Upgraded without a request
Jan 22, 2009 | 12:40 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Los Angeles / Basel
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 27,399
Jan 22, 2009 | 12:46 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SF CA USA. I love large faceless corporations. And they cherish me in return (sometimes). ;)
Programs: UA Premier Gold/disappointed 1MM, HH Gold, IHG Plat, MB lifetime Gold, BW Diam Sel
Posts: 17,819
I've been u/g a few time without request or expense as a 2P/1P on a discounted ticket due to space reasons (say there is a family of 3 that want to sit together, and you're in that 3rd seat they'd like to have, so they move you up to Y/B). This is most commonly done during peak travel times (holidays/vacations) when people travel in groups.
However, op-ups are generally given at the gate -- NOT a day or two in advance. So it isn't likely that this is what is happening in this case.
Sometimes, depending on the airport/counter/gate/crew, I've been u/g just out of them being nice. This usually happens at BWI and IAD, where they crews are familiar with me.
Just enjoy it.
Just enjoy it.
Jan 22, 2009 | 2:00 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: No Loyalty to any airline
Posts: 2,378
There's a NAME for this kind of upgrade. It's called an "operational" upgrade (or just "op-up") and there are quite a number of threads on it in this forum.
However, op-ups are generally given at the gate -- NOT a day or two in advance. So it isn't likely that this is what is happening in this case.
Again, the OP's upgrade is occurring in advance -- NOT at the gate -- so not likely that they are doing it to "be nice."
However, op-ups are generally given at the gate -- NOT a day or two in advance. So it isn't likely that this is what is happening in this case.
Again, the OP's upgrade is occurring in advance -- NOT at the gate -- so not likely that they are doing it to "be nice."
Agree; someone must have requested it in advance.
Jan 23, 2009 | 8:31 am
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K / 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 208
Last update:
Asked the GA if I could get on the list for First Class anyways, he said no problem - had a ticket in hand a few minutes later. No real complaints in the end.
Asked the GA if I could get on the list for First Class anyways, he said no problem - had a ticket in hand a few minutes later. No real complaints in the end.
Jan 23, 2009 | 9:38 am
#20
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA MM | BA Gold
Posts: 7,299
Jan 24, 2009 | 6:03 pm
#21
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 41,216
Jan 24, 2009 | 7:10 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Tokyo
Posts: 430
A similar experience just happened to me, booked a Y flight (Unsure of fare) and when i booked it, it said my return was biz, no more Y I guess??? When I had to change my return they still treated as a biz booking. And at the airport I got bumped up to 1st without asking.
Jan 25, 2009 | 3:27 pm
#23
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 41,216
A similar experience just happened to me, booked a Y flight (Unsure of fare) and when i booked it, it said my return was biz, no more Y I guess??? When I had to change my return they still treated as a biz booking. And at the airport I got bumped up to 1st without asking.
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