airfox et al
What do they say...it's not what you know, it's who you know?
I'm afraid in my experience of staff travel which is 16 years and three UK operators it's a case of both what and who you know.
Most large carriers have strict upgrade policies (commercial then staff seniority etc) backed up by manifests at the gate which not only go to the cabin staff but also back to company HQ be it accounts or commercial.
Know your stuff - find out and if possible get a print out of the booked figure as near to departure as possible including listed staff and priorities (a contact in either reservations or check-in may oblige). Know the right people. Commercial, Reservations or Check-in contacts can comment your PNR (pax name record) with 'operational staff so-and-so airlines consider for u/grade - you know the score. If check-in supervisors are looking to upgrade, this is a good starting reference. If this can't be done then it's a case of resorting to WHO - check-in staff and supvs, gate staff, member of the crew, dispatcher. All of these people, if proper channels have not been followed may run the risk of disciplinary action if found out - in my experience it usually comes down to decisions between the dispatcher and the IFS/CSD/Purser/whatever on board - depending on the nature of the paperwork, changes can be arranged after all pax have boarded. Be pleasant - smart casual, not lashed up and don't be miffed if you see there are are still seats available in J/F/whatever class - some carriers will not allow staff to be upgraded into another cabin if there is not enough catering to cover (strange but true). Some people also need to realise that unless they are on duty travel or positive upgrades, staff travel is generally SPACE AVAILABLE only - deal with it. Some staff unfortunately are arseholes of the highest calibre - it doesn't get them very far - you may call it exercising power but the line has to be drawn somewhere when it's all unofficial and off the record - if I'm about to effectively risk my job to do something dodgy then the upgrades have to be the 'right sort' - personal call - sorry.
Come and have a go if you think yer 'ard enough and giz a job.
offload