<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pinniped:
....(7) You're talking about Operational Upgrades, referred to here on FT as "Op UG". This *does* happen on occasion, usually to FF elites or people on full fares. I have gotten them on UA, AA, and US - all as a mid-tier elite flying on a restricted coach fare. In all cases, I got a business class seat at check-in, not the gate. In all cases, it was a surprise to me so I never had to bring up the topic with the agent. I don't have any experience "sweet talking" an Op UG.</font>
Excellent, succint answers Pinnipid!
I, however, HAVE gotten op upgrades by asking and never at the check-in counter but always at the gate. On the way back to SFO on the Chicago leg of my Christmas-season flight I had business seating with coach service(2 class service in 3 class configured 767). I asked the gate attendant if there was an operational upgrade available(I used that term, too) ... She smiled and said, No. I laughed and said, I bet you have people asking 5 times a day and she laughed and said, Well, yes, but not all days. Hahaha. I said, Well I have a real nice seat anyway and she said, Yes, you do. As I got on the airplane the same GA was taking the boarding passes and I said, Hello again and she looked up at me a little startled because I guess she had not really looked at me. She said, Have a good flight. I settled into my seat and took out the little lunch I had cooked for myself at my Mom's as the plane REALLY filled up. Every seat. Just when I thought we were all set and the door was closing a different GA came on board and stopped at my seat. Are you Mr. GoodKarmaGuy? Yes. Well, Mr. GKGuy you may move to your seat in the front. WOW! The lady must've needed one more seat to put a stand-by in and she remembered me! I don't think that is any harm in asking as long as I remember that I am asking for a FAVOR. And if they do it it is out of the goodness of their heart, NOT because I should deserve it!
p.s. Now I am in the 100+ poster club!
Woohoo!
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