Originally Posted by
wanaflyforless
The answer is yes. In fact, there are some people (who usually travel on slow days) who have had a 50% success rate without status or expensive tickets.
As a self-described ordinary, everyday traveler... I am 2 for 2 upgrading from Economy to Business. Both times without status and in cheaper fare buckets. For what it's worth, both upgrades were requested within 24 hours of the flight. One the night before and one at check-in. Both flights were trans-atlantic.