Can a gate agent upgrade someone because they like you or you tip them?
#61
Senior Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: San Francisco, CA
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As the subject of this is not limited to United, I'll move this to our TravelBuzz forum, to be merged with a key thread on the subject. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, United and TBuzz forums.
#62
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ravens Country
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Anything is possible as an Agent can upgrade whomever they want at anytime.
If you get into a good conversation with an agent and feel comfortable, ask them, the worst they could say is no.
If you get into a good conversation with an agent and feel comfortable, ask them, the worst they could say is no.
#63
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 5
I got "upgraded" to Business Class on SQ on a flight from Singapore to Johannesburg a few years ago.
We were already cruising when the FA asked me if I wanted to sit in Business Class. Of course I said yes and she brought me to my seat. I have no idea why she asked me (of the hundreds of other passengers) to move.
We were already cruising when the FA asked me if I wanted to sit in Business Class. Of course I said yes and she brought me to my seat. I have no idea why she asked me (of the hundreds of other passengers) to move.
#64
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2
Okay so here is my situation. I'm flying transatlantic on American Airlines with hubby tomorrow. He is going business class because work are paying as he is going for a meeting, but as I'm just tagging along I'm going economy. As of this evening there are 13 seats empty in business class. What are my chances of an upgrade so that I can join hubby and when/how is the best way to ask?
#65
Join Date: May 2005
Location: BRU
Programs: A3/Gold, BA/Gold + other less precious metals
Posts: 2,641
Okay so here is my situation. I'm flying transatlantic on American Airlines with hubby tomorrow. He is going business class because work are paying as he is going for a meeting, but as I'm just tagging along I'm going economy. As of this evening there are 13 seats empty in business class. What are my chances of an upgrade so that I can join hubby and when/how is the best way to ask?
BTW, I am sure this question has been asked and discussed many many times before. Stick around, have a look around the AA forum, use the search function and you can learn a lot
#66
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Posts: 12,509
<SNIP> Has anyone ever had any experience bribing a GA or check in agent for an op up?
I didn't think small time bribes had any place in a relatively rich country like the US. Then I heard about tipping $20 to get an upgrade at a hotel and it worked for me the first time I tried it!
I didn't think small time bribes had any place in a relatively rich country like the US. Then I heard about tipping $20 to get an upgrade at a hotel and it worked for me the first time I tried it!
#67
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2
Welcome to FT. I would say you have very little chances of being upgraded, unless Economy is overbooked and they need to upgrade people anyway.
BTW, I am sure this question has been asked and discussed many many times before. Stick around, have a look around the AA forum, use the search function and you can learn a lot
BTW, I am sure this question has been asked and discussed many many times before. Stick around, have a look around the AA forum, use the search function and you can learn a lot
I did use the search function which was how this thread came up.
#68
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
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Posts: 6,194
Okay so here is my situation. I'm flying transatlantic on American Airlines with hubby tomorrow. He is going business class because work are paying as he is going for a meeting, but as I'm just tagging along I'm going economy. As of this evening there are 13 seats empty in business class. What are my chances of an upgrade so that I can join hubby and when/how is the best way to ask?
#69
Join Date: May 2005
Location: BRU
Programs: A3/Gold, BA/Gold + other less precious metals
Posts: 2,641
#70
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Tucson, AZ
Programs: AA Gold (1 million+)
Posts: 3
Upgrade
As has been mentioned, as an FT from Ontario, CA to IAD, I was greeted by name and often upgraded by American. Of course, this was a few years back. When you have those appreciation chits, use them for the gate agents that do nice things for you and they will respond accordingly.
Gate agents have lots of power if you treat them properly.
Gate agents have lots of power if you treat them properly.
#73
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: AA PLT
Posts: 63
Does anyone know what types of "notes" are in the system regarding a pax? Over the past month i've made one complaint to AA, and one recognition to an AA FA via the customer service web site.. This month I've been 100% on upgrades.. Also, seems the GA's and TA's have been nicer to me..
#74
Former user name: laundrian
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NYC / LA
Programs: Moderator: Traveling with Jewelry, UA GS, Starwood
Posts: 384
When I was 15-16 years old, I got moved from E- to E+ all the time for free. I was just being talkative and make friends with the GA and TA. Being nice and make sweet comments really helped.
I got upgraded from Y to F by GAs and FAs because one of the FAs knew my ex husband who worked for UA at that time. Another time, I gave all the FAs and GAs chocolate on my flight and was "asked" to move to F.
The point is, being friendly and sweet to people in the service industry will get you far. MAKE THEM FEEL SPECIAL.
I got upgraded from Y to F by GAs and FAs because one of the FAs knew my ex husband who worked for UA at that time. Another time, I gave all the FAs and GAs chocolate on my flight and was "asked" to move to F.
The point is, being friendly and sweet to people in the service industry will get you far. MAKE THEM FEEL SPECIAL.
#75
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MEL
Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.
Posts: 3,205
Okay so here is my situation. I'm flying transatlantic on American Airlines with hubby tomorrow. He is going business class because work are paying as he is going for a meeting, but as I'm just tagging along I'm going economy. As of this evening there are 13 seats empty in business class. What are my chances of an upgrade so that I can join hubby and when/how is the best way to ask?