Dear Joel,

I travel several times a year for pleasure. Sometimes for work. I am a police officer in Philadelphia where there is of course an airport.

One time two of my partners were traveling and showed their Police ID's for identification. They were then asked if they would like to be upgraded to first class cause there were openings. No questions asked, no extra charge.

Do you feel they just lucked out or do the airlines feel an upgrade for free is worth the security of knowing an officer is there?

We are traveling to Cancun end of October on a charter flight with US Air. Do you think the ID would help in this case if room was available? Or should I just try it on a regular flight?

Thank you,
Steve

Steve,

Yes indeed the airlines are typically happy to upgrade passengers, if space is available. I suggest you read my chapter on "Airborne Luxury" to discover the many routes to the first class cabin. Of course, through, badging your way to the first class cabin is not a bad idea. However, you should be aware that often on charter flights the first class cabins are reformatted as coach seats or completely inaccessible to those on the charter fare.

Good luck,
Joel