Interesting link to a discussion about this topic. This poster details the history of upgrading on discounted coach fares for international flights, going back to 1993:

http://x43.deja.com/[ST_rn=md]/getdoc.xp?AN=538240135&CONTEXT=942811803.124131738 5& .

[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 11-17-1999).]