Sam Chui Travel Hacks 2 - How to get an UPGRADE?

[@SamChui]

Hi guys, next week I will fly Malaysia Airlines A350 from London to Kuala Lumpur, so I will be sharing you my experience onboard the MH A350!

[@rayaanasim8129]

Sam Chui sara waqt ghum ta rehta hai

[@rayaanasim8129]

Urdu or punjabi bola karo

[@rayaanasim8129]

Sam Chui just for fun i wrote that comments's

[@nauhanahmedshiyam162]

What class?

[@rayaanasim8129]

Sam chui i love your videos

[@gregslade6054]

Last summer I got the luckiest upgrade ever! I was flying from London to Hong Kong booked in economy with my other 4 family members. We got to the gate and they said due to over sales we’d ALL been upgraded to business. So I spend 10 days in Asia and then have to fly back from Singapore, and the same thing happens again! Utter madness from BA but I loved it!

[@NintendoFanboy21]

did went on ba because I love them

[@ShahanazShafi]

The same thing happened to me once, on Emirates. My family of 4 including me, were upgraded to business class to and from but on different flights to the same destination to accommodate us.

[@Talal_D47]

Lucky bastard

[@TheKulasFamily]

Greg Slade hi how did you do the upgrade with BA did you ask them or they just did it?

[@GnawNehc]

Skip to 4:58 Thank me later

[@julietaorourke]

life saver

[@ShaeBilanAviation]

Thanks

[@ziono5928]

Beautiful

[@chaloevibes4355]

Chen W oh thank you

[@gilbert9394]

Thanks for what?

[@jeruelleapigo3642]

Great Video Sam! I found a flight from Saudi to Philippines for SR2,000- SR6,000, and that is $533-$1600 in Business Class Sam, yes in Business Class. 2 Adults and 1 child. Please give this heart.

[@ahojhonzo5674]

My friend was flying with Emirates on Business. He asked at check in how much would be upgrade to First. They told him $2500. Then he asked just before boarding started at the gate, suddenly they offered him upgrade just for $500.

[@weerakornongsakul2942]

Really. Does it always work?

[@matzvlog4364]

I was upgraded twice on my Emirates flight, first was from Hongkong to Dubai and the other was from Dubai to Beijing. It was such an amazing experience

[@rinobomocaig]

Nice video, as usual. Just one more detail to consider when to upgrade using cash. Usually you can ONLY get the upgrade in seat (eg. Emirates) without all other benefits (lunge access, for example but mostly miles earned). So, when I use this upgrading way, I also consider the value of these things. So, the price I pay for the upgrade should be not only lower than the price difference, but lower than price difference+lounge access price+value of delta of miles between business and economy (usually we talk about 100-150 $ of value).

[@lowpross11]

I won Premium seating auction on Norwegian Air from Stockholm to LAX for $205 plus my original fare of $479USD. I think all airlines should offer auction. Totally worth it!

[@AnilGupta-dr4vr]

Great video Sam! From my experience, Emirates does offer a business class upgrade to all passengers in economy class 3 days before the flight (when applicable). It was $600 to move from Economy to Business, which was a great deal for a 10 hour flight on the 777-300 ER!

[@Gwailo54]

I got an upgrade business to first from Changi to Zurich in 2016. At check in I asked. I was told it was X miles. I replied that's the full fare not the upgrade. The check in assistant, who seemed new, went to the supervisor to check, and when she returned I was told I would find out in the lounge if I could upgrade. All done very politely on both sides. Once in the lounge, I was given a free upgrade. My advice? Know your upgrade awards chart for the flight, always be very polite, and also have the bare faced cheek to ask for an upgrade. It's the first time I tried it. I haven't tried since!

[@derekow5638]

Formerly, when I was an inexperienced flyer, I didn’t really care about how much value miles hold until now. Back then, I only cared about collecting them for upgrades or redemptions. This video just validated the fact that miles are just like our own wallet currencies. U can’t make mistakes if u don’t wanna make your wallet lighter. Thanks Sam!

[@andresil8330]

Godly Giorgio what would be a better way to use the miles?

[@arnebrauer]

Just a short Information. I already booked the cash-upgrade at Thai airways. The upgrade-fee from Economy to Business depends on the class, you booked your economy ticket. I bought the cheapest ticket and i had to pay around 200,00 € more for the upgrade, then with another economy ticket.

