If you don't give me an upgrade, I'll...
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If you don't give me an upgrade, I'll...
Just flew back from TAB on the Big Airline. As usual the service was exemplary (the only pain was having to drive back to north of Brum from LGW (Why don't BA rename themselves London Airways ?))... I digress.
What I found incredible was the lengths that some PAX, one after another, went to to blag, cajole, sweet-talk, insist, on an upgrade to BC at both TAB and again at ANU.
One guy near me got right in the face of one cabin crew member and was really really giving it some, demanding agressively, to be moved up front, on the basis that he was over 6ft tall.
Now if I'd got the money to pay £1000 + for a BC seat the last person that I would want to share a cabin with it an arrogant, aggressive freeloading t*sser like that.
I am amazed. Is this par for the course ? Is this what you have to put up with ?
What I found incredible was the lengths that some PAX, one after another, went to to blag, cajole, sweet-talk, insist, on an upgrade to BC at both TAB and again at ANU.
One guy near me got right in the face of one cabin crew member and was really really giving it some, demanding agressively, to be moved up front, on the basis that he was over 6ft tall.
Now if I'd got the money to pay £1000 + for a BC seat the last person that I would want to share a cabin with it an arrogant, aggressive freeloading t*sser like that.
I am amazed. Is this par for the course ? Is this what you have to put up with ?
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Well, it's not that bad for those of us with a sense of humour. Personally I collect and catalogue all the techniques that wannabe upgradees tried on me, with an eye on the long and cold future retirement evenings in front of the fireplace 
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It normally starts with them purchasing the lowest fare ticket possible (no refunds/no changes) and coming along to the ticket desk asking if they can upgrade..usually 'Any chance of an upgrade to day' (as though it is common practice). They are then told no, and then all sorts of reasons come up, illness, too tall, always get upgraded..and are quite put out when they are stil told 'No'. Passenger then moves to check in and starts again..still receives a 'No'...(they may at this point even start to have breathing difficulties or pretend to faint to get the upgrade)...lots of help and assistance to ...economy. If all else fails prior to boarding..next move..the Cabin Crew..with the typical example you have just given. Doesn't matter about what language is spoken..the most recognisable word is 'UPGRADE'...oh the joys
mostly harmless
If:
1. Economy is overbooked and there is some space in business
2. You check in early
3. You have a frequent lier card (pref plutonium)
4. You are dressed right for bus class
5. Either you have a connecting flight with the same airline/alliance or you ask nicely once only.
You might just get lucky. But don't count on it. I reckon I get 1 in 5.
Anyway, most of the time, what's the big deal?
1. Economy is overbooked and there is some space in business
2. You check in early
3. You have a frequent lier card (pref plutonium)
4. You are dressed right for bus class
5. Either you have a connecting flight with the same airline/alliance or you ask nicely once only.
You might just get lucky. But don't count on it. I reckon I get 1 in 5.
Anyway, most of the time, what's the big deal?
Last edited by answer=42; 6th Jan 2005 at 22:23.
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They are often like this.... does your head in...
Often alot of contempt and agression used in the process - really turns yr day into a bad one.
We had a guy flying into LHR last week - He attempted quite agressively at the door to get upgraded, the SCCM explained ver diplomatically that we do not upgrade at whim , and that there were far more frequent flyers than him in 'economy'.
He approached her no less than 4 times during the flight ,armed with a notepad and put her down in a dreadful and unwarranted verbal attack.
20 mins before landing he again approached her with his 'frequent flyer card' torn into 4 and all his boarding cards from the last 6 months with his final verbal assault.
It was ridiculous, he wasted 20+mins of her time on a 1hr30 flight, he made her feel threatened ,degraded and shaken and he just thinks this is perfectly reasonable behaviour.
TOTALLY unacceptable - what a ****head for ruining someones day .
You want to see them on a NCE, nonstop requests, pointless as its always full anyway... but lots of this ' now look here young man/lady '... well if they're that bl**dy important i'm sure they can afford an upgrade anyway
A comment should go on the system for those that make persistent unreasonable requests , they're always 'card' holders ,and those that dare to abuse the system be removed.
