Free upgrades?
 

I've heard from a few friends that they have gotten free upgrades to business class by going early to the check-in counter or gate agent -- dressed in a business suit -- and simply asking if there are any business class seats available. I am rather skeptical that this works, especially now. Has anyone tried this on NWA, particularly in Japan? How successful or unsuccessful have they been?

Thanks,
Steve

Be prepare for the GA to ask whether you'd like to pay with miles or credit card ;)

And the "suit" trick wouldn't work for NRT/KIX/NGO as most Japanese pax tends to wear suit whether they're in J/Y.

Not Just An Empty Suit
 

A crisp "Benjamin" tucked into the corner of a box of Krispy Kreme's discreetly presented to the GA is also required with that "suit"... :D

-A

Ahhhhh the good old days............
 

When aircraft were half empty.
When food was served and drinks were free.
When you KNEW they sincerely appreciated your patronage
When there were warm scented towels to refresh myself.
When everyone on the plane had on "Sunday-go-to-church" clothes.
When the FA's wore white gloves and hats in the terminals, and smiled while they hung up coats, stored luggage.
When paper head rests were changed by cleaners after every segment and in first class there were cloth head rests
When the meal was a steak dinner served on china oblongs with stainless cutlery. Afterwards we were served strawberry shortcake with real whipping cream.

Ahhhhh the good old days............

It's worked for me a few times... sans suit... you just need to practice "the speech" a few times ;)

It never worked for me unless the coach was oversold.