Tipping to get a flight upgrade will it work? has it worked?

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Sep 17, 2007 | 1:11 am

#16

Mr. Roboto

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: Southern California, USA

Posts: 1,393

Quote:

Originally Posted by moondog

I'll chime in. My boss attempts to bribe his way into C or F every single time he flies. Well to be fair, sometimes he "asks" about the cost of a paid upgrade, but more often than not, he simply utters the words "first class" and throws money ($50 intra-China, $100 intra-Asia, $300 for tpac or Asia to Europe) on the counter in a discreet way. His success rate is VERY high....

I knew someone who use to this all the time back in the 80's/early 90's, except his M.O. was to ask the inflight purser in a discreet manner. He had a good success rate (>70%) and would do this mainly on long-haul flights operated by European carriers. He usually tipped at least US$10 per flight time hour. He said that European crew are very discreet and if it didn't work they wouldn't give him any attitude during the long flight if he had to remain in the back. Also, European unions are very strong and one would have to practically commit a crime to be terminated from a job.

Sep 17, 2007 | 9:45 am

#17

shiner

Join Date: Mar 2005

Posts: 447

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Roboto

Also, European unions are very strong and one would have to practically commit a crime to be terminated from a job.

I think you could argue that the purser would be committing a crime by accepting personal payment for something that the airline sells. If that isn't theft or embezzlement...

Sep 17, 2007 | 9:49 am

#18

Mr H

Join Date: Jun 2007

Location: MEL

Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.

Posts: 3,205

As a member of one of the strong European Unions (not as strong as people might think), I'd say that the purser accepting a bribe to upgrade someone wouldn't have a leg to stand on if he were caught and sacked. Unions are not against wrongdoers being disciplined - especially in situations where co-workers have lost out through the wrongdoing - but they do ensure that proper processes are followed and that workers who are accused of wrongdoings have access to good advice and a fair hearing.

Sep 17, 2007 | 9:57 am

#19

OttoMH

Join Date: Jan 2007

Location: RTM

Programs: DiamondClub (rip), Currently an Alliance Treble Champion (BA, A3, AZ)

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Worth a go I'd say.. Or do you get Guantanamo treatment for attempted bribery in the States?

Sep 17, 2007 | 9:59 am

#20

Spiff

Moderator: Coupon Connection & S.P.A.M

Join Date: May 2000

Location: Louisville, KY

Programs: Destination Unknown, TSA Disparager Diamond (LTDD)

Posts: 58,133

Quote:

Originally Posted by frebay

i have never tried tipping at the airport in an attempt to get an upgrade and was wondering if anyone ever tried. If I am flying intl, I would be willing to tip 500-1000 if they upgrade my seats to business.

That's not a tip. It's a bribe.

Sep 17, 2007 | 10:02 am

#21

Kettering Northants QC

Join Date: Feb 2005

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Programs: Virgin FC, Qantas, Golden Circle, Sofitel, Hyatt, Starwood, Nectar, and my Tesco Club Card

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Quote:

Originally Posted by shiner

I think you could argue that the purser would be committing a crime by accepting personal payment for something that the airline sells. If that isn't theft or embezzlement...

I'm sure some people working out of Heathrow back in the 80s for a prominant British airline were running this scam and got prosecuted (and presumably fired).

This sort of thing seems to work well for Vegas hotel rooms by all accounts on the Vegas forum.

Sep 17, 2007 | 10:06 am

#22

Kettering Northants QC

Join Date: Feb 2005

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Posts: 1,773

[QUOTE=moondog;8412037]....My boss attempts to bribe his way into C or F every single time he flies. ....more often than not, he simply utters the words "first class" and throws money ($50 intra-China, $100 intra-Asia, $300 for tpac or Asia to Europe) on the counter in a discreet way.

.... I think part of his good fortune has to do with his personality; while he's not attractive in the slightest, he's not the kind of guy that gets told "no" very often. Oh, and even more impressive, ....[QUOTE]

I'm not sure I'd have used the word "impressive"

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