If you don't give me an upgrade, I'll...
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: uk
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Just had to add my upgrade story here.
The most hilarious upgrade try i ever heard still makes me giggle - Some posh bird saying " I play golf with the Chairmans wife dont you know"
Funny that seeing as how said chairman is (openly) gay!!
Oh how we laughed!
The most hilarious upgrade try i ever heard still makes me giggle - Some posh bird saying " I play golf with the Chairmans wife dont you know"
Funny that seeing as how said chairman is (openly) gay!!
Oh how we laughed!
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Confusio Helvetica
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Okay, connecting in LHR to JFK, BA flight from Lisbon's 2 hours late (spent loaded, waiting for clearance), someone's put me in the last row, "escorts" for connecting flights have already bailed by the time I get off, halfway down the terminal the fire alarm goes off and stops me moving any further, that finally opens, I sprint to catch the connecting bus, but an overweight family's blocked the escalator, and parked behind them, I watcvh it leave. I take the next bus, but it leaves a couple minutes late to accommodate passengers. I run up, find they've buttoned up and pushed back, go to the transfer desk to sort it,and get told "oh, you could have made that flight". Transfer desk sends me to the gate for the next flight. As people line up at the desk, I'm #2. The first person gets processed, and I come up to the desk. One agent comes up to the other about to deal with me, and he asks:
"You want to do it this time?"
to which she motions to me and the line behind me, and responds in all seriousness as if I weren't right there in front of her,
"Actually, you better; this looks like it's going to be really bad. You can deal with them."
He moves in, and I say, with my cheapest ticket on the planet in hand and a smile I pull from god-know's where:
"So, what? I'm supposed to become abusive now?"
Only free upgrade I've ever gotten.
"You want to do it this time?"
to which she motions to me and the line behind me, and responds in all seriousness as if I weren't right there in front of her,
"Actually, you better; this looks like it's going to be really bad. You can deal with them."
He moves in, and I say, with my cheapest ticket on the planet in hand and a smile I pull from god-know's where:
"So, what? I'm supposed to become abusive now?"
Only free upgrade I've ever gotten.
Join Date: Sep 1999
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Being upgraded is not a right..it is a privilege.If it is asked for nicely and seats are available,I see no reason not to offer it,assuming the person is eligible.However,cabin crew do not decide this usually.
Join Date: Jan 2000
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Rananim time you wake up and smell the daisies boy.
Just because you prefer to think that CC do not usually decide who gets an upgrade, you write it down as if it were a fact.
It isn't, and those of us who really work in the industry know you're talking cowpats.
In real life, once the jetways have been retracted and fortress cockpit has been hermetically sealed, CC decide who, if anybody, gets an upgrade.
Might not be covered in the Operations Manual, but sure as hell is the way it happens. Even if some people prefer to pretend it ain't so. Nothing you or I or anybody can do to change that fact.
on Rananim
Just because you prefer to think that CC do not usually decide who gets an upgrade, you write it down as if it were a fact.
It isn't, and those of us who really work in the industry know you're talking cowpats.
In real life, once the jetways have been retracted and fortress cockpit has been hermetically sealed, CC decide who, if anybody, gets an upgrade.
Might not be covered in the Operations Manual, but sure as hell is the way it happens. Even if some people prefer to pretend it ain't so. Nothing you or I or anybody can do to change that fact.
on Rananim
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: northern england
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remember checking in a prem card holder on a BA 757 single class , i gave them a seat in row 2 (the front row on this aircraft) i gave her the boarding card and she glared at me "is there nothing further forward?" to which i replied " do you have a cpl"
Just to add to the fun:
- Don't accept upgrades to First on flights from the Gulf, full of ill behaved kids.
- To get a free upgrade to First on BA, simply spend two seconds on one of their emergency evacuation slides. It worked for me!
Two serious questions:
- Is it true there is an 'NSU' (Not Suitable for Upgrade) cell on the BA check in system, or is it apocryphal?
- I've had lots of upgrades from BA on the desk (Economy to Club) but none on an e-ticket. Is this paranoia, or does the smart money check in on the desk and smile?
- Don't accept upgrades to First on flights from the Gulf, full of ill behaved kids.
- To get a free upgrade to First on BA, simply spend two seconds on one of their emergency evacuation slides. It worked for me!
Two serious questions:
- Is it true there is an 'NSU' (Not Suitable for Upgrade) cell on the BA check in system, or is it apocryphal?
- I've had lots of upgrades from BA on the desk (Economy to Club) but none on an e-ticket. Is this paranoia, or does the smart money check in on the desk and smile?
