Any chance of success in asking for a free upgrade?

[Bad Seed]

So next time I fly I will ditch the thongs and singlet and goto check-in dressed as a priest - can only boost my free upgrade chances


But seriously how do you know if the person has "never experienced it before" - does it say on the system that Joe Bloggs has never had a free upgrade before? The nuns might have flown business 100 times before and decided to fly economy this time - the look on their face might have been surprise that they are flying business yet again.

Trust me, nuns do not fly business class! I know a lot of nuns and they all live lives of poverty and they do not fly business class, neither do most priests, apart from a couple of exceptions. Only archbishops and cardinals get to fly up the pointy end (you know who you are and whose money you are flying on!)

As for upgrades, I am not a frequent flyer nor an occasional one, some where in between and my one upgrade experiences was on Garuda. We had purchased business class tix but ended up being upgraded to first for half the flight (I suspect due to overbooking) and believe me, even business class on a cheap arline beats economy on a good airline any day! And first is sublime. I can't compare to first on a really posh airline but first, even on Garuda was outstanding (except for the overweight European gent who insisted on putting ice cubes in his Krug and then snored at maximim volume for several hours - even in first you can't escape the snorers!)

 

[antibody]

When Mrs antibody and I were off on our honeymoon to Europe via Shanghai on China Eastern in Y our first flight was unfortunately cancelled. After looking like it was going to kick off at the China Eastern check in desk from a lot of angry passengers, in the end we were rebooked on to the next Qantas flight.

At the Qantas check-in desk Mrs antibody asked politely what the chances were for an upgrade (given the honeymoon situation) and the response was "honey - you're on Qantas now - that is an upgrade".

Although Mrs antibody was quite disappointed I must admit that was a pretty great response

 

[Taezar]

I scored my first free upgrade at the gate. A380 HKG-SYD. I did a points request from whY to Y+ and got it when I OLCI. However at the gate I went to J. Very nice surprise.
I checked my account the other day and it just had the 25k points deducted.

 

[Musongman]

Travelling back from Tokyo late last year with JAL, I noticed the cheeky little buggers put up a board in the departure gate to encourage people to upgrade to Prem.Y for a horrendous price, almost $500-700! Having experienced the meanness of their Economy service, I doubt Prem.Y would be a good deal. I contend that QF Prem.Y is as good as J, minus the flat beds!

 

[Jillybean]

So next time I fly I will ditch the thongs and singlet and goto check-in dressed as a priest - can only boost my free upgrade chances


But seriously how do you know if the person has "never experienced it before" - does it say on the system that Joe Bloggs has never had a free upgrade before? The nuns might have flown business 100 times before and decided to fly economy this time - the look on their face might have been surprise that they are flying business yet again.

Lol Doobynuts.... I new someone would pick up on that. And yes I know Nuns don't and won't fly Business Class, but hey just once doesn't hurt, it made their day.

You don't actually know if anyone has never experienced it before but you sure can tell those who are well experienced at asking.....they stick out a mile away....

 

[samh004]

It appears my dad receives the Frequent Flyer Gazette and wanted me to post the following on his behalf. For reference, he’s a MPC Diamond member and has been for quite a few years, and predominantly flies CX of course.

I only ask if the flight is full when I check in. if not, then an upgrade is unlikely but if yes then, as top tier FF, I am likely to be upgraded. Depending on my assessment of the reaction of check in staff I occasionally ask if there is a “chance” of an upgrade. In 15 years that has worked only a couple of times. However, I have had free upgrades on a regular basis around three times a year on both long haul and short haul. There does seem to be a correlation between the following circumstances:

Written complaint, justified, upgrade on next flight
Written compliment, upgrade on next flight
Birthday – complimentary upgrade
10, 20 year anniversary of joining FF, upgrade
Turn up with loud, obnoxious lifetime elite member as fellow traveler – almost certain upgrade
Know the pilot – good chance
Book a flight that is full in economy with an economy fare – almost certain upgrade

 

[Pat2065]

I would never ask for an upgrade. I also only expect what I paid for. I have, on a couple of occasions, been upgraded on a over-booked domestic QF flight which I suspect was due to my Platinum status. I appreciated the recognition but it was to handle the passenger load, not a gift.

