Any chance for congratulatory upgrade for newlyweds? ORD-NRT J-F?
May 12, 2008, 9:16 pm
#106
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New York City/NY22
Programs: AA Platinum 2.3MM (Lifetime PLT)
Posts: 5,285
You're saying a TA at a small American Eagle outpost can upgrade someone to F international, with no status or any other reason to upgrade, just because he/she wanted to? That's interesting.
BTW, how long ago were you working for Eagle when you were handing out the upgrades like that? Just curious, since many of us assume they're not handing out "honeymoon op-ups" as often as they used to because of the current rules with status, etc.
BTW, how long ago were you working for Eagle when you were handing out the upgrades like that? Just curious, since many of us assume they're not handing out "honeymoon op-ups" as often as they used to because of the current rules with status, etc.
I seem to recall that PanAm had a honeymoon perk that could be arranged through travel agents, but I was too young to know much about it.
May 12, 2008, 9:19 pm
#107
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
If they can, why shouldn't OP ask?
May 12, 2008, 9:20 pm
#108
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New York City/NY22
Programs: AA Platinum 2.3MM (Lifetime PLT)
Posts: 5,285
No. I think that the airline achieves quite a bit by showing good will on an occasional basis. And, I think that an elite shows good will on an occasional basis by "suffering" through a one hour flight in coach so that a sick elderly woman can ride home in comfort.
It doesn't happen often, but if I were in the departure lounge talking to a nice couple leaving on their honeymoon I would offer them my F seat. I know that my wife would do the same - without hesitation. Would it kill any of you to do this once in awhile? Last year I gave away my paid F seat on a Hawaii flight. I still got home. I don't get to fly much anymore so I don't see as much of F as I once did. But, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
It doesn't happen often, but if I were in the departure lounge talking to a nice couple leaving on their honeymoon I would offer them my F seat. I know that my wife would do the same - without hesitation. Would it kill any of you to do this once in awhile? Last year I gave away my paid F seat on a Hawaii flight. I still got home. I don't get to fly much anymore so I don't see as much of F as I once did. But, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
May 12, 2008, 9:21 pm
#109
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 9,916
No. I think that the airline achieves quite a bit by showing good will on an occasional basis. And, I think that an elite shows good will on an occasional basis by "suffering" through a one hour flight in coach so that a sick elderly woman can ride home in comfort.
It doesn't happen often, but if I were in the departure lounge talking to a nice couple leaving on their honeymoon I would offer them my F seat. I know that my wife would do the same - without hesitation. Would it kill any of you to do this once in awhile? Last year I gave away my paid F seat on a Hawaii flight. I still got home. I don't get to fly much anymore so I don't see as much of F as I once did. But, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
It doesn't happen often, but if I were in the departure lounge talking to a nice couple leaving on their honeymoon I would offer them my F seat. I know that my wife would do the same - without hesitation. Would it kill any of you to do this once in awhile? Last year I gave away my paid F seat on a Hawaii flight. I still got home. I don't get to fly much anymore so I don't see as much of F as I once did. But, I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Would it kill you not to tell me about what to do when I fly?
May 12, 2008, 9:23 pm
#110
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA EXP, 1 MM, AC, HH Diamond, Marriott Silver, Hertz 5*
Posts: 4,010
May 12, 2008, 9:25 pm
#111
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TUL
Programs: AA Advantage, Priority Club Gold, eleVAte, Worldperks
Posts: 32
You're saying a TA at a small American Eagle outpost can upgrade someone to F international, with no status or any other reason to upgrade, just because he/she wanted to? That's interesting.
BTW, how long ago were you working for Eagle when you were handing out the upgrades like that? Just curious, since many of us assume they're not handing out "honeymoon op-ups" as often as they used to because of the current rules with status, etc.
BTW, how long ago were you working for Eagle when you were handing out the upgrades like that? Just curious, since many of us assume they're not handing out "honeymoon op-ups" as often as they used to because of the current rules with status, etc.
As for your second question, I worked for American Eagle from 07/2006-12/2007 as a lead agent. I never did have anyone request a transpacific upgrade. Most couples on their honeymoon were going to europe or the bahamas instead.
