I hold top status on two airlines and two hotel chains. I always get upgraded and I love it, love it, love it.

In order to achieve this, I play all the cards:

1. Earn top status--the hard way,
2. Be as charming as possible,
3. Dress nicely (look like somebody upgradeable),
4. Make as many travel friends as possible,
5. Make people laugh and feel happy,
6. Say please, thank you, m'mam and sir,
7. Return favors with thanks and small gifts,
8. Address people by name and ask them questions that make them feel very smart (they are),
9. Smile until you all feel good, and
10. If after you do all that you still don't get an upgrade, smile even bigger and say, "So, do you all happen to have any upgrades today (night)?"

In Vancouver last week at the Westin Grand (after accomplishing #10) the clerk said, "What do you mean?" I replied, "Oh, I thought it was the policy to offer the best available suite to Platinums". She said, "Oh goodness, your status isn't listed. What is your number?"

When I rattled it off, she said, "Wow, I am impressed. Just a minute. Oh yes, Mrs. P., we have a deluxe king suite available, just let me make you new keys".

The true elitist makes everyone around her/him feel elite as well.

I learned this from the people who import beer into Zurich.