This just came up in another thread, but it'll get lost there. I think it's a significant issue, so I'm starting this new thread. I hope PMNW fliers can tell us about their actual experience, and that by calling attention to this we can get DL to consider re-instituting the program. Personally I feel it will benefit both customers and the airline, and be a significant step towards "best in class"
Originally Posted by
jimrpa
I saw a reference to "phantom upgrades" and I've seen prior references to them. I know they were some kind of Northwest program, but exactly what were they? Were they essentially op-ups for elites? Were they only used in oversells? Were they just "Gee, the business class cabin has a few open seats, and Mr. JimRPA is standing here in front of me, so I'll just hand him a business class boarding pass and make his day because I'm in a happy mood" thing?
Originally Posted by
Gargoyle
As was explained to us at the RTW/DO last year, the first rule of phantom upgrades is you don't talk about phantom upgrades. The second rule of the phantom upgrade program is, you DO NOT talk about phantom upgrades ...
Basically, if there were empty seats up front on int'l flights, they'd sometimes take the top 3 or 5 medallions and give them gate upgrades. It wasn't a published benefit, and wasn't anything you could ever count on, but was a really nice bonus thank-you gift for those medallions. Many of us feel that would go a long way towards making us happy, without the downside that terrifies revenue management, i.e. cannibalizing premium sales.
Originally Posted by
jimrpa
Thanks! So, on Norhwest, it really did pay to be nice to the GA in the hope that you would get one of these upgrades? Were there any criteria that enhanced your chances? Fare class? Checking time? Specific brand of chocolate for the GA?