It's just that easy.
Flying economy leaves a lot to be desired, especially when they walk you through first class en route to your seat. However, it is possible to get upgraded to first class from economy without spending your life savings. And as it happens, it's much simpler than you'd think.
According to Rick Brown, author of the book Kiss My Baggage Fees! How To Be A Savvy Travel Hacker, if your economy seat is in some way broken you are entitled to a request a new one. And if the economy class is totally full and there are no more seats available, the cabin crew is entitled to give you a seat in either First Class or Business Class.
''If your seat is broken, you can request a new seat. If one is not available in economy, they have to put you in first.''
''I've been on several packed flights where passengers had broken coach seats and were reassigned to business or first since they were the only seats left.''
However, the manoeuvre is total luck of the draw. And if you don't have a broken seat, or if there are extra seats available in economy - then this doesn't apply to you.
Who knew we'd ever wish for a broken seat on an airplane...
