Let's face it,
everyone on a 747 would
LIKE an op upgrade.
Heck with all those Flyertalk D!ckheads walking around with shirts saying THIS - that point is clear! :
http://www.webflyer.com/ft/cart/stor...dA&n=storetxt5
Bottom line, on a pretty full plane I do not believe ANY airline justs grabs anyone well dressed and offers them an upgrade on a long flight.
I came back from NYC a few weeks back and this is my detailed story getting my United upgrade out of LAX.
THIRTY FIVE folks on the DM list for upgrade at gate, and 2 seats. And I was "supporting" mine with a SWU Cert. All of those 35 were pledging SOMETHING to upgrade it, but just did not have UA status as high as mine.
Only got it as the doors closed. Another FT'er was with me in the bar in LAX, who is Star Gold on UA, but a tier below me. He was forlorn.
Read the thread - they just do
not hand out upgrades like candy is my long held observation.
Not in 2005 anyway. Not Qantas, not UA, not Delta, not Air France.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=379621
YES, gate agents have enormous power, and in the last few minutes before closing the doors miracles and op upgrades sometimes occur. But to assume they WILL occur is just being silly. IMHO. Whether you are well dressed, well spoken, or have a shiny FF card.
