Everyone wants to buy a cheap economy ticket and get bumped up and upgraded to business class or first class. Who doesn't want more comfort, more legroom, better service and the lounge access which come as standard for first and business class passengers. The current generation of flat seats in premium cabins of major carriers make flying long-haul much more comfortable than ever before.

Here are a few basic tips for maximising your likelihood of getting that elusive upgrade and rubbing shoulder with the first class jet-set.

1. Become a member of your airline's frequent flyer program. If you can reach 'elite status' then you will greatly improve your chances of getting upgraded if there is any availability on the day you fly. Please note, business class is sometimes full and there will be no free upgrades available at these times.

2. Avoid flying from your carrier's main hub. You will be competing against masses of frequent flyer members so your chance of a free upgrade is minimal. In other words it is more difficult to get upgraded with British Airways if flying out of London Heathrow.

3. Choose one of the smaller frequent flyer programs with fewer members to reduce competition. The biggest programs in Europe are those of Lufthansa, AirFrance-KLM and British Airways with literally millions of members. US programs are massive