May 12, 2008, 9:40 pm
#112
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,176
May 12, 2008, 9:40 pm
#113
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: WAS - (BWI/DCA/IAD)
Programs: AA GLD, soon-to-be PLT in 2 weeks!
Posts: 3,086
If you can't get in F then join the mile high club. 
May 12, 2008, 9:57 pm
#114
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: DFW
Programs: AA/CO/UA Marriott
Posts: 234
Deleted
Last edited by moldavian; May 12, 2008 at 10:16 pm
May 12, 2008, 10:01 pm
#115
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: FLL
Programs: AA PLT 2.7 MM, DL GLD, UA Prem, BW Diamond, PC PLT, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,285
I am so sick of "elites" and their stupid "entitlemnets." They are the same people that wouldn't give up their seat up front to a Marine on his way back to Iraq. They moan and groan when they have to move from 2A to 2B because a woman wants to sit next to her husband. They get mad when an elderly man is in line to board with first class even though he is in group 5. I could go on and on... Leave the OP alone as he is far more worthy of many of you elites out there. Not to stereotype, but a lot of you (elites) need to readjust your attitudes. Just my 2 cents.
Again why should a honeymoon flight be entitled to a free upgrade?
May 12, 2008, 10:13 pm
#116
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: DFW
Programs: AA/CO/UA Marriott
Posts: 234
Who said anything about being entitled to a free upgrade? It is a kind gesture, a gift, whatever you want to call it given by an airline employee. It doesn't happen often as we all know... I think that it is safe to say that it is quite rare. So, I think that it is ok when it happens. I also think that it is even better when a passenger does it for a fellow passenger.
May 12, 2008, 10:17 pm
#117
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Gee people here are awfully harsh. I don't think there is anything wrong with OP's question. He doesn't seem to have a sense of entitlement, just wants to know the chances.
I'd agree with others that the chances aren't very good, but it doesn't hurt to let the GA know it's your honeymoon.
I would definitely email the concierge in your hotels in advance with any requests you have and to let them know it is your honeymoon. There is a good chance they'll do something special for you.
I'd agree with others that the chances aren't very good, but it doesn't hurt to let the GA know it's your honeymoon.
I would definitely email the concierge in your hotels in advance with any requests you have and to let them know it is your honeymoon. There is a good chance they'll do something special for you.
May 12, 2008, 10:28 pm
#118
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: FLL
Programs: AA PLT 2.7 MM, DL GLD, UA Prem, BW Diamond, PC PLT, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,285
Who said anything about being entitled to a free upgrade? It is a kind gesture, a gift, whatever you want to call it given by an airline employee. It doesn't happen often as we all know... I think that it is safe to say that it is quite rare. So, I think that it is ok when it happens. I also think that it is even better when a passenger does it for a fellow passenger.
When a PAX does it for another PAX that fits the definition of an act of charity and it is totally their perogative to do so. But, again what difference should a honeymoon flight make with respect to a free upgrade? The OP thinks it should make a difference, otherwise, the thread would be titled " good looking young couple seeks free J to F upgrade just for the asking, chances?????"
This whole business of trying to equate a honeymoon upgrade with a F seat for the sick or elderly is sheer nonsense.
May 12, 2008, 10:35 pm
#119
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Programs: AA - EXP 2.3 MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold, recovering UA Premier
Posts: 280
To make this relevant to the OP's question:
On my last trip to Hawaii, I was headed to LIH with my wife. I was working, she was having fun on my trip. She was on an Z award, but a last minute routing change on my part meant that she'd had to take a voluntary downgrade to coach LAX-LIH. Naturally, she was waitlisted for first.
When we got to LAX, I went up to the gate agent for the LIH flight. The passenger ahead of me said that she was on her honeymoon and wanted to know if she could get into F. The GA curtly said, "we don't do that any more." I asked if my wife was off the waitlist, and the GA smiled and said, "Mr. Flyermatthew, we've been expecting you. The seat came through about two hours ago."
So, like most have advised the OP, I would expect a curt denial, but you may get lucky.
May 12, 2008, 10:42 pm
#120
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 15,788
There are approximately 3 million marriages per year in the US alone. . .
That is about 80 thousand marriages every single day.
That is about 80 thousand marriages every single day.
Last edited by birdstrike; May 12, 2008 at 11:31 pm