I'm proud to say that CX upgraded (D to First) both Mrs og and myself (both QF WPs - ie OW Emeralds with no CX membership) on HKG-FCO. Thoroughly delightful experience - thanks CX.

I came *this* close to a J to F upgrade on HKG-SYD last night.

I was paged in the The Wing and the agent asked if I would be willing to separate from the other three in my party to take the upgrade. I confirmed that "yes, I would" and she said "thanks, we'll call you in a few minutes". They never did - I double-checked my seat assignment at the gate before boarding and was definitely in J. :(

I am not following some of this thread of CX Op upgrades
I am ExPlat on AA, and know about the HKG and other lounge privileges with the OW status, but since CX is rather stingy in awarding AA miles on coach fares, how do you inform the gate agents of your OW status on other carriers and still hope to be awarded any miles (asiamiles) for the flight?
i plan upon two flights within the month-HKG-BKK, HKG-TPE that will both be discounted econ tickets

The thread was discussing how OW status gets factored into op-ups. That status will be shown on your BP, as well as be visible in your record.

Asia Miles, however, will be awarded only if you are a Marco Polo Club or Asia Miles member. If you want to use AAdvantage as the FFP for your flight, you're subject to AAdvanage rules, which, as you point out, means no miles for economy fares below H. If your fare is lower than H and you want to collect miles, you'll have to ask the CX agent at checkin, in the lounge or at the gate to switch the FFP number from AAdvantage to one which awards mileage on that fare (e.g., CX, QF).

I have recieved OP-UP's on some of the routes that CX flies and they have always been appreciated. Needless to say with no status it can happen to anyone.
-UFFA

thanks for the advice...my plans on this little trip are to accumulate enough asiamiles over the next year through a variety of means-diners club, sheraton amex, flying, dining in HKG to redeem through CX

so i have an asiamiles FF number

i gather you are suggesting that i use the explat aa number on the ticket until it becomes apparent that an OpUgrade is unlikely, then have an agent change it to the asiamiles

Exactly. That's how I've been able to enjoy a couple of op-ups as I accumulated miles on MPC. In my (limited) experience, the op-ups were decided by the time I checked in. Having the FF number changed in the CX lounge haven't made a difference to me. (But I've heard of cases where the op-up was at the gate.)

Another bonus for me was I got to escape BAEC's stingy policy on discount economy tickets. :) Good luck with your trips.

I think there are more op-up at the gate rather then check-in. The reason is that check-in agent does not know how many "no-shows" will be on the particular flight. So, after the check-in cut-off time, they can then know how many pax travelling on that flight, and they can then know how many "overbooked" seats on each class. Then, they upgrade people at the gate...

This is my experience also.

Good to know. Thanks to you and millionmiler for the info :) ^ . I'll have to be more patient with the time I have my FFP changed.

I have been blessed with many op-ups on CX, one reason, along with their great service, and wonderful Pier lounge, I like to fly them. This has also been as a Oneworld member, not Marco Polo, as well - thank you CX.

I thought there was no F service between HKG and FCO...is this new?if it's true it's good news 4 me!

Absolute CX F. Not 2 class service on a 3 class 744, but the full on CX FIRST. Makes CX J seem somewhat ordinary!

Isn't it operated on an A343?not all a/cs have F class configuration....34C with 8 F class seats.34D with no F class...

Unsure of what operates HKG-FCO now (I'm too lazy to investigate in the CX timetable), but our flight in late August 05 was a 744 - it was scheduled that way several months prior.