Free upgrades?
Jul 22, 2008 | 9:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Nishinomiya, Japan
Programs: NWA, UA, US Airways
Posts: 7
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
Thanks,
Steve
Jul 22, 2008 | 10:20 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2006
Location: CGK & PBI
Programs: Cruise addict and AirBNB Plat :)
Posts: 3,320
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.
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.
Jul 23, 2008 | 12:24 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Programs: Delta Airlines, Sun Country Airlines
Posts: 1,602
Not Just An Empty Suit
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?
-A
Jul 23, 2008 | 6:25 am
#4
Join Date: May 2003
Location: MSP - NW Gold - PC Plat - Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 2,478
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............
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............
Jul 23, 2008 | 7:30 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Alexandria, VA, USA NW Platinum Elite Since 1999, United GoldMM, Hyatt Discoverist, SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hertz #1 Gold, IC Ambassador
Posts: 7,451
It's worked for me a few times... sans suit... you just need to practice "the speech" a few times
Jul 23, 2008 | 12:35 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 90
It never worked for me unless the coach was oversold.