I always thought that some kind of software decided the upgrades based on a couple of parameters, frequent flyer status being wighted heaviest. If its is software I don't understand the problems regarding time constraints.

If it is a mabnual decicion making process...then...eh? :confused:

Although...it could explain the seeminly random upgrades.

And oh. In 'the good old days' I was also upgraded being a smelly backpacker who just returnd from a trekking in the Indian Himalayas...smelly backpackers can be plats just as well :D At that time I didn't dare to take of my shoes tho...

I actually got upgraded yesterday. After 5 years of plat, I think this is the second time.

The GA's were talking during the boarding process and I heard my name. The one on the machine goes to grab an upgrade BP laying there, and says my name to the second girl. This elicits a flurry of Dutch and and an English "sorry, too late" to me.

After boarding, a girl shows up with a BP for 9F. I show here my 9F and promptly ring for the FA. This girl then decides she will just squat 9B. The FA takes our BP's and goes to the purser. Returns to me with 3C written on my BP, so I collect my stuff and move. In the meantime, the FA is trying to explain to the girl in 9B why she needs to move to her seat :)

Shortly after getting re-settled, the GA runs on the plane and heads for 9F. She then comes to 3C and hands me the BP stub for 3C, "I had an upgrade for you sir, but I see you already got it" and then scampers off the plane.

All-in-all, I was happy, but what a circus. Must be an annoying process for the GA's to boot.

Well. Its not the software after all then. That explains the random upgrades, probably triggered by sheer lazyness. It seems that you were lucky they made the effort to find a plat this time :)

Anyway. I think that we will never get our finger on this anyway. And find the 'trick' that does it. Because if we would, we would all persue the same 'trick' to get upgraded. A paradox :D

I've actually seen them follow procedure one time (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showp...0&postcount=59):

Sometimes they do go to the trouble. On a number of occasions, both short and long haul, (one of) the last pax to board showed up with a stub for my seat, upon which I got upgraded.

Johan

The problem with KLM, now operating in 2-class configuration only, is that 1) you dont stand a chance of upgrade from business to first class as the latter does not exist in KLM; 2) the heavy Y conifiguration (see B77W) entails less chance of upgrade to business as there are plenty of Y seats to fill.

Because AF operates in 3-class config. for many routes, it means that usually half the plane is devoted to high-yielding business and first class seats, which increases the likelihood an upgrade from Y to C or from C to F is certainly more realistic than when flying KLM.

Rgs,

I've only ever received op-ups on 737 flights intra-Europe. It seems the process is different everywhere. Was upgraded once or twice ex-MAN during checkin, and a couple of time ex-AMS at gate.

I've been in a few l/h situations where the back was 0'd out and there were a few WBC seats left. Always opted to use miles for UGs rather than leave it to chance or the discretion of KL GAs. It ain't AA we're dealing with.

Manual Upgrading
 

Saw a funny take on upgrading flying from AMS to BGO a couple of weeks back. I was seated in C together with 4 others. After boarding was completed, an elderly man rushed from just behind (in Y) to a seat up front! It all happened really fast while the FAs werent looking. I couldnt believe my eyes, but he pulled it off!

The first thing he ordered was champagne.

In these days of OLCI, and internet banking etc. etc. where us customers are expected to do everything ourselves, why not also the fine art of upgrading...:D

My wife and I got an op-up (I am ST E+, she is ST E) on CAI to AMS. Total shock to both of us (we were on an el-cheapo, doesn't even earn miles fare sale ticket) and were just patiently waiting in the chaotic gate area when I heard what I thought were our names being announced. We were already fighting with a lot of rude people trying to gain position to board the buses to the plane when I approached the agent and louder than anyone's ever shouted before he said "you have been upgraded to business class." It was a really nice feeling and I was shocked that we both got it. For those of you that have never taken that flight, it leaves at 4:00 AM, so its a nice one to be upfront for.

Been upgraded last week CDG-MAD from 2F last week.

Process followed :

Bought N fare (99€ return ticket MAD-CDG)

OLCI for me (FB Gold) and gf (FB Ivory)

Baggage drop at Espace Affaire (nice new perk : 2 dedicated Affaire security lines in 2F)

AF Lounge emptier than ever (No business passenger on Dec 28th...) with for once a decent selection of magazines (not much choice when I go through on late flights).

Among the last to board

Gate Agent scans barcode and machines shows "classe incoherente" message. GA then prints out a new BP in 2A.

I then indicates that I travel with my gf on same reservation. GA replies that he'll see if her BP will be UG too. Not. Tells me to ask on-board.

On-board pursuer muffles :td: about all the bad Op-Ups done at the gate, splitting couples and families.
No way to UG my gf or for me to seat next to her in Y:rolleyes:... (Tempo & Tempo challenge were full, ony 3 seats left in C).

Little bit OT but I had an different upgrade experience flying AM JFK-MEX in Y in september.
After boarding completed, after push back and while we where taxiing out for take off I got a very late upgrade to C. My neighbour couldn´t belive his eyes.
I could, and I enjoyed it very much....

So you must either be 1) family/friends of the crew 2) airline staff right?
:D

Well, ten years ago I used to date a SK stewardess. That must have been the reason......
But on the return leg I was really punished for that luck. At the gate I was promised an upgrade but ended up in the last row in the dreaded middle with no recline, stuck in between two big guys. Where did it all go wrong?:confused:
PE= Punishment Elite?

:D^