Originally Posted by Yukonprince
With the chatter about dress code in the lounges....
I always wear casual when travelling EXCEPT when I am on standby to be upgraded.
I find the upgrade succes rate to be MUCH higher when I wear a shirt and tie. A genuine "good morning" to the GAs with a nice smile does wonders as well.
A nice thank you when you do get your upgrade is always appreciated by the GAs AND they just might remember you the next time you are in line for an upgrade....
it's a myth these days. Unless you're fortunate enough to secure the lone I class seat in advance, the gate is much more consistent in enforcing fare basis, checkin time and member status than in the past. An SE in jeans on a higher fare will beat an E in a Boss, Ferragamo, or Versace any day.
You're right about the thank yous though - spreading politeness around benefits everyone's social interactions... just think of the next person in line who deals with an agent who is frazzled vs the one that has been kindly thanked.