Getting F by lying - would this tactic ever work?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: Ozark - Tin; Eastern - Lead; Local Hoosegow - Copper;
Posts: 913
#2
Moderator: American AAdvantage




Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT EXP; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I hope not, not ever. Someone who does that is a liar, and untrustworthy.
Of course, the rest of the article is pretty much bullcookies too, avoiding mention of things like earning elite status in an affinity program that rewards one for actual utilization of the company's offerings.
Of course, the rest of the article is pretty much bullcookies too, avoiding mention of things like earning elite status in an affinity program that rewards one for actual utilization of the company's offerings.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Feb 2003
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Sounds like every article about getting a free upgrade that doesn't originate from Flyertalk. i.e. a load of rubbish
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend




Join Date: Jul 2002
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Any article that advises pax to arrive as late as possible for a flight is irresponsible. You have a far greater chance of missing your flight than you do of getting an upgrade.
Besides, with today's loads, it is rare that they have upgrade room available at the gate.
Aside of the fact that the approach itself is horsepuckey to begin with...
Besides, with today's loads, it is rare that they have upgrade room available at the gate.
Aside of the fact that the approach itself is horsepuckey to begin with...
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Originally Posted by alanh
I agree with one of the comments that the gate agents have had to have heard every line there is.
Looks like someone needed a blog to fill.
#9


Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: NW Gold, '06. Good times.
Posts: 7,456
The Wall Street Journal article at the bottom was interesting - and free. ^
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114653336888641120.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114653336888641120.html
#10
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DXB
Programs: TG Gold, NW Gold and various other bits of plastic...
Posts: 568
Dress smart...
I know I've been upgraded when I've been dressed smartly but the upgrade was because I was top tier on that airline's FF program and my class of travel was oversold. I've also been upgraded from Biz to First on a long haul flight when dressed casually (thank you Cathay Pacific!
) so I know that a suit is not a pre-requisite.After flying SYD > LAX > LHR > HEL in economy in a suit years ago, I gave up on this as a method of getting upgrades. I have wondered though if there is any truth to it or if it's just another urban myth.
#11



Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Nr. Lugano
Programs: LH SEN, IHG Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 1,615
Originally Posted by grahamb
Has anyone ever been upgraded because they are dressed smartly?
That has not happened to me, but it did happen once to a guy I was travelling with. I ended up in F and he ended up in C, where he had been booked. You should have seen how he was dressed for the next flight!!! Looked like he was going to the opera.
#12
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DXB
Programs: TG Gold, NW Gold and various other bits of plastic...
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Originally Posted by Snoopy
I'd ask a slightly different question: Has anyone ever NOT been upgraded because of how they are dressed?
That has not happened to me, but it did happen once to a guy I was travelling with. I ended up in F and he ended up in C, where he had been booked. You should have seen how he was dressed for the next flight!!! Looked like he was going to the opera.
That has not happened to me, but it did happen once to a guy I was travelling with. I ended up in F and he ended up in C, where he had been booked. You should have seen how he was dressed for the next flight!!! Looked like he was going to the opera.

And more importantly, did he get an upgrade on the next flight - that would be convincing evidence for me
(still wouldn't make me wear a suit on a long haul flight though...)
#13
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Originally Posted by grahamb
... Has anyone ever been upgraded because they are dressed smartly?
In fact, on one occasion in SCL I'm quite positive that it was my sportsjacket that brought a T/A back to me in the lineup to check my ticket and offer me an upgrade if I took another flight two hours later. Made no difference to me as I had a 7 hour layover in Sao Paulo.
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: Ozark - Tin; Eastern - Lead; Local Hoosegow - Copper;
Posts: 913
Originally Posted by AC110
It's pretty much impossible to say for sure, but I think the best strategy is to dress smartly (my favoured uniform is blazer, khakis, dressy shirt), be pleasant .
...and of course he waited until right before the screening to do all this because he was closing a big deal (I think with Domino's) on his phone while waiting in line.
#15



Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Nr. Lugano
Programs: LH SEN, IHG Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Gold
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Originally Posted by grahamb
But was the way he was dressed the only difference between you? I've had that happen but it's because I've been on a higher tier in the FF program.
And more importantly, did he get an upgrade on the next flight - that would be convincing evidence for me
(still wouldn't make me wear a suit on a long haul flight though...)
And more importantly, did he get an upgrade on the next flight - that would be convincing evidence for me
(still wouldn't make me wear a suit on a long haul flight though...)As for the next flight, neither of us were upgraded, but he still dresses better than he used to and I understand that he has been lucky on a couple of occasions since then.



