Originally Posted by
sh00t3r
Ever been bumped to WBC on a international flight? I know it's not at all covered under any of the elite status levels, but just wondering if anyone has ever managed to do it.
I fly a lot to Germany. If budget allows, i can sometimes pay for WBC, other times, I just use miles to upgrade. This time, i have neither option. Just wondering if it's worth my time to even pose the question to an agent. I'm PE too.
Oh btw, this is my first post. I just discovered this site last week. It rocks!!!! Can't wait to learn how everyone else copes with the hectic travel lifestyle!
Welcome to FlyerTalk!
The upgrade you are asking about is called an "op-up" or "operational upgrade" -- it happens when coach is overbooked and WBC is not and so they move somebody (hopefully an elite) up to WBC to make room in the back. Some seem to get them regularly, I've never gotten one to WBC nearly 50 legs over the Atlantic on NW/CO (did get one once on a DC-10 a long time ago).
However, it can't hurt to ask (politely). The couple times I did they asked (in a joking fashion) to see my credit card.
Good Luck!