"You're right, but you're also SE What's Salisbury5? Salisbury Steak Status?"

I agree that my status might have increased their motivation, but the bottom line is that the system is not perfect and it makes no sense to put customers of any status in a situation that may have terrible consequences and ruin a family vacation. Be polite, be calm, and appeal to their common sense and desire to do the right thing.

"I like your style! Of course had you missed the connection they would have blamed it on the weather and you'd have been SOL."

Nope, weather was perfect, and I would have been crying for a concierge! BTW, parnel are you listening? I managed to get the entire family upgraded and they were all on points! Love those oversold flights...