However, on a point of procedure, I am entitled to upgrade anyone I see fit, I just have to justify it. It has been done, however, in this touchy feely PC age, I have always run it past the ISM first (to forestall any complaints), and generally been met with two comments - yes they are fine as I would 'take the rap' by my noting details on CAR, and pax to be made aware there may only have ey meals. But in reality, this seldom occurs.
I too have had opportunities to upgrade staff (CX as well as other airlines) but as always, running it past the ISM first. I normally mention this during my crew briefs so everyone becomes aware since the cabincrew have been encouraged to report on everything. To date, unless the cabin has been completely full, I have been successful in helping colleagues (crew/ground staff/families/other airline staff) without the requirement to make a 1-800-CHIEFPILOT phonecall.
I encourage open communication to my crew whereby if anyone is not happy with what I am doing, to speak up before I go ahead with helping others out. So far I have not had anyone complain.
BN does know shenanigans exist as I personally have given him a copy of the PIL whereby retired staff on a lower priority code have been upgraded into J class over active employees holding 26F have been placed into Y class. At first he refused to believe it, until I asked him to take a closer look and explain how this could happen.
Since I have personally found him useless I now refer to any shenanigans, to NP, the MLO. At least I get a response of what is being done with a copy provided. I don't waste my time nor breathe with BN.
Out of curiosity, is there anyone higher than BN? Who is his boss?