[@koreandevil604]

sometimes you just get lucky with upgrades. I once had a carry on that the check in lady had me weigh and it was a bit over. She suggested I check it in and i didn't want to . Then she told me to put some stuff in my larger suit case that I was checking in....after 2 seconds of thought I figured it was too much work and she smiled and agreed. I was later waiting to board my flight and heard my name called and I thought i was getting picked to stay behind due to over booked flight or something. But, to my surprise it was the same girls and she upgraded me to business from economy. The economy area was not over booked or anything.....I just got lucky in the situation.

[@nickbanhidy7262]

Sam you're a wiz !. You know the game better than the airlines. How can us mere mortals ever gain your level of expertise?.

[@sarinfserg4965]

There is just one word to describe your vlog.... EPIC , Very informative indeed, thank you Mr Chui

[@davidcorbett8125]

Ok A few things need to be said re upgrades.. on the airline I worked for, ask or demand an upgrade and it was virtually certain you would remain in the cabin you paid for. Most European airlines work the same way. Airlines are fully aware of the ways people try to manipulate an upgrade ie by watching the sales on flights BUT there are always no shows on flights so it's a far from foolproof way of using your loyalty status to earn an upgrade. One other thing, if you have ordered a special meal ie diabetic, veggie etc then your chance of an upgrade is virtually nil as it means the airline have to re cater a special meal at the last minute, not something they like doing

[@rummon]

WOW!...Definitely I will try this to get an upgrade. Thank you for this information. Sam, you are awesome.

[@bosteador]

Rummon are you a bot?? Lol

[@thethirdman225]

Another great video Sam! Keep them coming because I'm learning a lot watching you. Thanks heaps.

[@liayesung5721]

I surprisingly got upgraded once by Etihad Airways! Out of the blue my connecting flight to BKK was upgraded because my monitor wasn't working for the first flight to Abu Dhabi. Probably because I flew very often with them, but still, such a nice move. Very attentive service, and it also suggests customer trust in an airline.

[@jonathannewman5523]

Thank you for sorting out your microphone! Much easier to hear you now. Keep up the great videos!

[@4xhilo381]

Sam ever since I have been watching you I have found the best deals on flights for my family thank you so much bro I appreciate it 👌🏻👍🏻😀 I have always flown a lot but I fly heaps more thanks to your way of finding deals bruh you the best 👍🏻👌🏻

[@abhcy]

Don't pretend to be sick, that can get you deported off the plane according to my book.

[@dcapurso]

Hello Sam ; my name is Domenico Capurso am a Italian but live in USA for 51 years and i am hooked watching your aviation traveling and i just subscribed to your channel would love to have more input how to travel in the future thank you so much i live in Florida near Fort Lauderdale and watch you at all the time thank you Domenico

[@아-p7g5e]

Actually if there's lots of options to get an upgrade, i think that you guys must be VERY lucky you know its a thing that they gives you money for free

[@izakkertznus4005]

So useful! Thank you so much Sam!

[@chintanmaniar2887]

Hi Sam..Its always a great pleasure to hear from you and have a look at the videos. There is one fare search if you can help with. This is a typical request for helping get cheaper fares from BOM to YYZ. Help will be much appreciated.

[@evacheng5684]

excellent info, Sam!

[@hipoff]

Sam just discovered your videos. Love them. Look forward to catching up and watching more.

[@desertsailorii]

Thank you for the ITA Matrix. Works very well.

[@blakewillshowyou]

Great video! Excellent Information!

[@mundotaku_org]

I got to upgrade from Mexico City to Narita (Tokyo) on Business class for $750 USD. The ticket From Miami to Mexico City to Narita cost me $1,000 bucks. Aeromexico business class was excellent.

[@lordcolby5010]

That Expert website doesn't show what the minus factor is in economy, in other words it could be oversold by 1 or as many as 75. The trick is to know how oversold a flight is. Airlines will way over sell on some routes, ie: LHR-JFK as the no show factor is huge, sometimes as many as 75 per flight but they won't try to oversell on a trip to Miami as it's mainly holidymakers who are definately going to make their trip. There are lots of factors to take into consideration such as time of flight, whether it's the airline's hub or a connecting flight etc. Good luck to anyone who plays the games & gets results

[@teetwilight]

Thank you Sam this is really useful!!

[@ybmb1121]

I remember last year I was looking to book a flight from Muscat Oman to Boston or NYC business class prices with BA was $2100 and with Egypt Air for $1600, crazy.

[@asbusinos]

Great tips as always, thanks Sam.

[@nishant7sharma]

What a great vlog sam #samchuiforever

[@danb.9713]

Excellent video -- very useful and practical. Thank you!!

[@Jd10401]

Your travel hacks are great. I will have to review your video to understand fully.

