Originally Posted by emozioni
It may or may not. In my case, the station manager knows my name but it doesn't help at all. My suggestion is that one has to bring some "presents" to the staff.
http://www.angelfire.com/folk/fati
The Gold Card doesnt always guarentee success at check-in, but ive found huge success in the Emirates lounge in Dubai. (ie check in said no, but the lounge said yes)
Although may work in some stations, its better to avoid.
Ive seen people who would have otherwise been upgraded being denied, by bribing - as it offends some staff
for example
this is how a conversation might go
"hello, is anyone being upgraded on this flight"
"no, sorry, its not oversold, and i dont have authority to do so"
"are you sure"
"yes but i can put your name on the list if you want"
"ok thanks , can you pleaseeee check again, (hands $20)"
"did you not trust me when i said i have no authority?
"
could end up to be embarassing...
Cheers