Join Date: Jul 2002
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had a chat with a load master the other day was told that for example to upgrade 4 pax from the back to the nose on an 8hr flight would burn an extra 3tons of fuel resulting cost about 3000 quid so the fare isn`t just for the china and champers!
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Aberdeen or Santa Barbara
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If there is a situation where you need to move some pax forward to fill economy seats on an over-full flight, how do you decide who moves up?
I understand the FF get the first chance but if there are a handful of them on board with plutonium cards is there some sort of rating system?? alphabetical?? good looking??
thanks
I understand the FF get the first chance but if there are a handful of them on board with plutonium cards is there some sort of rating system?? alphabetical?? good looking??
thanks
I'matightbastard
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Texas
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Not sure I really see the point of upgrading. I mean if I'd paid five grand to sail accross the Atlantic in toffee nose class, I'd be very unhappy if some oik who'd only stumped up five hundred got to sit next to me. Even if it wasn't my five grand. I think upgrading must cause as many ill feelings as it does good ones.
btw, do the cabin crew in First class really wear stockings and suspenders?
btw, do the cabin crew in First class really wear stockings and suspenders?
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: France, why do you think I have this ouuuutrageous accent?
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Onan, re your last question, yes they do.
However, many of hem go back to the days when pantyhose did not exist (1960s if my memory serves me right...)
However, many of hem go back to the days when pantyhose did not exist (1960s if my memory serves me right...)
The Veloceraptor of Lounge Lizards
Join Date: Jan 2005
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How about downgrades. Checked in at DUB with business class ticket to LGW on Emirates. I had been stuck with a positioning flight Bahrain-Dubai and so didn't use that portion of my ticket. Despite a visit to Emirates office at Bahrain where they did some highly technical stuff with their computer the system had me as a no show. The flight was full from Dubai and I ended up a long way from the comfy seats and champers, surrounded by squalking kids and fighting drunks (it was one of those flights).
No word of apology from airline. No offer of refund of difference despite several letters and phone calls, and despite airline admitting the Bahrain staff had cancelled the Bahrain- Dubai leg. No further custom for Emirates either now. If I have to passenger to mid-east now I go by other carriers despite any inconvenience.
Still miss commuting with the wonderful KLMUK cabin crew out of Stansted every 10 days. They were always ready to take the piss out of a pilot, always kind and helpful and always made me feel that I mattered. Happy landings wherever you all are and thanks for the sobering up bloody marys on the saturday redeye!
No word of apology from airline. No offer of refund of difference despite several letters and phone calls, and despite airline admitting the Bahrain staff had cancelled the Bahrain- Dubai leg. No further custom for Emirates either now. If I have to passenger to mid-east now I go by other carriers despite any inconvenience.
Still miss commuting with the wonderful KLMUK cabin crew out of Stansted every 10 days. They were always ready to take the piss out of a pilot, always kind and helpful and always made me feel that I mattered. Happy landings wherever you all are and thanks for the sobering up bloody marys on the saturday redeye!
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: king-size bed, goose feather duvet, deepest Sussex
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Seen in yesterday's newspaper:
'A friend of mine had to fly his mother back from Cape Town last Saturday with a medical escort because she is seriously ill. They were on the BA 042, Capetown to Heathrow. Mother, father and doctor were in business class but my friend had to go in economy at the last moment because the last two business seats were given to a BA steward and his boyfriend.'
Apparently a BA spokesman insisted:
'Paying customers always take precedence over staff.'
Interesting - wonder how true this is
'A friend of mine had to fly his mother back from Cape Town last Saturday with a medical escort because she is seriously ill. They were on the BA 042, Capetown to Heathrow. Mother, father and doctor were in business class but my friend had to go in economy at the last moment because the last two business seats were given to a BA steward and his boyfriend.'
Apparently a BA spokesman insisted:
'Paying customers always take precedence over staff.'
Interesting - wonder how true this is
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Zürich, Switzerland
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Was once travelling on Swissair in J from YUL to ZRH with my Father-in-law who was on a companion award ticket. I had prereserved seats so we would be sitting together. We flew to YUL from YYZ and when we went to check-in for the SR flight, they told me that I had been upgraded (but not my Dad-in-law). Anyway, I thanked them very much but said that I would rather sit in J with him. They said ok. At the gate they called my name and upgraded us both. Now that got me serious brownie points> I told him that I had nothing to do with it, but he doesn't believe me. Ah well, who am I to argue?
When I was in the business (many moons ago) and was station manager for a US carrier somewhere in Europe, I had a journalist turn up with a cheapo ticket. He flung it at the check-in agent with his press card and said "business class, please". I was standing behind the desks and she turned to ask me what to do. I looked at the ticket and said "I'm sorry but it's an economy ticket". He said "I know, but I have to work". My answer to that was that next time he would have to get his editor to pay up for a J-class ticket....and he travelled down the back.