On a slightly different angle, friends were flying economy on the same CX flight from Toronto to Hong Kong (15+ hours) as I was. On the day of travel, they had a long, difficult commute to the airport and economy now felt scary. They enquired when checking-in the cost to upgrade to business . They did not ask for a freebie. The agent quoted them a huge price for the upgrade, considerably more than I had paid for my business class seat. They declined as it was so expensive. Business class was half empty. Cathay could have had the extra revenue but chose to demand way too much for it.

 

[doobynuts]

Lol Doobynuts.... I new someone would pick up on that. And yes I know Nuns don't and won't fly Business Class, but hey just once doesn't hurt, it made their day.

You don't actually know if anyone has never experienced it before but you sure can tell those who are well experienced at asking.....they stick out a mile away....

lol Jillybean at the end of message I should have said "Just taking the piss". Just wishing that someone would make my day - 203 times and still waiting. I usually fly solo, wear respectable clothing and should come across as upgrade material but alas no - the few times I have asked about upgrade usually get sorry flight is full. Got another 12 flights coming up in the next few months Perth to Stockholm and back a few time so wish me luck everyone!

http://my.flightmemory.com/krush

 

[Julesmac]

Flew EK to Rome in business 9 years ago (we had money in those days, paying our own way) to meet up with our backpacking teenager. Shiny new planes and a wonderful experience. On the way home, departing LHR MrMac had a rush of blood to the brain and thought he'd see what the chance was to upgrade to first - he's of the 'if you don't ask, you don't get' school, but he's always nice and polite. I guess was also being pleasantly cheeky. Total disinterest in his request! Alternatively, he asked, what would the $$ cost be to upgrade? Equally disinterested - buy two new full class fares or nick off. So, we dutifully nicked off round to checkin. A lovely Aussie girl, from Melbourne, chat chat chat we go, told her why we'd been travelling, she wished her folks would do the same, then MrMac told her the upgrade story. Oh, gee, well, click click click she goes - I can only upgrade you as far as Dubai, the plane's full after that. So whilst I understand totally the annoyance of some pax regarding other ranks getting upgrades, for us it was a fabulous few hours which we really appreciated and regard as a pure fluke.

 

[Gav]

Well well. I often lurk here with some jealousy of all the people flying all over the world, and with a particular type of envy for those who get to fly at the pointy end of the plane. However in this instance I think I can comprehensively trump some AFF members for once! :mrgreen:

I've had 3/4 decent upgrades, all rather lucky.

