My former employer used to pay full F fares for all senior managers (including myself). I thought it was an incredible waste, and used to regularly offer to fly coach if the company would share some of the difference with me-- these offers were politely rebuffed. I guess this is one of the reasons I don't work there anymore.

With respect to the comments on congressmen, senators, etc., on this thread, I have a couple of comments.

1) Everytime I have ever seen a congressman or senator on board an aircraft, they have been in coach.

2) One of my best friends used to be a congressman, and he told me that he was virtually always offered a free upgrade to first class when he was recognized by the ground staff. He always refused such offers, however, as he indicated that it would be "political suicide" for him to ever be caught by his consituents living like a "fat cat."