There is a clue to being upgraded,but i'm not putting that in here....
Lets just say the minute you turn remotely nasty / contemptuous ,you stand absolutely NO chance.
Zero tolerance.
Often alot of contempt and agression used in the process - really turns yr day into a bad one.
We had a guy flying into LHR last week - He attempted quite agressively at the door to get upgraded, the SCCM explained ver diplomatically that we do not upgrade at whim , and that there were far more frequent flyers than him in 'economy'.
He approached her no less than 4 times during the flight ,armed with a notepad and put her down in a dreadful and unwarranted verbal attack.
20 mins before landing he again approached her with his 'frequent flyer card' torn into 4 and all his boarding cards from the last 6 months with his final verbal assault.
It was ridiculous, he wasted 20+mins of her time on a 1hr30 flight, he made her feel threatened ,degraded and shaken and he just thinks this is perfectly reasonable behaviour.
TOTALLY unacceptable - what a ****head for ruining someones day .
You want to see them on a NCE, nonstop requests, pointless as its always full anyway... but lots of this ' now look here young man/lady '... well if they're that bl**dy important i'm sure they can afford an upgrade anyway
A comment should go on the system for those that make persistent unreasonable requests , they're always 'card' holders ,and those that dare to abuse the system be removed.
There is a clue to being upgraded,but i'm not putting that in here....
Lets just say the minute you turn remotely nasty / contemptuous ,you stand absolutely NO chance.
Zero tolerance.
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I used to work the check-in counters for a low cost carrier called 'Go'
I forever had British Airways frequent flier cards pushed under my nose. If I felt really evil and the guy was a bastard (always the men), I would tell them they had an upgrade and give them a seat in the 2nd row. Oh! How I wished to see their arrogant faces as they stepped aboard to find the aircraft in full economy configuration!!!! hahahahahaha... EVIL I'AM, DESERVE IT THEY DO!!!!!!
I forever had British Airways frequent flier cards pushed under my nose. If I felt really evil and the guy was a bastard (always the men), I would tell them they had an upgrade and give them a seat in the 2nd row. Oh! How I wished to see their arrogant faces as they stepped aboard to find the aircraft in full economy configuration!!!! hahahahahaha... EVIL I'AM, DESERVE IT THEY DO!!!!!!
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upgrades
What a nice thread, because as a traveller this is an important one for me.
I noted it's the "card holders" comment, a few moments ago.
As a BMI gold card 11691410, I do feel that I should have some little perks because I have stuck with star alliance to get my 35,000 miles in a year. No mean feat for the "average Joe"
So after 11 years I have been SFU once. But I never demand nor would I.
An upgrade is a gift not a right.
If you get "do you know who I am?"
simple answer
Lift the PA system and announce
"Ladies and Gentlemen whe have a gentleman at the front of the cabin who seems to have forgotten who he is, he has asked me if I know who he is and I don't, does anyone else know him?"
That should shut him up!!!
I noted it's the "card holders" comment, a few moments ago.
As a BMI gold card 11691410, I do feel that I should have some little perks because I have stuck with star alliance to get my 35,000 miles in a year. No mean feat for the "average Joe"
So after 11 years I have been SFU once. But I never demand nor would I.
An upgrade is a gift not a right.
If you get "do you know who I am?"
simple answer
Lift the PA system and announce
"Ladies and Gentlemen whe have a gentleman at the front of the cabin who seems to have forgotten who he is, he has asked me if I know who he is and I don't, does anyone else know him?"
That should shut him up!!!
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ein I agree with your sentiment about the rewards for loyalty. I believe that in most FF schemes there are such perks. The perks being the whole point of the scheme.
Lounge use, free tickets, possibility to upgrade yourself using your points/miles etc etc.
As already stated on this thread, it is of course impossible for us to upgarde all the FFs on a flight, and upgrading a loudly demanding FF would be extremely unfair towards all the unpresuming others.
