upgrades while flying on standby?
 

Simple question - if I standby for an earlier flight than I am scheduled on (on a discount coach ticket), can I still get an upgrade to FC if it's available (I'm a newly minted silver elite)?

I got one last Thursday for the price of a simple smile to the gate agent while flying on standby.

Yes, but the problem is you can't confirm the upgrade until after you clear the standby list and are confirmed on the flight. If the flight is at all full, the upgrade seats are likely to be already taken by other elites.

I have done this often over the years, the gate agents usually clear the coach standbys before releasing seats of F/C no-shows, then the standby upgrades will be given based on Elite level first, then time of check-in. My sucess rate as a top level elite has been good. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif