Just wanted to share a little first experience as HON trying to get an upgrade to F (wide open) on a flight from FRA to IAD. Arrived at the F-Terminal, asked at check-in for the chance to be upgraded since I was travelling together with a board member on a paid F-ticket. Personal assistant promised me to check for free or with miles.....comes back and says "Sorry, no up-grade possible, since we have not enough meals in the upperdeck."

Alright, I didn't start an argument and waited for the transport to the aircraft. Arriving there, the load factor seemed to be below 80% and I asked the Purser, if she couldn't try to help me to get to the upper deck. Well, first she said they weren't allowed to do anything, but after a second she got out of the plane and to see the gate agent. Came back and said "Sorry, no up-grade possible, your fare is not upgradable."

I answer her that this is outright wrong, since I am travelling on a D-Fare, and to my knowledge only specific ZSPEC-fares are not good for an upgrade. There she goes again and finally comes back to ask if I would be willing to pay with miles....which I do and told her from the beginning...and voila, I am sitting beside my collegue!

Now, I have to ask. Are they all incompetent? Getting all these excuses.... Why would you treat a HON Circle Member like this? It doesn't even matter...which status you hold, if you are willing to pay with miles and on that flight were 3 empty seats in F...

cheers
HON_Hunter

PS: Going to write a letter to customer relations and will report there response by time. By the way the crew on that flight was magnificent!