While still a platinum about 5 years ago, I was on EWR MAD (petermax plane), and I knew coach was oversold- they ended up upgrading 11 people.

I asked nicely the gate agent, and asked the gray coat, and was told noboth times. I went to a original large P-club, and was told no. I went to the next P-club, and was told no. At that point it was embarassing to ask again. I went into the final P-club, the old one near gate 108 or so, and chatted with the agent there, never mentioning an upgrade. About 10 minutes later, she came to me at the bar, and asked for my partners last name, and offered two upgrades. So, I asked 4 times and was told "NO", and I finally decided to give up, and was pleasantly surprised at the bar.

I guess - don't ask!

It was fun boarding when the gray coat took my boarding pass, and saw I was upgraded when she had emphatically told me they dont do that sort of thing!!

Stephen.