Expert reveals the ONLY trick for getting a free upgrade on a plane that actually works...

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It's slightly painful every time you have to trudge past the business class seats and into the back of the plane on long-haul flights.

But, according to one travel expert, there is an alternative: up your chances of a free upgrade by booking yourself onto oversold flights.

According to Gilbert Ott, the New York-based founder of God Save the Points, it's the only practical tactic that works, since when airlines overfill their economy section, it's their prerogative to win back favour - and if that means an upgrade, so be it.

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Travel expert Gilbert Ott (pictured) recommends purposefully booking onto oversold flights and then volunteering to take the next scheduled flight

He tells MailOnline Travel: 'This has worked for me quite a few times, on quite a few different airlines around the world, and for the traveller without miles or status, it really is one of their only hopes. 

'The good thing with oversold flights is that at the very least, you’re owed compensation, which can make for a free future trip. 

'When possible, airlines generally are willing to upgrade the flexible passenger as well, on the next flight, to say thanks for making our job easier.'

Mr Ott points out that his best triumphs using this trick in the past have indeed been during peak travel periods when airlines are frantically selling more tickets than they have seats. 

Mr Ott says that without air miles, it's the only practical tactic that works, since when airlines overfill their economy section, it's their prerogative to win back favour

So how to find out which overburdened flights to target?  Mr Ott advices using a site like ExpertFlyer.com, which lets you see how many seats are left on any flight you search. 

Comparison sites like Kayak also often tell you how many seats remain, especially when a flight is nearly booked out. 

So does the age-old strategy of simply dressing the part to get an upgrade ever really work?

'Unfortunately airline employees don’t often have that magic button to make random people get upgraded “just because”,' he says,

Mr Ott, who regularly employs innovative tactics to fly business (pictured)  points out that his best upgrade triumphs using this trick in the past have indeed been during peak travel periods

'Since flying is more and more uncomfortable, I’d totally recommend keeping the sweats on. Being upgraded for having a nice suit is about as likely as you winning the lottery.

'If you really want a possibility of an upgrade without any of the above, keep your comfortable clothes on but bring some chocolates (or vodka) for the flight crew. 

'I’ve seen quite a few upgrades in my day thanks to a bit of kindness and appreciation. Don’t ask for the upgrade, just say "these are for you, thanks for taking care of us, we really appreciate it”. 

'Take your seat and hope for the magic. If it doesn’t happen, you’ve still made someone’s day.'

Mr Ott advices using a site like ExpertFlyer.com, which lets you see how many seats are left on any flight you search

Despite all this, Mr Ott insists that the absolute best strategy for getting upgrades is earning miles. And it doesn't necessarily have to be hard.

'Anyone can do it from home without flying,' he said. Opening multiple credit cards which offer points, or even signing up for certain magazine subscriptions can get you closer to your goal. 

So it's worth buying things you would anyway using card that will earn you points while you're at it. Because as we now know, points mean prizes.