Who hasn’t looked longingly at the jet set while walking through the first class cabin on the way to the cheap seats? Taking advantage of the extra legroom and free service would be a good result. But if you’re trying to save money get cheaper air ticketsThere’s no point in turning around and shelling out a few hundred extra dollars per person to upgrade the seat, especially if you’re trying to stick to a tighter vacation budget this year.

Our family travels frequently, especially my husband for business. We’ve gotten our share of free seat upgrades on flights and we’re here to offer you some tips on how to get an upgrade on your next flight without hitting your bank account.

Get a seat upgrade on your next flight using these 10 strategies

A little more legroom and early boarding options make business and first class a luxury that most travelers can appreciate. Below are some strategies my family uses to get upgrades without paying full price.

1. Try to book on slower travel days

This is pretty simple math. You can’t get an upgrade to a better seat if there are simply no additional seats available on your flight. Generally, more available seats means more opportunities for advancement.

Reserve your ticket On slower travel days, usually mid-week, it helps avoid full flights. You can also look for flights that leave very early or very late (hello, red eyes) to see if you can get a seat for yourself with extra room to stretch out.

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The exception to this rule is if you end up on an overbooked flight and have flexible travel plans. Airlines typically extend compensation — including free upgrades, miles and other benefits — to travelers who want to take a later flight.

2. Put your name on the update list in advance

If you’ve ever sat and watched gate agents call dozens of people to the podium before a flight, you’ve probably realized that those agents have all the power in the seat upgrade process.

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Flight attendants follow directions from the ground about seat changes, so your best bet is to let the gate agent know before boarding that you’re interested in upgrading.

Typically, there will be a list of travelers who want a seat upgrade and your place on that list will determine whether you get one. That brings us to the next tip.

3. Check in early and often

You know those messages you receive about checking in for your flight the day before your departure? Don’t ignore them.

Register early online or in the app and look at the seating chart to see how much wiggle room you can expect or to join the upgrade list. If your flight is delayed, double-check your seat assignments because a lot can change if travelers miss connecting flights.

For example, one of the positives about being on a recent flight from JFK that was delayed twice is that when we boarded, the field of available seats in first class had opened up to allow for many free upgrades.

4. Take advantage of a frequent flyer program

If you’re loyal to a specific airline and fly frequently, one way to get free seat upgrades is to join their frequent flyer program. These loyalty programs can offer benefits such as free upgrades to first or business class, early boarding, and access to exclusive services. airport lounges and exemption from baggage fees.

“I typically get Platinum status, which means 85% of the time I get an upgrade from base to comfort plus,” says my frequent-flier spouse, who flies exclusively on Delta. “This means earlier boarding, more legroom, extra snacks and free alcohol. This is pretty nice when you travel a lot. And perhaps most importantly, you’re at the front of the plane, so you get off faster.”

5. Earn benefits with an airline or travel credit card

If you don’t fly often enough to earn elite frequent flyer status benefits, consider applying for a trip or a airline credit card to enjoy many of the same benefits.

Have the airline credit card It can be a one-way ticket to top-tier status and that coveted first-class seat. Some top-tier travel credit cards offer similar perks, like priority seating and waived baggage fees, and many let you transfer your rewards to a partner airline.

Some airline and travel credit cards have a annual feeso you’ll want to make sure you earn enough rewards to make the extra money worth it. For example, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard from American Airlines®* allows you to earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 miles after you make your first purchase and pay the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days of card ownership. That’s enough miles to cover several seat upgrades.

6. Politely ask the gate agent for a better seat.

“You’ll never know unless you ask” is a cliché, but don’t underestimate the power of politeness. If you really want to change your seat to something a little more comfortable, ask the gate agent nicely. Make eye contact, be respectful, and use their name if you can.

If you have a specific reason such as health condition or other problem That makes changing your seat assignment a priority, say so. For example, sitting in an exit row when you are not physically capable of performing the required tasks is a fairly common reason for changing seats.

Pro Tip: Airline upgrade policies vary, so you may not be able to get first class. If you’re stuck in an undesirable seat (think the middle seat or right next to the bathroom), it doesn’t hurt to ask to be moved within your section.

7. Get (better) seats with kids

Cramped in the last available middle seat when you have a baby on board? The crew has a vested interest in making sure you and your little one are comfortable, so speak to a gate agent about a better seating arrangement.

On a flight out of Salt Lake City, my preteen daughter and I couldn’t get seats next to each other on a full flight. After checking in with a gate agent before boarding, we were bumped to the top of the upgrade list and ended up sitting next to each other enjoying the extra legroom in Delta’s Comfort Plus section.

8. It’s easier to get an upgrade if you fly alone

One may be the loneliest number, but you’re more likely to get a free seat upgrade when you’re traveling alone.

It’s similar to the phenomenon that occurs when restaurants seat smaller groups first. It’s much easier (and more likely) for the gate agent to be able to mix up a group of one versus a group of three or four.

9. Inform the flight attendant if there is any problem.

Once you get on the plane, you’ve probably overlooked the opportunity to get a seat upgrade, with one exception. If your seat belt is broken, your seat does not recline, or the seatback screen is broken, call the flight attendant before takeoff.

If there’s an extra spot somewhere, the crew can move things around to put you in a more comfortable and fully functional seat. Otherwise, you could be entitled to some form of compensation, such as free food or drink vouchers.

10. Shop for bargains and bid for upgrades

While the goal is a free upgrade, there are also some relatively inexpensive ways to score a better seat on your next flight. Some airlines such as Lufthansa, Aer Lingus and Air Canada will auction premium seats on certain routes.

The cost of your upgrade will depend on the length of the flight. Shorter flights may cost only $100 to $200 to upgrade your seat, while longer hauls, such as those between Los Angeles and New York, can cost upwards of $500 to $600 per person.

Are premium or priority seats worth the price? That is a question that only you can answer.

*All information about the AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.