Well, maybe I've just been really lucky, or maybe it's my cute boyish good looks
, or maybe it's a combination of both. But BA are the best for onboard upgrades.
At check-in, forget it. But on board a flight LHR - YVR a cabin crew member spotted my travelpro luggage and asked if I was crew, and when I replied in the affirmative, he kept me at the 3 doors until he'd got permission from the CSD to whisk me up front. The doors were being armed for departure and demo was about to be put on, and I was escorted to a fantastic club world sleeper seat, another crew member helped me find a spot for my luggage, and I still got a glass of pre-boarding champers. Best flight!
On another flight to SEA, the crew tried to upgrade me, but unfortunately Club was full (oversold actually, turns out they had to re-accommodate some people in World Traveller +), otherwise I would have been up front. As it was, free champers and moved to a seat with more room and free seat beside it. Again, fantastic crew.
Even on Euro and Domestic flights I've had a few extra treats.
I NEVER ask for an upgrade or favours, but if the crew on BA find out I've always been treated well. Way it should be!
At risk of going off topic, how do other people feel about upgrading other industry staff.
Personally, I feel that if the seat is going empty, it does not incovenience any revenue passengers, and the non-revenue pax is appropriately attired, then it's a crying shame that the seat up front goes empty.
No matter what your logo on your tail, whether you wear Costello or Jaeger (or even psychadelic Orange Puffer Jackets, lol), we should all look out for one another. After all, we pretty much deal with the same sh*t at 35,000!
Someone earlier made a comment about some BA Pursers / CSD's being worried to upgrade for fear of being reported by nasty petty minded other crew members. This is truly tragic and I hope it's not very widespread - who would be so petty to report your CSD/Purser for upgrading a non-rev?!!?
Finally, if they don't want the upgrades happening on board, why not implement a formal (and fair and decent!!!) policy regarding staff travel upgrades. United Airlines is to be commended - as an employee or eligible of UA, you can list for your preferred class of travel. If you go Y, the service charge is very low. IF you go C or even F, you pay a little bit more to reflect the increased cost of the service etc. So you automatically can get the highest class available. It works well, and as an employee I think it really boosts morale and helps people feel more valued. Other airline crew cannot travel in F International, but they can usually standby for C class if it is available. Way to go United!