5 Things Passengers Never Realize About How Airlines Actually Decide Who Gets A Premium Economy Upgrade

For many travelers, an upgrade feels mysterious. One passenger gets moved to a better seat while another remains in economy, even though both have airline status, travel frequently, or arrive at the gate early. The result is a long list of myths about how airlines choose who gets upgraded, with many passengers convinced that a friendly conversation with a gate agent or a smart outfit can make the difference. But the algorithm behind the upgrade is much more complex.