Having said that, whenever I have a problem in Tourist Class that needs sorting out by re-seating/upgrading people, I will always check my list to find a faithful customer and give him or her the upgrade needed to free a space. Similarly, I am much inclined to extend ad-hoc favours to people who are FFs with my airline when the need arises.
They pay a large chunk of money to my company every year, I am happy they fly with us rather than with the competition and I don't mind showing it.
frequent liar=funny!
Lounge use, free tickets, possibility to upgrade yourself using your points/miles etc etc.
As already stated on this thread, it is of course impossible for us to upgarde all the FFs on a flight, and upgrading a loudly demanding FF would be extremely unfair towards all the unpresuming others.
Having said that, whenever I have a problem in Tourist Class that needs sorting out by re-seating/upgrading people, I will always check my list to find a faithful customer and give him or her the upgrade needed to free a space. Similarly, I am much inclined to extend ad-hoc favours to people who are FFs with my airline when the need arises.
They pay a large chunk of money to my company every year, I am happy they fly with us rather than with the competition and I don't mind showing it.
frequent liar=funny!
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I've only ever been upgraded once, BA flight to Seattle, annoying americans demanding to be re-seated because they didn't like the seats they had on the centre aisle, no-one sat next to me so I offered to give up my seat and move to where they were sitting.
CSD thanked me and said no need to move to the centre aisle and to follow him straight up to business class.
Greatly appreciated and much to the annoyance of the two American ladies.
CSD thanked me and said no need to move to the centre aisle and to follow him straight up to business class.
Greatly appreciated and much to the annoyance of the two American ladies.
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I never ask for one, always online check in as close to 24 hours before as possible, am polite to the check in staff and make conversation with them and have made the shock discovery that yes they are human beings too. I have a priority pass so I go in the lounge to relax before boarding the plane and being as polite and helpful as possible to the FA's. Reading this board made me aware of what is seen as helpful and also annoying to the FA so I make darn sure I can be as nice and trouble free as possible.
For the record, in the past 5 flights with BA, I got upgraded twice to BC without asking. God alone knows why, but thanks very much BA!
For the record, in the past 5 flights with BA, I got upgraded twice to BC without asking. God alone knows why, but thanks very much BA!
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A truly interesting thread, many thanks. As ATC I try and discreetly ask the CSD at the door of the aircraft if there is any chance. If he/she says no then that is the end of it, I've paid for my flight so I have a seat already.
I have only been upgraded twice, once BMI and once Alitalia, and it was a very pleasent experience. I've also been told no by BA a couple of times, but on one occassion the CSD arranged for a couple of bottles of champagne for me and the wife as we were going on honeymoon.
I have only been upgraded twice, once BMI and once Alitalia, and it was a very pleasent experience. I've also been told no by BA a couple of times, but on one occassion the CSD arranged for a couple of bottles of champagne for me and the wife as we were going on honeymoon.
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like jimlad, i never ask for an upgrade. although i'm star alliance gold of three (or is it four? 
i lose track ... ) years' standing, i confess that i build up my miles with economy purchases, and usually V, Q or W codes, so i can't claim to be pushing a lot of dosh the airlines' way. the priority check-in on its own is a boon (especially at heathrow)--i love it--and the lounge access is worth a lot as well. if an upgrade comes along it's the icing on the cake.
having said this, out of the last 8 flights across the atlantic last year i was upgraded 3 times. the last time (flying from JFK) the check-in agent told me they were having a sale, with BC upgrades available for $300. i'd managed a sweet seat in EC (aisle, lots of leg room, adjustable video), so i smiled and said if i hadn't been so fortunate with my choice of seat in coach i might be tempted, but no thanks, and besides i was lucky enough to get upgraded on the outward flight so i wouldn't be greedy, but instead leave the space for someone else. ok, she said, and carried on with my check-in. i then--entirely innocently, you understand--asked if the flight was full? "yes," the agent replied, "we're very full in economy, but there are seats in business." she studied her screen for a few seconds, then said "you know what? because you're so nice, i'm going to put you in business anyway." i replied that that was very kind of her, which indeed it was.
