Understanding Flight Attendant Rules for Seat Upgrades on Flights

Flight attendants often face a common and somewhat bothersome inquiry from passengers: the hopeful request for a seat upgrade. Despite popular beliefs fueled by past airline practices and cultural narratives, the reality is that flight attendants typically lack the authority to grant such requests.

Patricia Green, a seasoned flight attendant and aviation industry commentator, has emphasized that upgrading passengers is not within their purview, especially without an associated cost. In a 2023 statement, Green clarified, “We are not allowed to upgrade passengers unless they are paying for an upgrade onboard the aircraft, which actually is pretty pricey!” This statement sheds light on a significant misconception among travelers who eye vacant premium seats as opportunities for complimentary upgrades.

The shift towards treating better seating options as an additional revenue stream has been notable over the past decade. Airlines now aggressively market upgrades to higher fare classes, such as premium economy, offering more legroom and preferential seating, as a purchasable perk from the moment of ticket booking and at various touchpoints leading up to the flight. This approach reflects a broader industry trend towards monetizing seat selection and upgrades, moving away from the era of complimentary, discretion-based upgrades.

Moreover, the process of upgrading has become a predominantly pre-flight affair, handled at the booking stage or, at the latest, at the gate before boarding. While check-in and gate agents may have the capacity to offer upgrades, these are typically for a fee, underscoring the commercialized nature of seat improvements. Contrary to some passengers’ beliefs, flight attendants, particularly those working for major airlines, are not empowered to authorize seat upgrades during the flight, even if a passenger is willing to pay on the spot.

This clarification from industry insiders like Green is crucial for setting realistic expectations among passengers regarding seat upgrades. It highlights the structured and monetized framework within which airlines operate seat allocations and upgrades, distancing the practice from the more informal, discretionary gestures of the past.