• 1. Flying back from Central America via Miami, I'd had a very good night out and due to the company I was keeping (I was 21, single, tanned and confident) had managed to lose the track of time somewhat. Luckily the nice young lady whose room I woke up in was nice enough to drive me to my hostel to pick up my bags (in a convertible mustang) and drop me off at the airport. I would *just* catch my Virgin Atlantic flight back to LHR. Check in was closing and I turned up very late, but managed to work the charm (where did it all go??) and she agreed to let me on the flight. "Ah, there's just one problem sir" {Looks at me standing there in shorts, flip-flops, slightly sandy and dishevilled} We've only one seat left. Oh...? "Do you have some smart clothes in your bag?" Me? {catching on} "Oh yes, I scrub up very nicely, or so my mum tells me anyway!" "Great, well get them out, go and get changed and come back and I'll have your boarding card ready - you're flying upper class!". I practically skipped all the way onto the plane. It was heaven, and the best bit was that my two mates on the plane assumed I'd missed the flight until they saw me collecting my luggage from the posh part at LHR. That, and somehow I got sat next to a very nice young lady who worked for a record label "but didn't really know London" and managed to arrange a date (or several) for when we arrived back!
• 2. Flying Etihad SYD-AUH-MXP.I turned up at check in, I was very pleasant, asked if it was busy, she said yes, I jokingly said that whilst I'd checked in online I'm happy to move seats if it helps, even to business class if they're desperate (ha!). She looked at me, stood there in my football jersey. She looked again, asked me what team it was. "Manchester City" says I. She looks again - "It says Etihad on your shirt! Are they the sponsors?" Oh but of course they are, kind of owned by the same people, says I, that's why I'm flying with them, to support the airline too. "Well that's good! OK, well let's see what we can do... there you go! Business class!" I asked if I should change into a smarter shirt, but she said it was fine! I couldn't be guaranteed business all the way through to Manchester though. Oh well. This was just after the takeover in 2010 and when the City relationship was a lot less well known. Funnily enough was sat next to another nice young lady who I managed to see again a few times! This story has gone round a bit, so don't be surprised to see a lot of people wearing City shirts on Etihad in the hope of scoring an upgrade.
• 3. Etihad MAN-AUH-MXPSimpler one this, I won flights from Manchester City FC due to us being the best supporters in the world. Well, we got votes. From Sydney and then back. No upgrade, sadly, but as we were flying back the day after we won the FA Cup final we managed to bag an upgrade on the second leg through sheer flirtyness and again asking nicely.
• 4. Free F Lounge Access in AUHFollowed Etihad on Facebook, they had a promo to offer people lounge access by quickly posting on their page to the first people to ask! Whoop! Makes flying cattle class all rather bearable when you can have a shower followed by a glass of bubbly before getting back on with the riff-raff.

In summary, charm, asking nicely but maybe not *too* obviously, I've done it absent mindedly almost like if they're struggling with numbers, not banging on about it if it's a no... and supporting Manchester City should all help. Supporting City will help you in life if not in the air, anyway. I think the thing I'm most please about is getting upgraded *because* I was wearing a football jersey, rather than downgraded because of the same reason. It must be a first!

 

[JessicaTam]

I think the thing I'm most please about is getting upgraded *because* I was wearing a football jersey, rather than downgraded because of the same reason. It must be a first!

Whilst I like your tale Gav, I don't think I could ever bring myself to wear a football jumper of any code or team, so I guess that option is out for me.

I don't ask for upgrades, but I do ask if I can have an empty seat blocked out next to me if the flight isn't full. That has maybe a 70/30 sucess rate in my favour.

 

[drron]

I can think of 7 free upgrades during my travels,4 when AAEXP.3 were CX J-F,1 QF Y-J.
1 upgrade on AA when no status,already were seated when presented with new F BPs-worked,they have had my business ever since.
1 on QF NAN-SYD Y-J.We were the only 2 not wearing thongs,either type,on a full plane.
And 1 about 30 years ago on DL when I unashamedly asked for one.

 

[777]

Since VA introduced domestic J I've been op-upped 2 flights out 5. Hoping my luck continues. Expecting it won't.

 

[Hermes]

I can think of 7 free upgrades during my travels,4 when AAEXP.3 were CX J-F,1 QF Y-J.
1 upgrade on AA when no status,already were seated when presented with new F BPs-worked,they have had my business ever since.
1 on QF NAN-SYD Y-J.We were the only 2 not wearing thongs,either type,on a full plane.
And 1 about 30 years ago on DL when I unashamedly asked for one.

I'm 67 and have been flying since I was two. In that time I have had two free upgrades, but asked for neither. The first was TAA (remember them?) DRW-ADL about 1978 when the check-in clerk was an old schoolfriend. Saw my Y ticket and said come back when the flight is called. Got 1A. The second was SYD-MEL with QF about 2000 when I got to Kingsford Smith about an hour early and asked if I could jump an earlier flight. The clerk said the flight was full, then picked up the phone, spoke to a supervisor, looked me up and down (jacket and tie) and put me in J.
I remember that flight particularly because when late afternoon tea was being served I was offered wine. I was about to say no, but I saw it was one of my favourites (Brand's Laira) and had a glass. Chatted to the FA about it. As we descended into MEL she pressed a QF serviette into my hands. It was wrapped around the almost full bottle. (I'd been the only one to have a glass.)
So I guess it all depends on circs, the attitude and mood of the people attending to you, and a modicum of luck.

