How to get a First Class Upgrade
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Join Date: Jul 2001
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How to get a First Class Upgrade
I guess about 60% of this is true, 30% is humor. The other 10% I'm not sure about . . .
http://www.forbes.com/fyi/2002/0916/116_2.html
http://www.forbes.com/fyi/2002/0916/116_2.html
mostly harmless
only infallible method I know:
1. choose flight that is overbooked / delayed / otherwise already in trouble.
2. find PAX who has seriously lost his rag with check-in desk as a result of (1) above. check in immediately behind him.
3. smile sweetly as you check in.
never fails. ticket price paid (as always with upgrades) totally irrelevant.
answer=42
1. choose flight that is overbooked / delayed / otherwise already in trouble.
2. find PAX who has seriously lost his rag with check-in desk as a result of (1) above. check in immediately behind him.
3. smile sweetly as you check in.
never fails. ticket price paid (as always with upgrades) totally irrelevant.
answer=42
Join Date: May 2002
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What absolute out of date bollox!
This article is identical to one written nearly twenty years ago, so is hopelessly out of date. For a start, no US carriers (who the article implies are the most likely targets) offer a First Class service any more........they are all "J" class or Business Class to you or me!
For a start, the only Transatlantic operators offering genuine First Class are BA and Air France, however, judging by how few commercial clients are actually paying for First Class, it remains to be seen for how much longer these carriers will run with it! Neither BA or Air France will upgrade 2 classes (or 3 if BA has World Traveller Plus fitted on the aircraft) unless you are able to offer significant commercial advantage (eg a Head of State who will be televised worldwide descending the stairs with the airline's logo emblazoned proudly!)
As a Customer Service Agent, I do not hold it within my power to offer upgrades. Merely to indicate someone who "may be suitable" in the event that a flight is heavily overbooked. There is a dress code - preferably shirt and tie, no jeans and no trainers. (If you're paying for J class, you can wear what you like, if we're upgrading you, you've gotta look the part!) Even then, there's no guarantee.
Whilst it would be nice to have a few 100$ bills every day for putting SFU comments in, my job is worth far more than that to me, and I wouldn't ever accept bribery! A smile of thanks is reward enough!
This article is identical to one written nearly twenty years ago, so is hopelessly out of date. For a start, no US carriers (who the article implies are the most likely targets) offer a First Class service any more........they are all "J" class or Business Class to you or me!
For a start, the only Transatlantic operators offering genuine First Class are BA and Air France, however, judging by how few commercial clients are actually paying for First Class, it remains to be seen for how much longer these carriers will run with it! Neither BA or Air France will upgrade 2 classes (or 3 if BA has World Traveller Plus fitted on the aircraft) unless you are able to offer significant commercial advantage (eg a Head of State who will be televised worldwide descending the stairs with the airline's logo emblazoned proudly!)
As a Customer Service Agent, I do not hold it within my power to offer upgrades. Merely to indicate someone who "may be suitable" in the event that a flight is heavily overbooked. There is a dress code - preferably shirt and tie, no jeans and no trainers. (If you're paying for J class, you can wear what you like, if we're upgrading you, you've gotta look the part!) Even then, there's no guarantee.
Whilst it would be nice to have a few 100$ bills every day for putting SFU comments in, my job is worth far more than that to me, and I wouldn't ever accept bribery! A smile of thanks is reward enough!
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There is a dress code - preferably shirt and tie, no jeans and no trainers.
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From Y to F in one go
My other half was luckily shoved all the way forward to 1A a few months back when going LHR-SYD.
And he was originally down the back in cattle. He had the suit & tie on for check in but quickly changed into something more comfy once on board.
So you can get pushed up through more than 1 class when being upgraded.
And he was originally down the back in cattle. He had the suit & tie on for check in but quickly changed into something more comfy once on board.
So you can get pushed up through more than 1 class when being upgraded.
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Mr 42 (or Miss, Mrs, Dr, Col. etc)
Doesn't work. At least not every time. Short while ago I was behind a couple in a queue. Big fat lumps, both of them. Shouting and raving about being asked to pay for their overweight luggage (quite a lot of it). "I've travelled all over the world on every airline. Never been asked to pay a cent before. What sort of crappy airline are you running here?" - etc, ad nauseam.
He and his fat wife were given an upgrade that entitled them to extra kilos so no overweight consideration. They harumphed off towards the gate swearing never to travel with the airline ever again.
I was next in line. Smiled sweetly, handed over the tickets and was told to wait. Good, thunk I, another upgrade.
BUT. A different minion appeared, looking shifty. His good news was that I couldn't get on the flight at all. Overbooked.
Hmmmm...
I got there eventually. In the back.
