A few months ago, I turned up at LHR with my Virgin ticket to LAX only to be told by an apologetic check in lady that she was going to have to upgrade me to Upper Class (If this counts as genuine 1st, I leave up to you but I was over the moon). My uniform - leather jacket, jeans and no trainers. Imagine my suprise when on my return, again with an economy ticket, I was called to the departure gate 20 minutes before we boarded and had my economy boarding card exchanged for an Upper Class boarding card. My uniform - leather Jacket, Jeans & no trainers.
I have no idea why I was so lucky - I didnt ask, I didnt exactly meet the 'uniform' and I followed no angry passenger to check in.
Thanks Virgin - (now my automatic choice of long haul carrier providing the cost difference isnt too much)
