Upgrade Tales
 

The editors of InsideFlyer are doing some research on upgrades, and are soliciting some real-world stories. If you've got one to share, we'd really appreciate it:

What is the most unusual thing you have ever done to secure an upgrade?

As I am currently wait-listed on American for an upgrade to First using a 20N award, I'm interested in any ways to get off the wait-list and on to the confirmed list!! Don't be shy, share your secrets!

Why would we want to tell our secrets to the airlines? ...let me think...so they can figure out ways to stop us! But if you must know...just be nice to the airline employees. OH NO! now the airlines are going to tell all their employees not to be nice anymore *L*

Being nice to the gate agent has its plus side. I got into a pleasant chat with a gate agent in DTW a month ago. I came right out and told her she had incredibly beautiful eyes. Without even asking or thinking about it, I got to fly home to SEA in first class.

Beeing nice to the employees helps in many cases (I some times bring "my" local Airline-employees some Swiss chocolate).

One more story: On the Sunday, when Germany played the US in the world-soccer-championship-tournament, IAD was closed because of bad weather for about one and a half hours, which made the last flight to Europe totally overbooked of late coming-in passangers - economy and business on UA to FRA was overfull, the lady at the Red Carpet (I shared some Swiss chocolate with her before), after a short phone-call with the gate, gave me a free double-upgrade from eco to first (because of my status 1K she said).

True story......I volunteered to "bump" on an AA flight. They did not need me, but did give me a first class upgrade for volunteering. I found my seat and moments after the flight was air bound a flight attendant was trying to help a passenger in the front row of "coach" class (elderly) who had leg problems. He had all of the leg room coach class could offer. I offered to give my first class seat to this elderly man so his leg was not as painful for him as it would be in the limited legroom area associated with coach class. (He was not trying to "con" the attendant.) The flight attendant was very grateful, but could really do nothing for me at the time. She suggested that I explain to the airport reservations supervisor on my next trip the sitution I had encountered. I did! The supervisor gave me a first class upgrade. I really like American Airlines! Their food service has deteriorated (in my esimation), but the PEOPLE are GREAT!!!!!

Being nice gets you upgraded. And patience
helps too. I put in my upgrade requests as
early as possible and only ask for them once.
Then I sit and wait.

Twice on United the gate person would wave me
over and say "We found a little room for you
up front, thanks for waiting" because I did
not go up every two minutes and say "are all
first seats full?"

Most time the airlines put me in the first few rows in coach in the aisle anyway when I can't pay first.

Twice with cancelled flights they upgraded me
to first because they probably saw my face
was nine different colors from running between terminals, I was tried and had to
get home. I'm guessing maybe more it was
because there was space.

So my record for upgrades this year is about
65-70 percent. Passing. CATMAN

Catman it will be 99.5% next year on United (you will reach 1K don't you?)

I am a Premier Executive flyer on United, and nearly every time that I want to upgrade, I have not had any trouble. There have been two or three occasions when I have gone stand-by on earlier flights, then upgraded ahead of other flyers because of my status.

I have only had two complimentary upgrades. Both happened this summer.

The first was a packed flight from DEN to MCI (Kansas City). They wanted to pack the coach cabin, so they bumped me up to first class.

The second was part of very long tale. I was planning a move to Dallas from San Francisco, and I was already close to Executive status on United, so I wanted to improve my status on American since they dominate DFW. I had a trip to Sao Paulo (GRU) from SFO planned in July. I was going to take AA through JFK down to Brazil. My flight to JFK was fine, although you do NOT want seat 2B on a 767 since people will walk all over you during the boarding. When I got to the Admiral's Club at 9:30 PM and learned that my 10:30 departure was now 1 AM. On a full fare Business Class ticket, I could change to any airline, so I asked them to call United--I had taken the United flight in June. Talking to the ticket counter was not a help (they could not confirm a seat for me), so I had them call the Red Carpet Club. The Red Carpet staff put me on the plane in Business Class, and then I raced over to terminal 6 in a cab (for my 10:45 departure). Once I was on the plane, the gate agent came on and upgraded me (and another gentleman) to First Class for the long 10 hour flight.

