Birthday upgrade is more like a urban legend rather than the actual reality.

I don't dispute the fact that there were people who have been upgraded for their birthday before. However - when you want to score a free upgrade, think about this from the perspective of the airline - what does the airline possibly gain from upgrading you?

There is a reason why airlines establish policies for upgrades based on status, as it is obvious that the upgrade can be better justified and possibly yield further profits. IMO - there is also a reason why CX introduces upgrade instruments - to reduce op-ups.

No offense to OP, but if you are a nobody, your birthday is just another day for CX. There is nothing literally that anyone can justify that giving out a seat that cost 4 times more than OP's ticket.

Don't apply and pay 100USD for Marco polo.
You can easily get it for free with one of the CX branded credit cards.

Also, if you have a company, register for CX corporate travel solutions and you and your employees will all receive Marco Polo Green free of charge, not to mention the discounted fares

The other thing is that on a plane with 300 passengers, there's a very good chance that several people are celebrating their birthday that day.

You wouldn't be *that* special. ;)

True dat! :D

What is it, take something like 23 people at random and odds are better than even that 2 of them share a birthday? We did this in one of my "sadistics" classes and got a match by person # 17, IIRC.

Even if you get the MPC card, you will not get upgraded as a Green member. MPC only considers upgrade based on your elite status... from Diamond, to Gold to Silver.

And even if you're GO/DM, there has been many reports of not getting an upgrade on their bday.


Mods might as well merge this into the Birthday Upgrade? thread.