Originally Posted by
LondonElite
Diplomatic passports are carried by a number of diplomatic officials, not just the ambassador, and it does not affect upgrades, unless a person with the ability to issue these is 'awed' by such a document (which in practise does not confer any great benefits; do not confuse it with 'diplomatic immunity' which is something completely different).
You had a simple economy ticket and you were upgraded to international first (skipping business) class from Liberia to Chicago simply by asking? Really?
In our office only the ambassador and the deputy ambassador had diplomatic passports as far as I know. Most of the staff only carry A1 or A2 visas. And I agree as far as I know it doesn't give any special treatment regarding upgrades.
I just checked my account to confirm the fare basis, I was on a V fare ticket (United Economy) from LIR to ORD (UA1576) on a 737 which has only two classes of travel, and I was bumped up front. Travelling with my wife who was accompanying me on the trip we both have been upgraded once seated on the plane (they asked us over PA to push the call button and identify ourselves to a FA). United has strange ways of calling their travel classes, so it might have been Business or BusinessFirst or whatever, not sure I remember exactly how they call it when only two classes are available (I only flew on their metal for a couple of month), but it was definitely a complimentary upgrade to the first row. Believe it or not, just asked E+ at check-in and she offered us to be wait-listed for an upgrade, no miles deducted, completely complimentary. I earned miles for a V fare bucket on this trip. I wasn't expecting it but glad it happened. Maybe they are especially nice out of LIR...