Had one case of an upgrade which is a little unusual. Flying from SNA to DEN on UA, my travel agent had unknowlingly to me requested a complimentary Premier 1000 mile upgrade. I got to the gate and the agent told me that my upgrade had gone thru. I mentioned that I did not want to upgrade and that I did not have a certificate. However, UA had in the meanwhile filled my coach seat. As the agent looked thru the computer, she decided that since coach was now oversold, she would have to put me in First with no certificate. I told her I would be glad to send the certificate, she said that it would not be necessary. It occurred to me that you could use this technique over and over, but each of the next few times I was waitlisted for an upgrade, the agent asked me if I had my certificate, which leads me to believe that the agent at SNA had entered something in the computer. As a result, I have not nor will not ask for an upgrade without a certificate.

Once (and only once) about two years ago I was checking in on a coach ticket on a 3-class trans-continental (UA). The RCC agent told me that I had been given a "complimentary 2-class upgrade." I was only premier at the time, and the plane was only about half full, so I never could figure out how or why. At the time I assumed it was thanks to my having just surpassed 25,000 miles for that year, but in retrospect, I can't see why they'd appreciate that so much...

MATT WALD: I would need to see a picture of you - before I can judge why ...

A two class upgrade, Matt Wald? I salute you, because I'm lucky to get a one class
upgrade. Never heard of jumping two classes,
and I've been at least Premier for five years.

British once upgraded me from coach to first
but the very nice flight attendant said
they needed to balance out the weight of the
plane (I was 6 foot two and had a little bit
of weight on me, which with all this traveling has since gone except in the gut.) CATMAN

So Catman, did the plane get out of balance and wobble everytime you left your seat?
:)

I really envy all these upgrade tales in the US. As a frequent flyer in Asia with elite status at various points in time with Qantas, Ansett, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, I have to say that the number of "free" upgrades have been few and far between, say a 2 p.a average over the last 5 years despite averaging anywhere from 300 - 700 kms p.a. (60 - 100 flight segments approx) over this period generaly on Business Class. And when I mean elite, I mean elite as in Qantas Gold (the highest level), Ansett Diamond (the highest), PPS on SIA(need 5 years consecutive to make Solitaire, I am on 3rd), Marco Polo (just joined, will make Diamond before long). But then again, I guess the frequent flyer game is still young ou here. There aren't even that many affinity cards for the programmes out here.

I really envy all these upgrade tales in the US. As a frequent flyer in Asia with elite status at various points in time with Qantas, Ansett, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific, I have to say that the number of "free" upgrades have been few and far between, say a 2 p.a average over the last 5 years despite averaging anywhere from 300 - 700 kms p.a. (60 - 100 flight segments approx) over this period generaly on Business Class. And when I mean elite, I mean elite as in Qantas Gold (the highest level), Ansett Diamond (the highest), PPS on SIA(need 5 years consecutive to make Solitaire, I am on 3rd), Marco Polo (just joined, will make Diamond before long). But then again, I guess the frequent flyer game is still young ou here. There aren't even that many affinity cards for the programmes out here.

I wish I could thank my rugged good looks and DiCaprio-esque boyish charm to my 2-class jump, but alas...
My best guess is computer screw-up, or maybe some random act of kindness by a reservation agent somewhere along the way...I'm not holding my breath for a repeat!

long long ago (in my pre-frequent-flyer-life), about in 1989, on Thanksgiving-evening (only Europeans can get the idea to fly on such a family-date) we flew with UA from LAS to DEN. We were not more than 4 passengers, all seated in eco as we have been "told", when the Steward invited all of us to join the crew (I think they were 6 or 7) in firstclass to celebrate .... It was my first life-thanksgiving - since then I am a UA-client.

So I found this old thread...

When I was a student I used to do a tri-continent commute every summer. At one point BA upgraded me after I'd spent a night asleep on the floor at Heathrow outside someone's office (I couldn't afford a B&B) - I must have looked tired, & was on the cheapest student fare they sold...

When I finished my final year at university I missed my original flight thanks to a stoned taxi-driver who left one of my bags behind. I had to wait for two days to make all of the connections again. They upgraded me for the first intercontinental flight on that trip - a few days before Christmas. And they gave me club world airmiles.

Perhaps looking young & fragile works - but thanks to those incidents, BA has my undying devotion, unlike other airlines that treated me really badly when I travelled on student fares. I've been upgraded since, but I've never appreciated it as much as I did on those first two occasions.

