Upgrading an unknown pax
 

I was heading from LAS to MSP last week and noticed that FC wasn't full.
I was kind of curious if any Gold or Plat FTs have upgraded a person that they didn't know? If so, how did they approach the person and what reaction did they receive?

I know of at least one specific person on FT who used to do it all the time. Not sure about the method, though. I'm a newly minted Gold so haven't had the opportunity to do so myself.

I've done it several times, though I haven't had much opportunity to do it lately with F so full...

BTW, welcome to FT, coldfeet. :)

Sometimes I inquire at the gate if a plat companion upgrade will clear. If I get a yes, then I look for someone who is easy for me to approach (someone my age - 20s). Once I sneak a peek at their boarding pass to make sure they're currently in Coach, I ask them if they'd like to upgrade to First for free as my guest.

One time in SJC, I asked the GA to pick someone deserving or else just put the next person they talk to on the FC standby list as my plat companion. It's easier if they'll do the hard work. :)

This was discussed quite a while ago, personally although the sentiment is wonderful - I would feel the other pax may think there is an ulterior motive :D

I always look for single military people sitting around the boarding area. This isn't as easy as it used to be as it appears many military now travel in civilian clothes. Anyway, if I see someone I just go up to the gate agent and ask if there are any companion seats available in F. If there are, I just point out the soldier and the GA invariably will walk over to him/her and ask for their boarding pass, telling them they are being upgraded. In my experience, GAs are usually very willing to do this. I've done this probably four or five times in the past couple years.

You got me thinking...
 

You are certainly nice guys,

I never thought about doing that. I would be afraid that they would think that I would start handing out cult brochures or something while they are eating their pasta+shredded beef 'lunch' (if you want to call it that). But, on my route through YEG there is usually space in FC so maybe next time I'll have a look around and think more seriously about this.

Thanks for the suggestion,

J

LOL .. I had a bad experience trying to give the guy seated next to me my pizza roll snack on my last LGW-DTW flight. He had asked for another, the FA told him he couldn't have another, so I gave him mine (in front of her just in spite). He spent the next several minutes questioning my motives. I can't imagine what would have happened had I offered him a better seat... :)

Thom

If you're a single-type, you could always look around and find someone whom you wouldn't mind getting to know a little better for a couple of hours. :D

In any case, it's a nice gesture if you can make it happen.

I observed the results of one of those Platinum "semi-random acts of kindness" coming out of LAS. An asute though possibly somewhat sleazy businessman selected a woman in the gate area who appeared interesting to him (out of respect for the dignity of this message board, I will not mention other descriptive terms for how this woman appeared to the rest of the world), and he offered her a companion upgrade.
Once on board, the free alcohol flowed like the Mississippi River. The woman was impressed! Half way through the flight, initiation into the Mile-High Club (or something like it) ensued. I can't or won't prove it, and it's not yet in my job description to investigate what's taking place under blankets and coats used as covers, but there may have been some activity going on.
So, when they came up for air, I asked if they were married. They both giggled like teenagers. The woman visited me in the galley, and asked if I thought she had met her soulmate. She wanted to know if there was chemistry between them that was apparent to others.
The man later came up and asked why on earth I asked if they were married. "I just met her in the gate area. I gave her a companion upgrade. I hope you don't think she would represent my taste in women. I'm very particular. By the way, are YOU single, or looking around for a friend??"
AHHHHHHH--the Las Vegas market.
So, yeah, there are a few Plats who have radar and ulterior motives in assigning companion upgrades.

He must have been a gold member...a plat wouldn't do that ;)

Hey, what happens in 4A, stays in 4A. :)

nice looking or hot...
 

I only have one question:

Is the lady good looking or hot? :confused:

[QUOTE=rambling]AHHHHHHH--the Las Vegas market. [QUOTE]

So does the idea "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" apply on the flight home?? Hum....