When I was in the business (many moons ago) and was station manager for a US carrier somewhere in Europe, I had a journalist turn up with a cheapo ticket. He flung it at the check-in agent with his press card and said "business class, please". I was standing behind the desks and she turned to ask me what to do. I looked at the ticket and said "I'm sorry but it's an economy ticket". He said "I know, but I have to work". My answer to that was that next time he would have to get his editor to pay up for a J-class ticket....and he travelled down the back.
Fixed+Rotary (aircraft, not washing lines)
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Even within the classes there are the 'Do you know who I am?' calls. Last May I cashed in my FF points and flew with my wife LHR->SFO in First. We were originally allocated A and E seats which are next to each other on the 747. I enquired about the A1 / K1 combination at the front of the 'plane to be told that these are only allocated at check in as they may be needed for passengers with a baby etc.
Got to check-in early. Managed to get A1 / K1 - the *best* seats that a passenger could ever get IMHO. It is like flying in your own private 'plane except you are at the front of a huge 747.
At the next check in desk at LHR this guy and wife turn up. Just looking at him you would know the type - someone who is very used to getting his own way. He *demanded* seats A1 / K1. When he was told they weren't available he went ballistic. Making a real scene, demanding to see whomever was in charge and demanding that whomever had those seats would have to be moved to make way for him and his wife. I really, really, wanted to go and wave my boarding cards in his face....
When we boarded we took our seats. He and his wife had left it so late with his ranting that they were separated one in front of the other - not even side by side now! He summoned the pursar and *demanded* that me and my wife were moved from our seats. Again, a tantrum ensued. Throughout all this he never gave us a dirty look or scowl, reserving that for the CC. Perhaps he didn't even think we were worthy of his attention, we were just an inconvenience that needed to be fixed.
For the first hour or two of the flight I kept overhearing him stating the ususal stuff about 'Never flying BA again', 'Quite scandalous', 'Disgraceful behaviour' But the CC didn't let it get to them, way too professional.
Quite unbelivable that there are such childish people out there!
Fortunately for us we also got an upgrade (by voucher) onward from SFO to Hawai'i courtesy of United. This was a conditional upgrade, if seats available. I simply offered the voucher and was told to wait and see. At the gate we got the upgraded boarding cards, again for Row 1. I even sent UA a letter of thanks for their generosity.
Return from SFO->LHR we managed to get A1 / K1 again but no tantrums this time.
The other tantrums happen when 'important' people get bounced. This happened a few times at LBA on commuter flights to LHR a few years ago when the trains were in turmoil. Horrible, important, businessmen who go ballistic and rant about a very, very, very important meeting they will miss. If it is so damn important why didn't they go to London the night before, sleep over and be fresh and ready for the very, very, very important meeting? Or wasn't it worth an extra £100? I just accepted my fate, BMI called a taxi, I was shuttled to MAN and got the next available flight. No big deal.
And finally, a LHR->MAN BA flight was cancelled on a Friday night. There was pandemonium and tantrums in T1. I got to the front of the queue and stayed polite and reasonable. I also pointed out that there were BMI flights to MAN or LBA going quite soon.... The BA person I was being dealt with made some calls, went to the BMI desk and before you know it I was on the BMI flight. Having BA Silver / Star All. Gold may or may not have made a different, but I'm sure being polite did. I posted a note through the BA web site praising the service of this check in desk person. I got a standard reply a few days later but will not know if the recipient did get the praise she deserved.
Got to check-in early. Managed to get A1 / K1 - the *best* seats that a passenger could ever get IMHO. It is like flying in your own private 'plane except you are at the front of a huge 747.
At the next check in desk at LHR this guy and wife turn up. Just looking at him you would know the type - someone who is very used to getting his own way. He *demanded* seats A1 / K1. When he was told they weren't available he went ballistic. Making a real scene, demanding to see whomever was in charge and demanding that whomever had those seats would have to be moved to make way for him and his wife. I really, really, wanted to go and wave my boarding cards in his face....
When we boarded we took our seats. He and his wife had left it so late with his ranting that they were separated one in front of the other - not even side by side now! He summoned the pursar and *demanded* that me and my wife were moved from our seats. Again, a tantrum ensued. Throughout all this he never gave us a dirty look or scowl, reserving that for the CC. Perhaps he didn't even think we were worthy of his attention, we were just an inconvenience that needed to be fixed.
For the first hour or two of the flight I kept overhearing him stating the ususal stuff about 'Never flying BA again', 'Quite scandalous', 'Disgraceful behaviour' But the CC didn't let it get to them, way too professional.
