I almost always tell the check in staff and the boarding gate staff that if they have to off load anyone due to over booking they can glady off load me. Being a single traveller they really appericate that.

I hardly ever get off loaded as they normally look for someone who does not have checked in luggage. But most of the time they keep my boarding card and when i get it back its for Biz.

Try it... it works. Was upgraded 80% of my long distance flights last year using this technique. Off course being PE might help slightly

Gate agents really apperciate your willingness to take next flight instead of telling somone that they can not fly and then to get shouted at.

Actually then again last year i got bumped on to the next day's flight in Paris. Got a 5* hotel room for the night, free meals and around 250 pounds. Can't complain Got to see paris and got paid for it.