I could write a book about my staff travel adventures. Things have changed these days and to be honest I now no longer use the privilege as, at my age, I can't be bothered with all the hassle. One particular upgrade I recall fondly was when I was on a free Y class ticket with BA from LAX to LHR many moons ago. Total chaos at LAX check-in. After presenting myself and being told my chances were absolutely dire for this and the next flight that day and following days, I sat down patiently and contemplated plan B, C, D and E. The check-in staff were constantly being hassled by dozens of stand-by pax. Just when the flight was about to close and my name hadn't been called the supervisor came to me and told me I'd got the last seat, and with a smile, in First Class. To this day I believe that my show of patience and letting the check-in staff get on with their jobs without hassling them (for info) won me that seat.