<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by NickB:
Handling by AMS ground staff only means that those originating in AMS are systematically privileged, in that they might benefit from an operational upg at check-in, whereas those on transfer from another flight will not. It seems to me that, in all fairness, operational upgrades should be handled by gate agents, and possibly lounge agents as well, not at check-in in AMS.</font>
I'm not sure how exactly upgrades are handled at AMS, but it is certainly not the check-in agents who decide who gets an upgrade. I've only once been upgraded at check-in. I knew in advance that I would be, as my travel agent was aware of the fact and informed me.
All other upgrades have been at the gate or the RW lounge.
I would imagine that a flight controller or some other designated person is responsible for upgrades on each particular flight. My impression is that the actual decision on whom to upgrade is often made as late as 1½ to 1 hours before the schedule time of departure.
It would also appear that the (senior) gate agent can upgrade at her discretion if there are any seats left over. I've seen this done for free at the expense of other pax who had registered at the lounge to upgrade with points.
johan
[edited for spelling and grammar]
[This message has been edited by johan rebel (edited 05-02-2002).]