Originally Posted by
caliform
I am a 10 year platinum that has experienced exactly zero upgrades in that time. I have flown a few hundred flights in that time; eco, prem eco, a lot of business. I echo not counting on it. It’s not a regular protocol on these airlines.
On a related note, now that I am PFL, I credit to Delta, where I now have Platinum medallion. On day 1 of my Plat status, it was more than a bit shocking to walk up to my gate in SFO to fly to NYC and be upgraded right before boarding to Delta One (proper lie-flat business), something that’s never happened to me on AF/KL. It certainly made me feel more appreciated...
Isn't that one of the big differences between US airlines progams and the rest-of-the-world airlines programs? That US carriers upgrade status holders just to fill up their premium cabins, whereas the rest-of-the-world carriers only move passengers upwards for operational reasons. I think many US flyers get a bit miffed outside the US when they are not upgraded and there are no upgrade wait-lists to clear.
I've only ever been airline upgraded once: PE to J on an overbooked AF longhaul. Many times flown on intra-European KL/KL Cityhopper in the front Y row with fully empty J cabins.