Yes, possible in other airlines too - but what I meant to say is 'favours' outweigh the deserving-ones more in the sub continent based airlines in comparison with others.

For e.g, a BA-gold member holding a Y ticket is more likely to get a J upgrade (assuming availablity and other conditions) without even opening his mouth at the check-in counter while travelling anywhere on BA. But for the same person with an earned status it is rarely respected without him bragging or contacting his man at the airport. That's the point I was trying to make.


Or in other words, while in sub continent you can almost take it for granted that if you do not know your man - then the chances of getting an upgrade even if you deserve it are very very bleak unless you find a good staff who knows how to genuinely appreciate and differentiate a frequent flyer from the rest of the crowd....