What's more, regular travelers can qualify for elite status based on annual mile accumulation - or by flying a certain number of times or a certain number of segments during a calendar year - and receive free, automatic upgrades on flights. Beyond miles, it's best to plan your flight when and where it's likely to be less crowded to avoid the potential competition for an upgrade. An early-morning flight to and from a major city will probably be packed with business travelers who fly a lot, so they'll have lots of miles and preferred status with an airline. A better time to fly is in the early afternoon and late evening.

A little investigative work doesn't hurt either. When booking, pay attention to the fine print. Certain classes of economy fares are not eligible for upgrades. Finally, be nice. Even if the days of flirting or haggling the gate agent for the better seat may be long gone, courtesy will always make you appear in a better light. If an agent has to choose between a polite platinum frequent flier and a rude platinum member for an upgraded seat, the chances are that the premier seat will go to the nicer person.

Source: www.forbes.com