tier status. Next time just dress appropriately and and offer to pay and see what happens but my best advice would be to check in online and secure your economy seat the day before flying or at the time of booking if permitted and then be one if not the last people to board the aircraft as airlines often overbook seats and there is a good chance that yours may have already been given away as they think you are a no show so when you get to the gate if there is no room left in economy then they are likely to bump you up.

I have flown first and business class on emirates it's amazing

It never works with greedy airlines companies such Emirates and Qatar airways!! I highly recommend you to try it with other airlines companies, definitely you chances would upgrade!!

Getting a shower on a plane is definitely great! However, I would love to see some gym too.

U get complementary upgrade when there is an overflow/over booking in economy class but there is priority. On top of the list are the frequent flyer members of the airline next are those passengers who paid higher ticket classes(although u booked the same cabin class you paid different price bcs of the ticket class) cheaper tickets means more restrictions like non refundable, no rebooking or when u ask for a more front row seat at check in counter agents can’t give those seats bcs it is blocked/not available for u ticket class.

When I flew to Dubai there were a few empty seats available in first class on Emirates and I was asked if I would like a free move up to First class, but of course I was a woman dressed very nice and they knew I would be on the flight for hours from the U.S to Dubai then onto Peshawar Pak.

This is pathetic. Your persistence is admirable though. Perhaps you would consider putting it into something meaningful. Like helping others than yourself (to free upgrades).

Love the channel mate Watching from Australia 🇦🇺 Good luck on that upgrade 👌🏼

Your actually a legend props to you your living life

Economy is still nice though. I’ve flown with emirates before, their economy is actually really neat.

Did this guy get into Business lounge and stole food.?

If you don't have a massive RU-vid following by the end of 2018 I'll be shocked. All of your videos are consistently great.

Cringe... you got basically stole from the Aspire lounge and then tried to the point of being entitled to get an upgrade. Some people have no class.

I also can’t believe it it happened like I was in us travelling from Orlando to miami and suddenly some people started fighting since they wanted their 3 seats together so it happened that we got 3 different seats in premium economy I was so happy that day

"this is first class, I'd be happy with business" you should he happy with the fare you paid for. This video annoyed me so much. I feel for the lounge that you literally stole from...

God loves a trier. Keep at it Si. You’ll do it.

Why do you say you are going to check in when that part of the airport is after security and after check in

6 years on I hope they offered you a free upgrade for trying so politely.

Simon travel like boss he don't look exhausted at all cheers mate !

Okay listen here folks trying to get into first class. My mum and brother were going to Pakistan to meet some relatives. So they decided to use PIA, Pakistan International. When they did they booked for economy and then when they got into the flight one of the workers said that they could have the first class seats because there were not much passengers. She accepted the offer and she got a really cool window seats and changing lights thing, mini sandwiches, cupcakes on posh trays and little pastries. She said that the food tasted really good and some RU-vidrs really extend the truth when saying airplane food tastes disgusting. Many people do not fly Pakistan International Airlines anymore on first class on London to Karachi by Heathrow Airport (My uncle knows because he works with airplanes and stuff) She said there were about 3 First class seats remaining which nobody had booked, so then 3 people got the seats. Please try get a first class for free from London to Karachi!!

Or u can just accumulate more miles instead, the far u travel the more u accumulate miles. Upgrades either happen when the economy seat is not working well or by luck.

1. Nothing wrong with asking for upgrades. 2. Illegal to use lounge without paying. Would you shop lift or just walk out a restaurant without paying? Not entertaining.

Simon, just keep doing your best and you will figure it out! Practice makes it perfect. I need to start practicing it too instead of suffering flying economy and feel sick after sitting continuously on a long flight.

so you just paid for the room upgrade in the hotel ?

here's a tip: look presentable

Haha love seeing Dubai vids reminds of the time in 2015 when I missed my flight back to the UK and had to chill at terminal 2 for 24hrs then fly to Istanbul wait 4 hrs and fly to stansted you can safely say I have never missed a flight since and only fly direct now 😂💯👊

Bro I love your vids,was up till 7am thus morning watching haha !! Love to meet you one day!

You should find a better way to spend your time. You may think all those people are stupid, when you enter a business lounge pretending they would let you go in, but they're not.

Haha your efforts are unimaginable brother. I hope I had even 50% of the confidence that you possess!

scrounging for upgrades if you can't pay you don't get it

Also, talk in terms of THEIR interest. Just saying "I have got loads of work to do", like nobody cares.

You make it look so easy to get into the lounges etc.

my mans got the biggest balls swear to god

I worked for emirates as a check in agent...they never do free upgrades nor do any other....also.... scrounging for a free upgrade is the worst thing you can do.....we give you the worst seats and treatment possible after this....you also get taken the piss out of forever.

I admire your energy. Works most of the time ey.

My brother once got first class for free from the USA to China because he was a kid flying alone with someone who was helping him check in

Full marks for perseverance!

I used to always try getting an upgrade although sometimes i used to feel so shy to even ask. I was never upgraded no matter what 😂😂. In the end, i just bought business class tickets because it was something i really wanted to experience

You have to be in a suit and be nice to the flight attendant