Airlines are in the habit of overselling seats on flights in order to ensure the flight goes out full. A complex set of mathematics works all of this out yet sometimes more people than expected arrive to fly.

When this happens some people might be given an upgrade to a higher class of travel. Many articles have been written over the years about increasing your chances but it comes down to luck in most cases.

My Memorable Upgrade

Over the years I have amassed well over 1,000 hours in the air and I have been upgraded a grand total of one time. My flight was from Dublin to Budapest, the first leg of a mammoth trip to Australia. My route of DUB-BUD-AMM-BKK-SYD on oneworld carriers Malev, Royal Jordanian and Qantas is not for the faint hearted! By the way, Malev was the airline of Hungary until they went bankrupt.


While waiting for my flight at Dublin Airport I heard my name called over the PA and I presented myself to the desk to collect my new boarding pass. The first sector of my long trip was the only one booked in Economy Class, so the upgrade was very welcome.

Excellent Service

Eastern European airlines are not the first ones that spring to mind when you think excellent service. My experience on board Malev turned that assumption on its head. A lady in business class was cold so the Purser got her a blanket. The Purser then went to each passenger to ask if they also wanted a blanket. Brilliant!


After breakfast I fell asleep, something I never do on flights. When I woke from my doze, I found a pillow had been placed gently on my lap while I slept for use when I woke up. How nice is that! The Purser was so good that I asked if I could take her picture as we waited to deplane after the flight.

Overall Thoughts

An unexpected upgrade is a great thing. Despite being a high level frequent flyer, I have never received another upgrade. Perhaps it’s my face or maybe I just fly on the wrong routes but I certainly look forward to it happening again. The fact my flight had an amazing Purser just enhanced the whole experience for me.

Have you had an unexpected upgrade? Perhaps it happens to you regularly? Maybe you’re like me and have never had an upgrade… either way, pop me a message in the comments below and tell me about it. I’d love to hear about it! Thanks for reading!

Like planes? See my “Does anyone remember” series.
Flight reviews your thing? Mine are all indexed here.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Featured image by Wilco737 via Flickr.