Originally Posted by
Flyingfox
You bring up some interesting points. Not to sound like a grinch, but.........
Most Asian airlines would NOT move people up just because seats are available. That would be called "diluting the product", which American-based carriers do, but their "products" are not in the same league. This is why premium cabins in Asian carriers are just that, "premium".
That's not quite right: CO, NW/DL, and US have upgrades to domestic(US) first free of charge, not long-haul international flights. I don't think there is a carrier in the world that gives away their long-haul business for free. (IF there please tell me so I can sign up for that program)
Unless there is an overbooking situation and op-ups are called for, you get what you book on long-hauls no matter the carrier.