Doesn't work. At least not every time. Short while ago I was behind a couple in a queue. Big fat lumps, both of them. Shouting and raving about being asked to pay for their overweight luggage (quite a lot of it). "I've travelled all over the world on every airline. Never been asked to pay a cent before. What sort of crappy airline are you running here?" - etc, ad nauseam.
He and his fat wife were given an upgrade that entitled them to extra kilos so no overweight consideration. They harumphed off towards the gate swearing never to travel with the airline ever again.
I was next in line. Smiled sweetly, handed over the tickets and was told to wait. Good, thunk I, another upgrade.
BUT. A different minion appeared, looking shifty. His good news was that I couldn't get on the flight at all. Overbooked.
Hmmmm...
I got there eventually. In the back.
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Straight from Y to F can happen... I was on the VS17 last year, calling Virgin in the UK the day before I was due to fly with an excess baggage charge question I got a load of abuse for asking 'stupid questions' and the phone slammed down. Fortunately supervisor has been listening in, much apologising and promise of free excess baggage, and upgrade on the flight.
Turned up at LHR next day, and they realised I was on a Continental codeshare ticket. Continental doesn't sell 'J' on that flight they said, so the only possible upgrade was to F - upper class - which they proceeded to arrange :-)
Only time I've ever ended in F when flying on me own tab.
So far... :-)
R1
Turned up at LHR next day, and they realised I was on a Continental codeshare ticket. Continental doesn't sell 'J' on that flight they said, so the only possible upgrade was to F - upper class - which they proceeded to arrange :-)
Only time I've ever ended in F when flying on me own tab.
So far... :-)
R1
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Well...
Well, I've never tried the Forbes methods. Best method is to (1) have top level card of particular airline and (2) ask nicely. Upgrades are often automatic on crowded routes on Swiss for Gold card holders, let alone Circle cards. Tel Aviv-Zurich is a great example.
Currently moving from one company to another by merger, I have to learn new tricks. Old complany had C-class policy, so upgrades to F were the trick. New company has "lowest Y" policy, so the first trick is C-class upgrades. Of course, I won't keep the top level cards (four airlines) for long at the lower fares, so I had better get moving. (SFO to Europe is a long, long trip with no sleep.
Of the five tried long haul, the best is Swiss, followed by BA, then Lufthansa and United, with Air France a long way behind. (Least comfortable beds, worst attitude, most strikes). In Business, I would say Virgin (Upper Class is a C/J-class fare, not an F fare), followed by BA (only on the flat bed seats, despite the rattles), Lufthansa (Best conventional seat for sleeping, video too small), Swiss (A330 only, MD-11 much inferior, both seats strangely difficult to sleep in), Air france seat recline does not allow sleep. TAP has least space, Alitalia OK. Rumour is that Aer Lingus Premier is really good, but never tried. KLM long haul business also has loads of space, but I have not tried it many years, so forget.
In long-haul economy, there is no contest. American has several inches more space than anyone else. Contest over, despite the food and service. Personally, my kids like the Swiss seatback videos though (A330 only).
Contrary to other views in this thread, US domestic F class is not the same as European C/J class, simply because the seating is normally 2+2 on single-aisle aircraft, and there is more legroom, and leather seats. It's sort of a C+. Three-class domestic still exists.
Momo
Currently moving from one company to another by merger, I have to learn new tricks. Old complany had C-class policy, so upgrades to F were the trick. New company has "lowest Y" policy, so the first trick is C-class upgrades. Of course, I won't keep the top level cards (four airlines) for long at the lower fares, so I had better get moving. (SFO to Europe is a long, long trip with no sleep.
Of the five tried long haul, the best is Swiss, followed by BA, then Lufthansa and United, with Air France a long way behind. (Least comfortable beds, worst attitude, most strikes). In Business, I would say Virgin (Upper Class is a C/J-class fare, not an F fare), followed by BA (only on the flat bed seats, despite the rattles), Lufthansa (Best conventional seat for sleeping, video too small), Swiss (A330 only, MD-11 much inferior, both seats strangely difficult to sleep in), Air france seat recline does not allow sleep. TAP has least space, Alitalia OK. Rumour is that Aer Lingus Premier is really good, but never tried. KLM long haul business also has loads of space, but I have not tried it many years, so forget.
In long-haul economy, there is no contest. American has several inches more space than anyone else. Contest over, despite the food and service. Personally, my kids like the Swiss seatback videos though (A330 only).
Contrary to other views in this thread, US domestic F class is not the same as European C/J class, simply because the seating is normally 2+2 on single-aisle aircraft, and there is more legroom, and leather seats. It's sort of a C+. Three-class domestic still exists.
Momo
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Well, it's only happened to me once, and when it really counted - on my honeymoon!
April this year, flying BA to Grenada. We had economy tickets, but had decided to dress smartly, just in case of a miracle... and it happened! The flight was obviously very overbooked and we were immediately offered £250 each to take a slightly later flight. I am a very nervous passenger and hate it if anything happens to disrupt my travel arrangements (I also wanted the flight to be over as soon as possible), so I hesitated (also mumbled that it was my honeymoon and I just wanted to get there). The next thing we know, the lady at the check-in desk is on the phone saying "They're suitably dressed, if you're interested"...
and we were upgraded to FIRST!! I couldn't believe it; absolutely heavenly and the service was out of this world. Sitting opposite each other to have lunch was SO civilised - and curling up for a nap afterwards....just amazing.
Needless to say, the journey home in cattle was a bit of a come-down.
April this year, flying BA to Grenada. We had economy tickets, but had decided to dress smartly, just in case of a miracle... and it happened! The flight was obviously very overbooked and we were immediately offered £250 each to take a slightly later flight. I am a very nervous passenger and hate it if anything happens to disrupt my travel arrangements (I also wanted the flight to be over as soon as possible), so I hesitated (also mumbled that it was my honeymoon and I just wanted to get there). The next thing we know, the lady at the check-in desk is on the phone saying "They're suitably dressed, if you're interested"...
and we were upgraded to FIRST!! I couldn't believe it; absolutely heavenly and the service was out of this world. Sitting opposite each other to have lunch was SO civilised - and curling up for a nap afterwards....just amazing.
Needless to say, the journey home in cattle was a bit of a come-down.
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I was upgraded to business class on Singapore Airlines, Singapore to Jakarta ..... wearing T shirt, jeans and thongs! Didn't believe it until I was offered champagne before startup!! Pity flight was only a couple of glasses worth.
First Class on American
American Airlines does still offer 'proper' First Class across the Atlantic.
On many of its B777 flights you can enjoy Flagship Suite - a pod-like seat that converts into a fully flat bed or and office (the seat swivels round to a desk complete with power socket for lap top.
see: http://www.aa.com/content/travelInfo...hipSuite.jhtml
From early next year American will switch to a two-class config (Business Class and Economy) on its 767s but the 777s will continue to offer First Class.
On many of its B777 flights you can enjoy Flagship Suite - a pod-like seat that converts into a fully flat bed or and office (the seat swivels round to a desk complete with power socket for lap top.
see: http://www.aa.com/content/travelInfo...hipSuite.jhtml
From early next year American will switch to a two-class config (Business Class and Economy) on its 767s but the 777s will continue to offer First Class.
Couldonlyaffordafiver
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Octopussy,
Well done on the upgrade. However, BA only offers a maximum of Club service on the Caribbean routes. You may have been lucky enough to be on one of the 3/4 class aircraft which sometimes operate down there, which means they have the First flat beds at the front, but you will only (only?) have received the Club service.
Well done on the upgrade. However, BA only offers a maximum of Club service on the Caribbean routes. You may have been lucky enough to be on one of the 3/4 class aircraft which sometimes operate down there, which means they have the First flat beds at the front, but you will only (only?) have received the Club service.
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Thanks for the info, HF. You're right, it was Club, but right up the front with the flat beds. But the food and the service were fantastic; I imagine it's as close as I'll ever get to the real thing!
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About five/six years ago I was flying Club regularly with BA and, after about every 4 or 5 round trips a nice person would be called to the check-in desk when I arrived. They would thank me for flying BA and walk with me to Departures. Invariably, I would find I was upgraded at the Pier-head.
I have now been a Gold card member for 3 years in a row, long-haul always Club, even longer haul (twice a year) First.
However, the nice people seem to have disappeared and I have not had any more "check-in"upgrades. So, if I'm no longer seen as good for an upgrade ....good luck with your tactics!!
Before you say it, I do smile and I am polite
but, I won't ask for something I haven't paid for.
I have now been a Gold card member for 3 years in a row, long-haul always Club, even longer haul (twice a year) First.
However, the nice people seem to have disappeared and I have not had any more "check-in"upgrades. So, if I'm no longer seen as good for an upgrade ....good luck with your tactics!!
Before you say it, I do smile and I am polite
but, I won't ask for something I haven't paid for.
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Here's how it worked for me recently. Flying Club on BA Long Haul. Silver card. Asked for upgrade at check-in - no deal. Went direct to the gate and tried again, had to sweat a bit but eventually got it just before departure. Was advised by gate boss that key criterion is price paid for ticket.
Conclusion: best if you have a pricey ticket, maybe booked at short notice. Don't bother at check-in, decisions are made at the gate. Grovel as much your pride will allow!
Spent next 12 hours in excellent First Class - well done BA!
Conclusion: best if you have a pricey ticket, maybe booked at short notice. Don't bother at check-in, decisions are made at the gate. Grovel as much your pride will allow!
Spent next 12 hours in excellent First Class - well done BA!