FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
The only non-status complimentary upgrade I can recall offhand - and in any event my most memorable upgrade ever - was my very first international flight for work, way back in 1987, from San Francisco to Seoul (en route to Manila, where I was moving to live and work) on UA. I was booked in business class and had absolutely no status on UA. Since I didn't have a window seat, I went up to the gate agent and asked whether one was available. He said, "How about this?" and handed me a boarding pass for 1A, in first class. I have no idea why I was so lucky, but thanked my lucky stars.