Originally Posted by
af fp
I have not seen a thread about upgrades offered at check-in (no bidding), for short-haul flights, in my case it was YUL-NYC for CAD 90, including free luggage, lounge access, etc. I was surprised though when during the flight I was told I could only get food (a small salmon plate) if there was some left after all passengers in the cabin would be served. I asked the FA why and she said there was an upgrade code on the manifest with the ML* mention which means no food. I told her my upgrade was not free and she said she would report this.
That's an LMU, and they've been around way longer than bidding.
ML*1 means you were given an upgrade after the check-in process started. It does not mean "no food". It means people who had confirmed business class prior to check-in have priority for meals for you.
No upgrades on AC are "free". Everyone pays, unless the back is oversold, or there's a weight and balance issue.