If the agent is particularly friendly, on USAirways they often write "Chairman's Preferred" or just "ChPREF" all over my ticket. (Three or four times!) I haven't noticed any better treatment because of it, but then again I really haven't had any bad treatment either

onedog: don't have any idea what "PPP" meant. How to advice: ask politely "any chance of upgrade?" or something like that, always courteously, with smile. Always works(ed) well for Nathan, not always successfully but that's life on the fast track. Other advice: heed experienced good folks on this forum, folks like PremEx, onefreeman, JeffS, Rudi, many others, all nice folks; they know the ropes. Ignore all who belly ache, complain, continuously.

Nathan,
Excellent POINT!! True, you need to always go into the airport with a positive attitude. I know it does not always happen (sometimes it is hard to not bring the real world into the airport). But when I do, I thank everyone for great service, offer to help someone with a bag,etc. Thank the security gate. And remind the person at the RCC of what a great service they provide (and use their names if on their uniforms).

Alot of times when you appreciate and show interest in the airline employees, they remember you and you are the one chosen for an operational upgrade ("to free up coach") or get to "ride upfront since it is not full".

They are really nice that way.... I am always impressed how the airline people remember you (if you are nice or mean)

dg1:
My boarding passes are always stamped with that red Chairman's Preferred stamp, and then the agent circles CHAIRMAN'S PREFERRED under my name in the stub.

It saves having to show my card when boarding early, if I didn't get upgraded.

CP

Onedog: The complimentary upgrades I have received (on UA) fall in two categories:
1. Coach is overbooked and they need the space so they start with the 1Ks and work back until they have enough coach seats. I have probably received no more than five of these this year. For the most recent one they actually paged me in the RCC and to advise me that they were upgrading me. I had not checked in at this airport (connecting flight) so it was a pleasant surprise.
2. For some unknown reason I get upgraded. My theory is that the gate agent just decides to upgrade me to be nice. I will never argue with someone who wants to be nice to me. The last time this happended, I was selected for the random security check and I could not check my bags with the Skycap. I mentioned this to the check-in desk and he took a long time to check me in, making a call to the gate. He said "I must be in a good mood today" and handed me a FC boarding pass. I made sure he understood how much I appreciated this good mood of his.

The purpose of writing (or stamping) Chairman Preferred on US tickets is to explain to accounting why there are no upgrade coupons attached (that level does not require them).

That makes sense, deelmakur. I'd say only half the time do they write it on the ticket; I'm surprised I've never seen the stamp at the Pittsburgh hub (you'd think they'd have a lot of ChPref's there).

As per boarding early, I think USAirways is pretty terrible about actually turning people away. In my career at US I've only seen one agent ever turn someone away. A few times I've seen them go 'You're not supposed to board now, but go ahead anyway, just this time!'

The only airline I've seen effectively manage pre-boarding is Vanguard airlines. Every time I fly them they turn people back -- and not just make them wait on the side. Sometimes they make them go to the back of the line. <g> Almost makes up for not having first class to see those punks get what's coming to them

I like PremEx's suggestion of maybe bonuses when you reach like 150K or 200K. (if you do I salute you.) I think 100K is enough.

Unless I must do a LOT of flying for work and other things, I'm happy being PremEx. It's nice to be PremEx.

There are those flyers who would see 200K, get obsessed wtih miles, and never be home! (It would be tough for folks like me with "children.")

I second that.. families and Elite status are definitly not friendly with each other.

My wife and children agree with LAX1K.

I have a family?!

. . . but absence makes the heart grow fonder

LOL!!!

Well on a positive note, we have to fly to Chicago this weekend for an overnight party (my wife's Christmas party). Her company is sending us coach on United... I actually get to show her the perks of me traveling soooo much. I have the outbound confirmed in FIRST

Nice lunch.. and Some really annoying movie, but hey, she will be comfortable.

dg1, they always write on your ticket if you are upgraded. Many times it's just the initials "CHPR". As for pre-boards, nothing beats Florida flights. Half the plane gets on during the early boarding call. They call them "miracle flights" because when they land most of these people come flying off, somehow magically cured of their infirmities! As for elites, I noticed the other day at Newark that people were getting on along with them by flashing their Continental Chase Platinum credit cards, which look very similar to O/P cards if the agent doesn't check closely. Love it.

Why of course you have a family PremEx!

Your Flyertalk brothers and sisters.

Well, at least CAT HAIRED COVERED LITTLE BROTHER!

In fact we are all brothers and sisters (as least this is the way I see the world!



[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 12-16-1999).]