Analysis: How Flight Upgrades Have Evolved Over The Years

In a bygone era, passengers would wear dress well, be on their best behavior, and be courteous to the agent at the check-in counter in hopes of an upgrade. If lucky, youd get bumped up to business/first class if the seats werent full. There were many ways passengers would try to game the system to get a free upgrade, and while none of them were guaranteed, these methods worked.