 

[jimicans2010]

I have tried as well but it's difficult at times to get it and its based on availability at the airport and its down to discretion of the airport as well. All you can do is try and put on a smile !

 

[TheFergus]

Surely QF should police this more?

Damn straight! Exit row seats should be restricted only to tall bald guys who answer to TheFergus. He would appreciate it very much.

 

[brucek]

Julesmac, unfortunatley I'm not surprised you got the initial response you did at LHR. If the Brits' are infamous for anything, it's bad service, for which one has to pay exhorbitant prices for. I'm glad the Aussie Chick was able to assist, in part at least

• I'd had a very good night out and due to the company I was keeping (I was 21, single, tanned and confident) had managed to lose the track of time somewhat Luckily the nice young lady whose room I woke up in was nice enough to drive me to my hostel to pick up my bags (in a convertible mustang) .....Check in was closing and I turned up very late, but managed to work the charm (where did it all go??) and she agreed to let me on the flight. "Ah, there's just one problem sir" {Looks at me standing there in shorts, flip-flops, slightly sandy and dishevilled} ...... Me? {catching on} "Oh yes, I scrub up very nicely, or so my mum tells me anyway!".....It was heaven, and the best bit was that my two mates on the plane assumed I'd missed the flight until they saw me collecting my luggage from the posh part at LHR. That, and somehow I got sat next to a very nice young lady who worked for a record label "but didn't really know London" and managed to arrange a date (or several) for when we arrived back!
• .......sat next to another nice young lady who I managed to see again a few times! .
• .....managed to bag an upgrade on the second leg through sheer flirtyness and again asking nicely.
• ....all rather bearable when you can have a shower followed by a glass of bubbly before getting back on with the riff-raff.

./QUOTE]

You're a tool Gav.

 

[Tassey69]

When travelling regularly several years ago on RTW tickets I used to travel J class to LHR with BA out of Sydney, scored 4 upgrades to F by asking, admit that one out of LHR was on my birthday and I did ask for an upgrade, desk was very polite in saying the plane was not full and upgrades were unlikely, as I was leaving the lounge the CSO on the desk asked me if I would like 1A and wished me a happy birthday from BA, she was also correct the F & J were not full. I have had several PE to J upgrades on QF out of LAX, if the time is right sometimes a conversation with the CSO can be rewarding

 

[Cardinal]

I've only ever had one upgrade ever, quite unsolicited flying CX from BKK to SIN. Upon check-in I was told that they would like to move me to Business to assist an Economy shortfall! It was my birthday and I loved it! Coming back I asked was there any chance as I had enjoyed the forward journey, alas, negative, but Y was light and I had plenty of room.

My partner and I have been previously upgraded on that flight too. We would have really appreciated J seats on the next leg to Dubai via India. Otherwise, I've only been upgraded when travelling alone. KL to Syd (Austrian), Syd to Perth (QANTAS), and once I had a business class seat with economy food with QANTAS - I think it was Sin to Syd. All have been bonuses and I would never ask. I don't expect anymore bonuses as I now tend to always fly with my partner when not on work and she pre-orders special meals.

 

[richie9x]

I've only ever had one upgrade ever, quite unsolicited flying CX from BKK to SIN. Upon check-in I was told that they would like to move me to Business to assist an Economy shortfall! It was my birthday and I loved it! Coming back I asked was there any chance as I had enjoyed the forward journey, alas, negative, but Y was light and I had plenty of room.

Cathay will sometimes give out free upgrades to passengers flying on their birthday. Most of the reports of it happening are from people with status with Marco Polo Club (Cathay's FF program). Were you a member of MPC when you got the upgrade? Or did you have status with another Oneworld airline (e.g. Qantas)?