So that is what they are saying in Russian. Seriously, when I checked in at LHR I asked if an upgrade was possible as I was flying on a full Y ($1600 RT). They said no and that the plane was full. They did however give me access to the lounge (run by AF) and a great EE row seat, which was nice. Obviously someone happy to be stationed in the UK.

In Moscow, when I checked in at 4:30am for the 6:30 flight (the terminal was just opening), I made the same request and got a "we do not upgrade". I asked for lounge access and was told no, I need to be SkyTeam Elite Plus. I asked for an EE row aisle seat which she hesitatingly gave me. I get on board, the plane is EMPTY and the seat I have is in the row that does not recline. 5 of the six seats behind me (also EE but recline) were empty. So I move. The FA's didn't like that either. As an airline, they need to lighten up.