is there a secret? probably not, but a combination of:
- airline loyalty (make sure their systems know you);
- unfailing courtesy to airline staff (which they will then in most cases return);
- expecting and asking for only what you've paid for; and
- an over-full economy cabin
will usually at some point pay dividends.
i lose track ... ) years' standing, i confess that i build up my miles with economy purchases, and usually V, Q or W codes, so i can't claim to be pushing a lot of dosh the airlines' way. the priority check-in on its own is a boon (especially at heathrow)--i love it--and the lounge access is worth a lot as well. if an upgrade comes along it's the icing on the cake.having said this, out of the last 8 flights across the atlantic last year i was upgraded 3 times. the last time (flying from JFK) the check-in agent told me they were having a sale, with BC upgrades available for $300. i'd managed a sweet seat in EC (aisle, lots of leg room, adjustable video), so i smiled and said if i hadn't been so fortunate with my choice of seat in coach i might be tempted, but no thanks, and besides i was lucky enough to get upgraded on the outward flight so i wouldn't be greedy, but instead leave the space for someone else. ok, she said, and carried on with my check-in. i then--entirely innocently, you understand--asked if the flight was full? "yes," the agent replied, "we're very full in economy, but there are seats in business." she studied her screen for a few seconds, then said "you know what? because you're so nice, i'm going to put you in business anyway." i replied that that was very kind of her, which indeed it was.
is there a secret? probably not, but a combination of:
- airline loyalty (make sure their systems know you);
- unfailing courtesy to airline staff (which they will then in most cases return);
- expecting and asking for only what you've paid for; and
- an over-full economy cabin
will usually at some point pay dividends.
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Exit Row Junkie...
If only more of our FFP's were like you. You have no idea how many board expecting to be upgraded, or kick up saying were cheating them when they board one of our flights with the old club seat instead of the new one...It is very disheartening sometimes!!!
Your unfailing courtesy to staff would certainly get you an upgrade on one of my flights if it was within my control and if not...well ill get you lashed on free champagne from first so you wont notice the seat your in!!!
If only more of our FFP's were like you. You have no idea how many board expecting to be upgraded, or kick up saying were cheating them when they board one of our flights with the old club seat instead of the new one...It is very disheartening sometimes!!!
Your unfailing courtesy to staff would certainly get you an upgrade on one of my flights if it was within my control and if not...well ill get you lashed on free champagne from first so you wont notice the seat your in!!!
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I recently had an incident involving a BA gold card holder. Story goes that a flight was delayed so said BA gold card holder gets on his high horse and slams his card on the gate customer services desk claiming that he wants to be transferred onto the next flight going in 40 mins, and that if she didn't transfer him he was going to miss a 'very' important meeting. He then shouts at the very nice lady behind the desk, implying that the delay was her fault.
I, a frequent flyer myself (not a card holder) turned to the arrogant c**t and said in my nicest tone. 'You do relise the technical fault with the aircraft is not actually this ladies fault!' To which he was a bit taken back that someone actually had it in them to answer back to him. I then asked politly if i could be transferred as i had no luggage in the hold. She ignored the t**t and sorted out my ticket whilst he stood there dumbfounded that i had been put ahead of him.
I understand that the cards system is good as they, or their company have spent alot of money with the airline, but being a tw*t isn't going to get you anywhere, EVER.
I, a frequent flyer myself (not a card holder) turned to the arrogant c**t and said in my nicest tone. 'You do relise the technical fault with the aircraft is not actually this ladies fault!' To which he was a bit taken back that someone actually had it in them to answer back to him. I then asked politly if i could be transferred as i had no luggage in the hold. She ignored the t**t and sorted out my ticket whilst he stood there dumbfounded that i had been put ahead of him.
I understand that the cards system is good as they, or their company have spent alot of money with the airline, but being a tw*t isn't going to get you anywhere, EVER.