Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyPHOENIX -- The number of people flying has dropped, several airlines have slashed routes, and fewer passengers are spending money on first and business class tickets.
According to one airline industry research group, first and business class tickets have fallen in price by as much as 40 percent.
A poor economy, layoffs, furloughs and the threat of rising gas prices may be the perfect storm that could put the airline industry in a tailspin.
For consumers, the situation may land them in one of the comfortable, coveted first class seats through an upgrade from coach.
"It's nicer, it's cleaner, you get your baggage off first and usually you're treated better so first class is where I want to be," said David Mouatt at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport after arriving from Michigan.
It's certainly no secret, first class is where airplane passengers want to be.
On most airplanes, coach passengers must walk past the first class section that has larger seats and more room before taking a seat in coach.
"I kind of feel like cattle being herded into a big metal cylinder," said Mouatt. "And then I take my seat wishing I had an upgrade."
According to two airline ticket counter employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not given permission to speak to the media, the number of people seeking an upgrade has increased significantly.
"I definitely see more business travelers who aren't paying for first class, but want that upgrade," said one of the airline employees.
"I've granted many upgrades, because first class, on some flights is open, but on the long haul trips, it ends up full or nearly full before boarding," said the other airline employee.
David Mouatt, the passenger from Michigan, said he flies a couple times a month for business, but always buys coach and asks for an upgrade.
"I'd say it's pretty important, I try (to upgrade) every time," said Mouatt.
The keys to getting an upgrade may start with how you ask, how important it is for you and what you're willing to give to get the first class seat in return.
"I tried using my (frequent flyer) miles to get an upgrade on my flight today, but it wasn't available, I then saw on the plane as I boarded that it was full," said Metcalfe.
Using those frequent flyer miles are often your best bet to get an upgrade.
Typically, travelers who are elite members with an airline get an automatic upgrade or use spare frequent flyer miles at the ticket counter before going to the boarding area.
"Those business travelers or frequent travelers are probably going to stand a good shot at an upgrade, and those who pay full coach fare stand a chance as well," according to the unidentified airline employee.
Some passengers, like airline employees, are also noticing more people making an attempt for an upgrade.
"Right next to counter you always see guys trying to get their seats upgraded quite a bit," said Mouatt.
For passengers that aren't frequent flyers or have the extra frequent flyer miles to give up for a first class upgrade, there are still other ways to get into first class.
Like our airline employee said, passengers who buy a full fare coach ticket have a good shot at an upgrade, but don't expect you're name to be called. You should politely ask if an upgrade is possible.
Some airlines will offer last minute upgrades if first class is open, but it may come at price.
Depending on the length of the flight and the airline, some upgrades can be purchased at the gate for as low as $25, or up to $150, typically before or just as boarding begins.
These "for sale" upgrades are often announced by the gate agents.
Industry experts say there are several ways that passengers eliminate themselves from getting an upgrade, like buying a discount ticket.
Some airlines even have codes on the tickets that prevent gate agents from moving you into first class.
"The computer may not allow us to move you," said one of the airline employees.
Those flying on a reward ticket purchased with frequent flyer miles are less likely to get upgraded.
Most airlines require passengers who are using frequent flyer miles to purchase an entire ticket to decide at the time of booking if they are going to use additional miles for a first class seat or fewer miles for a coach seat.
Aside from the restrictions, some believe getting an upgrade may depend on your appearance.
"I find, and I've done this several times, if I'm wearing something like this (pointing to t-shirt), I don't get it, but if I'm in a suit coat and professional, I get it," said Mouatt.
The most important thing when it comes to asking for an upgrade, according to those who work the tickets counters, is to be nice.
With airplanes seeing more coach passengers, more people are approaching the ticket counter looking for an upgrade and the airline employees agreed, the nicer you are, the better chance you have.
