Originally Posted by
ps0dsh
Have to disagree with you on both statements. I've received international upgrades to AMS at the gate when I'm booked in coach..and I didn't even ask for it. In fact, I'm in AMS right now, and I had my name called out prior to boarding my flight over here to offer me WBC (no extra $$...no extra miles). I hadn't approached anybody for this upgrade...they just offered it to me as a platinum.
I've also MULTIPLE times been given the opportunity to upgrade to WBC for an extra $199 when checking in via the nwa.com web-site. It's the great rarity that I don't receive this prompt. Now true...when I'm booked in coach it's usually in 'B' class...and not a lower coach category. But I've even received the $199 upgrade offer when booked in Q class.
Well these are Op-Ups and the airline is doing it to help themselves not you (though it is indeed a help
). Op-Ups can not be planned and the AMS upgrades are not all that common though you seem to have good luck. I too fly to AMS 10-12 times a year and have had a few Op-Ups (because I actively booked flights that looked oversold) and only once was offered a paid upgrade. Even the paid upgrades are the Airlines Way of helping themselves out of an overbooked situation and still getting a few bucks from you. If coach is wide open you have a 0 percent chance of getting either. The OP is looking for a way to secure an upgrade ahead of time...for that there is no other way but with miles and $$.