Last year my aunt flew on a NW red-eye transcon flight to attend her 50th high school reunion. Being a very infrequent flyer apprehensive about flying, my uncle had taken her to the aiport very early. During their wait, they struck up a conversation with "Mr. V", an older gentleman who happened to mention he was an ex-prisoner of war. So was my uncle, and the two instantly bonded like long lost buddies! Mr. V had a first class ticket on the same flight as my aunt.

A bit into the flight, my aunt was approached by a sweet FA who kneeled next to her and whispered, "Mrs. R, Mr. V was just telling me that you're the wife of an ex-POW. He would like you to join him up front." My aunt, settling in with her blanket against the window, replied, "Oh, that's okay, I'm fine here." The FA, sensing my aunt had no idea she was being offered a free upgrade, smiled and whispered, "Your friend would really like you to sit with him up front...here, I'll help you move your things..." Apparently Mr. V was a frequent flyer (with considerable clout?) and had told the FA of my sweet, 60-ish aunt who's afraid to fly, and of my uncle's service to our country. My aunt suddenly understood that Mr. V wanted her to join him in first class and agreed, but it wasn't a big deal to her, either.

She enjoys telling the story of how she had to be talked into an upgrade!

Now that I've read through this thread, it makes me wonder if the other 1st class pax were resentful of her presence.




[This message has been edited by SPort (edited 10-04-2000).]