My academic friends tell me that being a 'doctor' also helps with upgrades - PhDs I know get upgraded fairly often.

After reading the above post, from now on I want to be called Dr. J! *L*

Double upgrades were leagal on UA through 1996.You just had to have double the amount of certs.Now it's illegal on UA.Like Rudi and Catman said being nice is the best way to secure an upgrade.

Sometimes the dispensing of upgrades is just plain mysterious. My partner and I were flying on a very full US Airways plane from Washington National to Nashville last Christmas. Neither of us has any premier status with US. About 10 minutes before boarding, the gate agent called my name, asked for our boarding passes, and without a word she tore them up and handed me 1st class boarding passes. I started to ask why, and she made it clear I shouldn't ask. Wish I could figure it out so I could do it again.

I am sending a change of name to all my FF accounts...from now on "Dr." will proceed my name! *L* Wonder if they are going to ask for my degree? ...I watch lots of educational programs on TV, does that count? I will be sure to clarify that I am NOT a medical doctor...I wouldn't want someone on a flight to have a heart attack and have the flight attendant call out "is anyone on this flight a doctor?"

Just claim to be a doctor of something obscure, & if they press you on it, start talking about your 'research' using lots of jargon.

Just pray that there isn't someone who really knows about it around!

Well,I am a doctor. How do I go about getting the airline to recognize me as doctor so I can get all these upgrades?

Welcome aboard, Tex. As a fellow TEXAN, I would recommend, if you're determined, as most of us on these threads are, try a little kindness with the gate agents utilizing your medical/doctoral expertise. Or, make friends with a CO Gold Elite and you can get upgraded as a travelling companion.

Baobab:

I have to tell this story. I flew SLC-PDX - SEL - PEK recently. I had just gotten seated in business on the transpacific leg when the EM BEE AAY seated next to me started blathering about his degree from Temple. Suddenly, the lead flight attendent came by and said: "Dr Quan, we've upgraded you to First, come right this way!" MBA's jaw dropped to the floor as I waved 'bye.'

I have instructed my travel agent -not- to book me as Dr Quan but she slipped up this time. I don't associate travelling as an MD with any privileges. I don't relish being called to an inflight medical emergency with so little to work with and all that liability... In all my flying I've never received the 'Doctor upgrade.' I didn't think for a minute that was the reason. But it sure was fun to one up an MBA!

Jim

Doctors and other professionals should have
a chance to be upgraded. But I will NOT
tell a lie and say I'm a doctor (What would
I be... A doctor of Feline Psychology?)

I leave my upgrading chances to the Frequent Flyer Gods. What will be will be...CATMAN

Welcome aboard to you also, jimquan. Your comments are greatly appreciated, especially your "upgrade tale". I have a few MD friends and many of them feel as you do about
the liabilities, etc. Although Texas has a law that prevents MD's, or anyone, rendering
aid from being sued, it still does not apply to out-of-Texas travel. Again, welcome aboard, and we look forward to your future inputs.

well jimquan, the flight attendant may have heard the MBA going on & on and decided to take revenge on them..

The doctors I know who've been upgraded are 'academic' doctors - PhD's in abstract math, chemistry etc - not generally people who get to fly in the front of the plane. One penniless post-doctoral fellow I know was upgraded while his (less qualified) girlfriend was left in economy. He'd have been no help in a medical emergency!

But, if you look back at my upgrade tales from my student days (no PhD/MBA or other), titles don't seem to have much to do with it. I spent my first trip in business trying to hide the rips in my jeans. It is, indeed, merely a case of being blessed by the upgrade gods.

Catman, you seem to have the upgrade routine down pat: being moved to 'balance the plane' sounds a little far fetched, particularly as I've seen the inner workings of BA's cargo section, & even a 400 pound person wouldn't disturb the wings. Now if they asked you to get off the plane because it couldn't take off with you aboard... that would make more sense! (Airports like Cape Town can be hard to get out of)

Maybe BA moved me because they were nice. They seem to have the nicest employees over
there (THough I don't know about their Club
Rooms.) The weight thing may have been out
that but at the time I had a little bit more
in my gut area then I do now.

