Originally Posted by
jfkeze
I was flying that same route on 9/14… definitely a grouchy GA. I was number 2 on the list, with two seats empty. First boards, the agent claims, all seats taken, but Expertflyer was still showing F1 and an empty seat. I keep on waiting, at one point in time, the GA refuses to answer questions, saying just board.
At T-10, I finally get my new boarding pass. She sure took her time to process the upgrade and felt like she was trying to skip the line…
It helps to have a EF subscription and track it like a half, because sometimes Shenas sure happen at the gate…
This is how to do it. If you are atop the PALL list and see online a few open F seats (or count less than 16 or whatever F pax boarding in the first zone), stay behind until boarding has completed. When the GA calls you for final boarding, politely inquire if there has been one or two misconnects in F.
Most GAs will double check at that point. It is possible to get a GA who will insist that you board into Y without double checking, but you should then make a point of saying, well if I see an open F seat on my walk to coach, should I simply wait at the boarding door for my upgrade from you?
A small box of fine candy/ Starbucks gift card is absolutely useful to start this conversation.