<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">5) Say, "Any possibility of an upgrade?" If the answer is no, discreetly remove the money from the folder and hand over the ticket. At least you've finessed checking in at first class.
Pause to contemplate the half-mile-long check-in line for economy class. </font>
Then look really embarrassed when the first class check-in person kicks you back to the half-mile-long check-in line because you are not entitled to check in in first!