In the world of upgrades I think our fate's
in the hands of the upgrade Gods... If they are in a good mood then we are enjoying FIRST. CATMAN

On Seinfeld during an episode of Bob Cobb wanting to be called Maestro instead of Bob, a scene went something like this...

Jerry: "Elaine, from now on, I want to be called Jerry the Great"

Elaine: "I'm not going to call you that"

Jerry: "Why not? I'm Jerry, and I'm Great!"

Personally, I don't like the idea of people bringing their professional titles outside of their own environment. In the hospital, a MD can be called Dr.., at an institution of higher learning, a PhD. can be call Dr., At the White House or on Capital hill, the Mr. Clinton can add "President" to his title; in a English place of royalty, Charles(forgot his last name) can be referred to as Prince Charles, in the courtroom, a judge is "your honor", and while on active duty, you can add your rank to your title, but outside of one's environment for which their title applies, Mr. or Ms. is all that I think is appropriate. A person with a PhD means they passed an 8-year curriculum and a Prince accomplished the act of being born...so???, you are still Mr. or Ms. to me! ...no wait...maybe I do like titles afterall...how about Supreme Prince Justin ...wow!!! ...I am now royalty! Anyone else want a title? For 10 bucks I can make you into a King or Queen. *L*

Justin: I feel so ashamed now - I will immediately remove my academic title (whid understand anyway outside Europe) from my profile.

And now I feel so naked - you did stole the "kings" (my) clothes.

Justin: I feel so ashamed now - I will immediately remove my academic title (which nobody did understand anyway outside Europe) from my profile.

And now I feel so naked - you did stole the "kings" (my) clothes.

Herr Doktor Professor Rudi...

I think it's okay to have a title on your profile: if you're a Dr, you're a Dr.

What would be wrong would be to expect upgrades because of a title. A lot of the time airlines look for SFU people, & perhaps they choose some people with the label Dr in the hope that they are better dressed/better mannered than the average passenger.

Personally, I don't like the whole Mr/Ms/Mrs/Miss nonsense - I always said that the only title I'd ever use would be Dr, because you have to earn it. So my profile is just first name/last name. (no PhD...)

The doctors I know do fly in coach too, Justin... it's just a theory about the upgrades.

I'm not into the title stuff at all (Dr.
Mr. etc.)

Just call me Mark. Or CATMAN. CATMAN

baobab, I guess the idea that someone would get something that others do not, simply because they have a title, makes me a little upset...even if the title is "earned". If the academic community wishes to recognize someone with 8 years of college with a special title, like Dr., then fine...but in public...I think the title is rather arrogant. Both of my parents have their Doctorates, but I have never recalled them using their titles outside of the University.

I think I will take my newly-thought-of name and create "Dr. J"...wow!...I just saved 8 years of college. ...today's special...get an enhanced title of "Dr." for just 5 bucks! ..and if you are very wealthly...I will add "$." as a title so everyone will know you got big bucks.

Ok, I think I'm done. Did I get the Nancy/Emmitt award for today????

No awards today! nancy, herself, got it in the 12:33 p.m. AA post.

Okay (backing away from the sensitive subject...)

The impression I've had is that airlines determine upgrades primarily on ff-status, followed by fare basis, traveller profile & appearance, not necessarily in that order. The wild card that beats all the others is individual airline employee's discretion.

The last time I was upgraded, the check in agent made a phonecall to someone else, stating that there was a note that she should call when I checked in. After a brief conversation (and without my requesting anything) she told me I was being upgraded & gave me my boarding card. My guess is that I was upgraded thanks to my ff-status/profile.

So keep flying Justin - the Gold card/1K etc ffs are the ones who get the most upgrades. (and Catman, of course)

Justin... you stuck to the topic and it was
frequent flyer related: Does title/appearance
improve chances of upgrades??

I have been upgraded in Levi denim Jacket
and Converse High tops and went on the wait
list in a Hickey Freeman/Nordstrom dress
suit. I don't have a title (except CATMAN)
so that doesn't give me an advantage.

What I will do when I have the time (after my
trips) is to do the percentage of upgrades.
As PremEx my percentage is around 75-80, but
I end up on the most in demand flights (chiccago, L-A.)

Maybe someone with cat hair on his clothes
gets upgraded faster!!! CATMAN