I am SL member and "had" my birthday upgrade recently this month on my CX HKG-PVG sector
I went to the counter for check-in. The agent kept smiling and making phone calls after seeing my ticket.
I didn't expect it was an upgrade but rather flight switch since there were bad weather in Shanghai and delays were crazy, 75% flights got cancelled on the day before plus that day. I saw LOTS of people queuing up......
Surprise 1, the agent later presented me PY boarding pass and said happy birthday.
I ask, is it going to be on time? and the agent replied no information available yet.
Surprise 2, my flight time updated on the board, delayed to the next day morning, just 20 mins after I checked in and when I just got into the lounge......
Finally the agent at lounge handled my case and put my on another KA flight so I enjoyed the upgrade for 20 mins...
I wish I could keep it for my next trip......