Years ago, on my first flight to Europe, I was bumped up to Business Class free of charge. I was checking in at the Virgin Atlantic counter when a gentleman approached me and asked if I would like an upgrade . Of course.....why not? Do those things happen anymore? How? Strategies? It would be nice not to be cramped......just for once.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23266 posts
Only if you are a high status frequent flier for that airline.
Posted by
La Crescenta, California, USA
361 posts
Air France has a seating choice called Premium Voyageur, it is better than coach (more leg room and meals) but not quite Business Class however, when we booked Premium Voyageur they upgraded us to Business Class. It is worth the try....and we were not frequent flyers on Air France, in fact is was our first flight on them.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
When Virgin Atlantic first flew out of Los Angeles, both we and someone else we know were upgraded from Premium Economy to First Class.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Flying from ORD to Heathrow a few years back on BA – overheard a pay phone conversation near our gate – three college age guys calling a friend to exclaim their excitement over getting upgraded from economy to first class for free (don't know how, but I think it had something to do with sweet talking the young gate agent). Anyway, these guys were out of control happy. And as anyone who has walked through first class on their way back to economy knows, there was good reason for their excitement. I've been upgraded from economy to business for free on business trips before, but never on my own transatlantic pleasure trip for vacation. One can only dream about what it must be like to be up there in the front. Try sweet-talking the ticket counter or gate agent. :)
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Once, a long time ago, I was doing some volunteer work with some other women, and was complaining bitterly about the service on Air Canada. Unbeknownst to me, one of the other women was the wife of the then-president of the said airline. A few weeks later, booking in for a flight to Israel, we were upgraded to first class. Could have been a coincidence but .......
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
I was upgraded once, on a flight from O'Hare to London. At the time I was a frequent flyer. I didn't ask for the upgrade. I'd taken my seat in economy when a flight attendant came to my seat and said, "we have another seat for you" It was business, and boy was I excited. They'd bumped someone from business to First Class. I'm sure I wouldn't have been singled out as a general flyer. My status allowed me to get the upgrade. The others I've seen upgraded are active military, and I'm so happy when I see that happen - they deserve it more than any frequent flyer!