upgrade on a transatlantic flight - the easy way
I'm a GM with not so many miles (status match). I've been waiting for a flight from JFK-TLV. I offered the guy at the boarding gate to take the next flight on the next day, as they had a standby list of about 15 people.
He was happy with my decision and offered me $600 in delta dollars, which seem like a good offer. He told me to wait after boarding and that he will make the transaction complete.
After boarding was final they called my name and told me that they upgraded me to business class on my willingness to volunteer and they don't need my seat in the flight after all.
Hope other will find this information useful.
btw, the skyclub lounge at gate 6 is horrible.