I must admit that I’ve only ever flown Business Class a few times via air points. I’ve never just charmed my way into a seat at the front, so I’m informing myself through this piece as well as you. If you’re an upgrade pro, do share your secrets!

Tips below via Forbes.com, MSN.com and my friends.

Do:

• Ask. It’s worth a shot. Ask for each flight you take, but don’t be demanding about it. If they say no, move on.
• Dress nicely. Showing up with a backpack and dressed in rags won’t help you assimilate with the business elite.
• Travel alone. You’ve got a way better chance.
• Be a nice person. Your good nature just may get you a reward.
• Join the airline’s frequent flyer club. Especially if it’s a smaller airline with fewer members. This is the way I’ve done it in the past, but be warned: they only accept upgrades via points on a few flights so it’s not flexible.
• Getting there early or very late can help, apparently, though I would never recommend risking missing your flight.
• Research your plane on Seatguru.com. An essential site for travelers.
• Be flexible. If you don’t mind where you sit, or being bumped to the next flight if the first one is full, you may get a seat in Business.

Don’t

• Have a heart attack or fake an illness to get put up-front. Not worth it.
• Whine. It’s lame and it won’t work.

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