Quite unbelivable that there are such childish people out there!
Fortunately for us we also got an upgrade (by voucher) onward from SFO to Hawai'i courtesy of United. This was a conditional upgrade, if seats available. I simply offered the voucher and was told to wait and see. At the gate we got the upgraded boarding cards, again for Row 1. I even sent UA a letter of thanks for their generosity.
Return from SFO->LHR we managed to get A1 / K1 again but no tantrums this time.
The other tantrums happen when 'important' people get bounced. This happened a few times at LBA on commuter flights to LHR a few years ago when the trains were in turmoil. Horrible, important, businessmen who go ballistic and rant about a very, very, very important meeting they will miss. If it is so damn important why didn't they go to London the night before, sleep over and be fresh and ready for the very, very, very important meeting? Or wasn't it worth an extra £100? I just accepted my fate, BMI called a taxi, I was shuttled to MAN and got the next available flight. No big deal.
And finally, a LHR->MAN BA flight was cancelled on a Friday night. There was pandemonium and tantrums in T1. I got to the front of the queue and stayed polite and reasonable. I also pointed out that there were BMI flights to MAN or LBA going quite soon.... The BA person I was being dealt with made some calls, went to the BMI desk and before you know it I was on the BMI flight. Having BA Silver / Star All. Gold may or may not have made a different, but I'm sure being polite did. I posted a note through the BA web site praising the service of this check in desk person. I got a standard reply a few days later but will not know if the recipient did get the praise she deserved.
Join Date: Nov 2003
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Usually about 2/3 to 3/4 of pax ask for an upgrade (the rest have already paid for it!).
In the olden days, at T4 Check-In, when smoking seats were still available, I was checking in a JFK flight in two column queues. First I get a lady who tells me her company had arranged an upgrade, and after a few minutes of her arguing I asked her if she had her 'upgrade voucher' (which didn't actually exist) and she then says 'oh that little voucher thing, I left it in the office!'. Bring it next time madam...
The second was a man who wanted a smoking window seat. He checked in late. There was only a n/s window or smoking aisle seat left. He stood and refused to move until he got his seat. I offered him the n/s aisle seat with the option to go to the smoking section for a smoke. He demands an upgrade. Eventually I tell him "take the non-smoking window seat, and if you need a cigarette, I'm sure no-one will mind if you have a sneaky one out of the window" at which he agreed, said "it will have to do or you'll make me miss my flight", took his boarding pass and went.
Brain in suitcase (check), suitcase checked in (check).
(sorry cabin crew xx)
In the olden days, at T4 Check-In, when smoking seats were still available, I was checking in a JFK flight in two column queues. First I get a lady who tells me her company had arranged an upgrade, and after a few minutes of her arguing I asked her if she had her 'upgrade voucher' (which didn't actually exist) and she then says 'oh that little voucher thing, I left it in the office!'. Bring it next time madam...
The second was a man who wanted a smoking window seat. He checked in late. There was only a n/s window or smoking aisle seat left. He stood and refused to move until he got his seat. I offered him the n/s aisle seat with the option to go to the smoking section for a smoke. He demands an upgrade. Eventually I tell him "take the non-smoking window seat, and if you need a cigarette, I'm sure no-one will mind if you have a sneaky one out of the window" at which he agreed, said "it will have to do or you'll make me miss my flight", took his boarding pass and went.
Brain in suitcase (check), suitcase checked in (check).
(sorry cabin crew xx)
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Liverpool based Geordie, so calm down, calm down kidda!!
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Always smile and never antagonise the check-in staff. My two upgrade experiences were a credit to BA and Virgin. My first involved me with a BC ticket and my travelling companion on an air miles economy ticket. I asked to join them down the back and was delighted to see two BC boarding cards. The second was an Orlando flight with 3 of us on premium economy tickets. We were named for preboarding and moved to the front cabin by the gate staff. On both occasions we didnt ask for upgrade, my thanks to the crews.... We were treated like royalty on both occasions.
Nixor ut Ledo
Join Date: Nov 2003
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Way back I did a SIN-LHR sector in BC (paid for) but the flight was obviously very full so they packed BC with the bucket and spade brigade. Not too much of a problem. However, when they brought round the papers they had run out of Daily Telegraphs by the time they got to me and when the main meal was served they had run out of my choice. When it was time to get off I stowed my things away carefully, as usual, and surveyed the absolute pigs mess that the hoi polloi had left.
I complained to BA (there were a few other malfunctions with the flight - one of the first 400 series) and got a flight voucher by return. Thanks.
I complained to BA (there were a few other malfunctions with the flight - one of the first 400 series) and got a flight voucher by return. Thanks.
