Hello all,

I just wanted to ask for some opinions or advice on whether this would work or not.

I was once a Prestige flyer a couple years ago with AC although now I am just a regular (whatever its called). I have some Upgrade certificates System Wide and I am taking a flight from YYZ - LHR on Sept 3rd. If I go to the counter and present the upgrade certs even though I am no longer Prestige is there a chance that it might work? ... My fare is upgradeable as per AC so thats ok but I have to do this at the counter the agent told me on the phone.

I had a friend who lost his status a few years ago but managed to get the agent at the counter to upgrade him with the certificates. Does this all depend?

Just curious to know whether I should give it a shot. Thanks folks!

Rarely and unofficially. Normally a non-status pax can only be upgraded using certs by an accompanying status pax and given the appropriate fare. Short of that, it is an exception, definitely aided by factors such as overbooked Y and your fare paid. From what I have seen, agents are more likely to upgrade a status flier with non-upgradeable fare paid, rather than a non-status with the higher fare.

Should you give it a shot? Always!
Good luck!

Your best bet is to locate a E or SE on the day of departure and ask them to UG you as their companion using your cert. Otherwise, chances are real slim.

(Of course experience of some here suggests that the best way to get an upgrade is to have no seat assignments on an overbooked flight. )