Suitable For Upgrade

[joggerjayne]

I was on the British Airways thread earlier, and I was thinking ...

What are the best ways to get the check in girl to mentally press those three crucial little keys ...

... S F U ?

[237SJ]

Join the airline`s loyalty scheme
Pick a flight that`s overbooked
Don`t turn up at the airport looking like a scruffbag
Don`t order a special meal
Don`t turn up with loads of kids in tow

[joggerjayne]

Good ones. I agree with smart ...

Fly in a blazer and skirt (or trousers, obviously)

Small luggage ... no huge, bulging suitcases

[237SJ]

The luggage doesn`t make any difference.

[joggerjayne]

If you pick a flight that's overbooked, and you don't get the upgrade, you might have a bit of time to browse around duty free. Like several hours, for instance.

[237SJ]

It depends on the loads really. Some routes are really overbooked because they have a high no-show level. They will upgrade by picking an airline`s own loyalty card customers first. If you go to somewhere like LA in the late summer months, there is a lot less business traffic but lots more holiday traffic. They will way overbook `down the back` knowing that they will put quite a lot of those passengers in Business. SFU won`t really be put by anyone`s name - it will just be done. You could get SFU put by your name if you have a word at check in (particularly if you`re on honeymoon or something). Apparently in the States, they overbook quite freely but it`s not really done these days unless it`s or operational reasons (ie overbooking)

[joggerjayne]

The Christmas card would have to have your photo on the front so that they recognised you in the queue.

[commoner]

Be young and pretty /handsome well dressed... then grovel like L. ;-//

[joggerjayne]

Young and pretty?

Oh, crap.

[commoner]

Lol.....in desperation jj just grovel, or beg,or grovel and beg... should do it...:))

[kayakamina]

Richard Branson said the other day that a chap turned and told the staff that he was Richard Branson's dentist and he 'hoped' he could receive an upgrade!

He did of course.

[joggerjayne]

Then they think you're pi55ed, and you don't get on the plane at all, LOL

[commoner]

Once Mrs Comm and I were flying to Canada by Air Canada. And in the carparkl asked directions from a girl who it turned out was cabin staff on our flight...amazed to find we were upgraded....never asked....wonderful 6hour flight......
Never happened since sadly: -(

[joggerjayne]

Serendipity !

[NoMercy]

Air Canada are a superb airline - fast too. Got back from Toronto in 5:48m. :-)

[Georgiesmum]

Id say just dress as though you are going to a business meeting.It worked for me!We got upgraded when we went to Florida.It was ace!

[sp1814]

High is right.

Flirt, flirt, flirt and when you think you've flirted enough...flirt some more.

Just don't let it tip over into looking 'creepy'.

[commoner]

lol...and for gawd's sake don't offer membership of the "Mile High Club".....oh dear no!

[commoner]

Wardair was greatCanadian airline..High quality meals and friendly staff. "Steak & Champagne" flights was a popular advertisingslogan in the 1980s....just used it once to Canada before it finished..Royal Doulton crockery and table cloths even in standard seats...what a change from the cattle truck standards of the budget airlines today....you didn't need to upgrade ...