I have a Skywards gold card, but only very infrequently get upgrades on the JFK-DXB-JFK flights, even when it is obvious that they are moving people up. I am ticketed 50% of the time each in business and economy (per the contract I have with client). the business class leg is fine, but the economy leg is ususally a real drag (I'm very tall), especially when it is JFK-DXB.

Advice on how to more reliably get the upgrade would be most welcome! I almost always am dressed for the part (coat and tie) and am pleasant to the check-in person, so that can't be it.

I am new to this blog. interesting reading so far.

Hi,

Welcome to FT.

If you have a Skywards Gold Card, and they are upgrading people, you will always be first on the list. When checking in, ask if the flight is full and if they might be upgrading people to put you on the list. Make sure to bring their attention to the fact that you have the card, as its not always in the computer

Cheers

Thanks.
I have brought my card to their attention but with limited success.
Therefore, is it better to check in early or late?
To arrive at the gate early or late?
Is it advantatgeous to check with the business lounge desk, or are they as uninvolved as they seem?
Who actually makes the decision on upgrades, and how do you get to them?

You should ask at check-in, in the lounge, and before boarding at the gate to maximize your chances. I would ask them if they are overbooked, and if yes - tell them that if they need to open up seats in economy - you would be very willing to move - instead of asking them outright for an upgrade. Though my experience with EK is limited.

My poor friend, I can only confirm what you said. Also I often experience the same like you. Maybe they don't like our noses? The rule "gold get first upgraded" doesn't work at all stations as it ought to.


http://www.angelfire.com/folk/fati

If you fly the same route all the time it is a good idea to introduce yourself to the station manager using some sort of excuse (you can also send a letter personally addressed for that matter). This may have some influence on your chances.

It may or may not. In my case, the station manager knows my name but it doesn't help at all. My suggestion is that one has to bring some "presents" to the staff.

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/fati

The Gold Card doesnt always guarentee success at check-in, but ive found huge success in the Emirates lounge in Dubai. (ie check in said no, but the lounge said yes)

Although may work in some stations, its better to avoid.

Ive seen people who would have otherwise been upgraded being denied, by bribing - as it offends some staff

for example

this is how a conversation might go

"hello, is anyone being upgraded on this flight"
"no, sorry, its not oversold, and i dont have authority to do so"
"are you sure"
"yes but i can put your name on the list if you want"
"ok thanks , can you pleaseeee check again, (hands $20)"
"did you not trust me when i said i have no authority? "

could end up to be embarassing...

Cheers

In my experience, the "list" is a very etherial thing. One agent will happily inform me I am number one on the list, and then the next will say there is no such thing as "a list". So who is to know. It all seems so random with them.
In any event, I will have the opportunity to take my chances again this weekend. Wish me luck. Thanks for your responses.

As a "gold" I got upgrades on ca. 50 - 60% of my flights.

At my home airport "D�sseldorf" the upgrade happens at check in.
I am always very early at check in, so the upgrade is in the system when they start the check in.

In all other airports the upgrade happens at the bording gate, where they write a new seat number on my bording card.

I never asked for an upgrade, they do not know me personaly, but I often travel on busy routes.

in dubai now. and again did not make the upgrade to first from business on the way here from jfk, even though they were clearly moving several people up. I was there early this time too, very polite and dressed the part.

in fact, on my flight from Doha - Dubai yesterday i got DOWNgraded to coach due to overbooking! all they would offer was to refund the difference, which is about ten cents. not even worth the effort.

i want to like the airline, but i think the gold status is in effect meaningless. you get no more than any other business class passenger. Now that i have reached the peak of their loyalty program and seen that it is of no benefit, I am going to start shopping for a better carrier from the US to the middle east.

anybody have any ideas?

In terms of people being upgraded, status should be the basis, but it isnt always. Next time, be upfront. "Why aren't you upgrading me? Those people you are upgrading have no status etc etc" It has worked before. Remember to be kind though

Sound inquisitve rather than demanding



If you only want to fly nonstop, you are stuck

If flying with a stop, I would recommend QR , and BA till europe.

The skywards program is growing, more members, more gold members.
May be the people which were upgraded on your flight were gold too?

Next flight I would ask at check in:
Is the flight full? Is there a chance for upgrade for me, since I am a gold member?

I don't think they upgrade people without status, when status members are on the flight.

au contraire mon ami, it has happened many times. I have seen people get upgraded with no status, and seen my friends stuck in the back even with gold / silver cards. Upgrades for EK are more of a spur of the moment decision If you are in the right place at the right time then your lucky. However, with that being said, in some places (LHR, LGW, ZRH, MAN etc etc many European cities) it is done properly with gold / silver members being upgraded first. It is worst in cities like LHE, DEL, KHI, DXB, PEW where it doesn't seem to be done according to status.

Hi there as already mentioned ask at Check In how busy the flight is and whether or not they looking for anyone to upgrade either from Economy - Business or Business - First. I always keep my Gold Card with my Ticket or E Ticket Confirmation and pass it to them when Checking In. Make sure they have your Frequent Flyer number in the reservation as sometimes they don't. Also just check when you get to the gate as they will know by then the exact loading.
^