[@NathanielVillapando]

Thanks again, My parents needs this again. :D

[@ahsanhabibhasan1678]

Nathaniel Villapando k

[@NathanielVillapando]

Love your videos, and Keep the good the work.

[@vox.vera.vocalcoaching]

Extremely useful content!! 👍

[@caralhoguy]

Thanks for the helpful tips ❤️ 👍

[@StrainXv]

That really doesn't seem like a "How to" but more like this is how they pick upgrades and how to look at fully booked flights. The Expert flyer is likely the upgrade from Business to First, I think most people are looking for how to get out of Economy.

[@shaunpierce4174]

" Nice cheap flights"...yeah, maybe for you Sam.

[@l.a.rivasesq.8841]

Awesome content. Thank you!

[@nitziefitzie4982]

Very useful Sam, I had back surgery and I don’t think I can fly economy for long distance flight anymore. It would be nice to know that I have the option to lay flat and stretch my back either in business or first class.

[@wcarp4231]

I'm Gold on American Airlines with a dozen upgrades in my account. That means that Pigs will fly before I get upgraded.

[@almabl]

Great video as usual. Next time share with us your opinion about using electronic tickets/bouchers you get as Top Tier FF for upgrade. What do you think about selling miles? or exchange miles? Do you do that? Keep up the great job!!

[@trojanette8345]

Hello, Sam. I'm watching one of your older videos. Great information as always. 2:50 -- Got a question for you. You didn't finish your thought, here. If, in the case of your example you could have paid (higher cost of ) 2,500€, how much DID YOU save by, using "ita Matrix"? Do you remember your savings amount back then? Also, thanks for the tip of NOT using your miles to upgrade. I've been a rewards member of a particular airline for almost 27 yrs, now. I try and tell my friends that all the time. Granted when airlines first started their frequent flyer programs there used to be a time when this strategy was advantageous. However, nowadays with airlines tightening the belt and their own corporate budget digging, in to your own mileage bucket does you no good. As always, thanks for sharing your information and expertise.

[@dkumar3749]

the world is a family and you are the leader

[@Fluterra]

Excellent overview!!!

[@mfhm8644]

Hi Sam, I liked this video please keep guiding us how to fly cheap on business and first class

[@hujanair2]

Yep... can confirm on an overbooked plane, i got a free upgrade to business by just being a frequent flyer with lufthansa. Normal tier member, nothing special.

[@BrysonCY]

How do you normally pay for your seats? Do you just get discount for member or do you use your own income to pay? Im curious because Casey Neistat (another KZbinr) shared and said he paid for economy seats which is one of the cheapest and get an instant upgrade as a member.

[@JohanMsWorld]

How important is personal contacts when it comes to getting upgrades? Is it helpful to know "the right persons" within an airline? I ask cause I do feel that these sort of contacts are really usefull in the theatre world when it comes to atend those special tickets youd like. Johan.

[@prsr8564]

Hey does United has bid concept for upgrade?? I would love to get upgraded at lesser cost. Thanks😊

[@daveortega8226]

Pr Sr yes there is

[@Manni99]

Great Video. But as far as I know Lufthansa based their A340-300 in Frankfurt and the 340-600 only flys to Munich.

[@anyamaneesmeenk3313]

Thank, This is very helpful And I have a question I will fly with Thai airways next week and my leg is in gyp Is there a chance to get a upgrade ?

[@Therealleofitlife]

I needed this! going to Thailand this May on Cathy Pacific!

[@2008MrsKim]

Just checked this Matrix out and it says it has been discontinued as of Dec 2017...I'm cunfused

[@747Sean]

If you are at least Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club Silver, you have a chance to get free upgrades! and if you are from other one world airline memberships, one world sapphire

[@louisluciano415]

thanks sam i will tray with china airlines on 1-6-18 class premium tobusiness

[@ahsanhabibhasan1678]

SAM No no no I just got First class on Lusfansta Airbus A350 your r the best #EveryonelovsChui

[@apb1441]

very informative, thanks!

[@rickm7923]

Great videos and reviews. Do you have any plans to fly on and review the Global 7500. I would love to see a picture of the shower option in the 7500

[@bec_breen]

Hi Sam, Do you believe that all the travel agents that Momondo searches can be trusted? I know sometimes they add extra tax or fees at the end, when you are at the final step, enter payment details, fine no problem, but would there be any other issues to be aware of?

[@christopherhanges4257]

On one airline I had utter upgrade fail. Honeymoon + email to purser from airline's customer relations team + special request note on system + business ticket does not equal upgrade to first with multiple available seats. Instead I was told "lowest priority" at check in and prior to boarding.

[@drunkensloth8626]

I got upgraded to first class twice by Air Canada during my trips to Florida when I was younger. In my case I think it was due to my physical disability since it was far faster to transfer me into the first row, than wheel the aisle chair to economy. Regardless I wish I was older so I could have fully appreciated the experience, getting a free meal and the exact same treatment as a paying customer for free was quite awesome. The only downside was we were flying back to horrible weather in Toronto after a long stay in Orlando..

[@321aliimran]

Can you please also advice on how to purchase tickets at the price for someone has seen on Matrix ITA?? Love your videos.

[@T1ger8oi]

Any tips for traveling from San Francisco to Hong Kong? Any ways to get an upgrade for cheap?

[@byronalvarez525]

Sam, When will you have a premium membership service that will allow us "flexible" travelers to join in on some of your inaugural and special flights. I'm retired and ex airline and can jump on flights anywhere 24/7

[@elitutucanphillopphen1989]

You can fly from Colombo to Geneva with Ek in first class for 3000$ or Colombo to Sydney with Etihad first class for 2600$ one way!

[@theone4260]

One month of working for the average man.

[@Pushkin62]

Thanks for the heads up. How do you get wind of cheap first class and business class routes?

[@MrDedeque]

Hi Sam, can you make a comprehensive review of Garuda Indonesia Business Class from Soekarno Hatta Airport Terminal 3 to any destination. Thank You.

[@robertyuan2593]

Sam, is there any situation or airline process so we can upgrade onboard the aircraft. If so, is the price cheaper?

[@TheE71462]

How can you advise Matrix airfare , it dont compare the same Fligh. Moreother, its necessary to spend 35h flying vs 17h to join hanoi from PARIS or change 3 Times plane or go to STrasbourg , spend the night on the airport for 12h to go atlanta.i cant believe, sorry

[@ambiencenight]

Love this guy

[@kannapiranr.p9607]

Thank you Sam chui

[@berrydingle8170]

Log out from your Wordpress Sam. Everyone can see your username :)

[@jimbroganjamesebrogansr169]

hi Sam, i traveled from bkk too lsx buss. ckass 2800 round trip

[@tskhan3173]

Sam please make video of Kenya airways to Zambia

[@mazelisgroup]

Tried many searches on matrix and compared them to kiwi. Kiwi.com beat matrix in each and every search by hundreds of dollars and it's easier to book.

[@hemamaliniraghuraman3290]

Why are you so goooooood?

[@SimonCU]

How and where do you bid for an upgrade? Is it from the website or in person?

[@jackkuck7948]

1:11 u can't book there because in Germany are school vacations

[@nikhiliyer9371]

Hi Sam, Nikhil here, can I from Mumbai, India avail such low priced business class /first class tickets?

[@edmundsoh8029]

Dear Sam, I'm flying Lufthansa Airbus A350-900 Premium Economy on 11th August, which happens to be my birthday. Good enough reason to bump me up to first class if I ask for it over the counter?

[@warangel67]

Hi Sam, if we bet on an upgrade, are we refunded if we don’t get it ? Thanks

[@varunchandra1]

So if the economy seats are all filled how can we book them to try and get an operational upgrade?

[@extr3me225]

Guys this is the easiest way to get into business or first class! Pay for it😂

[@laurel9095]

Give me the money for it and I will

[@rubyvos191]

Cant wait to try these things on my next Flight!!!

[@ikramcader850]

Please do british airways a380

[@dodytom3960]

Hlo brother, could please tell how can we get free launch access..? Or we have pay for launch access. Or its only for regular flying customers?

[@nabilumeri]

But the cabin not something “ummpphh” or wow factor yet..

[@IamMagsB]

YOu're SAM CHUI, that's why you get upgrades.

[@nickieshadowfaxbrooklyn5192]

Ita matrix: New website ? I've been using it for years. Bad thing is they seem to have abandoned to develop it.

[@tanzil88]

hi, mr sam chui, still have the same questions as last video. 1: if i book through momondo or other flight search engine will i still get airlines miles/ club points? as i know, to get club points ( ex : cathay ), you need to book it through its own website only? . 2: is there any free alternative to expertflyer pro ? maybe itasoftware.com can function the same? thanks

[@VitaliyBorovyk]

Hi, what mic do you use, ​please?

[@tochi7254]

Chu, what are the better ways to use my miles, if not for upgrades?

[@alexlee9789]

tochi7254 you can use miles to redeem actual flights. These obviously require quite a lot of miles. Also, on some peak season flights, airlines don’t allow you to use miles for redemption flights.

[@Reprodestruxion]

Tuesday is a good day to book right?