I'd just like to pass along a very pleasant experience I had this past Tuesday on BA 148, Beirut to LHR. That's a 5.5 hour flight that departs at 6:20 am.

There were no signs at check-in or the gate offering an upgrade for cash, but I'm a FlyerTalker -- of course I know to ask. Sure enough. "Why, yes, you can buy an upgrade to Club Europe for $350 US."

Deal!

This was an A320 or A321 (can't recall) that has the odd 1-2 alternating pattern of one middle seat alone, aisle/window in the next row, one middle, etc. The very friendly FA seated in the jump seat in my exit row told me that BA bought those seats from Lufthansa.

Those seats are nice! They are a bit narrow for a premium cabin, but they recline to make a flat, horizontal bed. Very comfortable, especially when you feel like a zombie at that early hour.

So, my fellow FTers, remember that there might be upgrades for sale even if there are no signs and no one mentions it. I'm guessing that in places like Beirut with limited BA service, it is more likely that the ground staff will not make any special mention of the upgrade availability.