For most travellers, wangling a seat upgrade is the only way we'll experience first or business-class travel. Here are a few tips for increasing your chances of scoring one. (Virgin Media accepts no responsibility for inconvenience, disappointment or humiliation incurred by attempting these strategies...)

The airlines don't want anyone scruffy in business or first class - that could lower the tone and increase the risk of paying customers spotting economy plebs in their midst.

If the staff are looking for passengers to shift they'll invariably be more interested in upgrading those who look presentable. So, four tips: dress well; men, be clean shaven (and ladies too, for that matter); don't slouch at the check-in desk and make sure any body odour is under control.