I've taken NZ Prem Economy LAX-LHR. While not ideal, their service and a few extra inches of legroom made the flight more palatable. I think NZ is also coming up with a different pod-like design for their premium economy too, as well as their lieflat bed idea for economy if you purchase the entire row.

I have had many operational upgrades on transatlantic flights for free. They are far more than one out there, and there are quite a few threads here where others have gotten them.

They do happen, and with a bit of seat selection planning you could, at one time, significantly increase your chance of getting one. I would also guess that most people who had a system that was working for them on even an infrequent basis would not be discussing it on a message board, as that's for sure the quickest way to get it shut down.

For example in the how to upgrade Star Alliance Master thread
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/star-...rs-thread.html

Op ups Common on certain flights (eg some transatlantic). Processed in order of status - UA M+ top elites then *G.

You could consider a day flight from NYC-LON if your company pays for the layover.

These are already in place on their flights between AKL-LAX-LHR. I flew that route last August and it is a good step up in service (business class food), free drinks and a lot more space than economy.

I've not tried the cuddle class option (skycouch), where a row of economy seats is converted into a couch for two to share.

Me, a few times (perhaps 4 or 5) on AA. Combined with Mike Cordelli's post above, we've already passed your 1.

Try booking a YUP fare.

C is business, right? My family was upgraded to business on Continental going from Detroit to London (don't remember which airport, it was a while ago).

Drink lots of wine.

Happened to me twice and I had no status - once on AA JFK to London (and I was on a FF economy award ticket, booked with my brother-in-law's miles), and once on Aer Lingus from Dublin to JFK. Also got upgraded to Premium Economy JFK to London once on Virgin Atlantic.

Not a blanket but my own shawl or pashmina ;) I get very dry on flights which is aleviated somewhat by covering my nose/mouth. I guess it increases humidity. Yes, I realise it probably looks stupid, but I'm probably not seeing any of you again so I couldn't care less. It's also another good reason for me to be sitting in a window seat, I feel more hidden.

If you fly with Air Canada, once you get status you get e-upgrades you cna use to upgrade. A friend was kind enough to use his to u/g me on both legs of my transatlantic flights last month. In the past I have been op-uped a few times, full flights, equipment changes etc. but it seems less common these days (as FFers are using e-upgrades, last minute purchased upgrades etc).