Are free upgrades a thing of the past?

[ddd]

I'm flying Etihad economy tonight out of SYD and when I checked in there was barely any line. I'm VA gold so I got to check in at the business counter (3 open counters with no passengers at them) and got chatting to the bloke at the desk. He mentioned that first class is empty and business is half empty. Thinking this would be my once in a lifetime chance to fly long haul business I asked if there was any chance he could bump me up, and he replied that unfortunately he can't - airlines (not just etihad) don't really do free upgrades anymore because they lose money from it.

Fair enough I'm not complaining, I've got what I paid for, but I was just quite surprised that's the case. I would have thought the cost to the airline of business over economy would be negligible if the seat is going empty anyway.

Anyone had similar experiences?

 

[Forg]

I was surprised to be upgraded to premium economy on SQ Christmas Day.

The experience was ok but hasn't left a lasting impression.

Value for money in Premium has eroded over the years, probably because a lot of organisations fly people PE between Straya & Asia (ie. rather than J) ... so demand has gone up, and yet it seems to be 3/4 the price of J these days.
At least it’s possible to walk after over about 5hrs in a Premium Economy seat, you can’t say that for a Y seat.
About 6 momths after BA released their first Premium Economy floghts to Oz, my parents went to the UK for only $400 more than the Y seats they could get at the time ($2.4k vs $2k). Was definitely worthwhile for the extra room, at those prices.

 

[JohnK]

At least it’s possible to walk after over about 5hrs in a Premium Economy seat, you can’t say that for a Y seat.

I don't have an issue with economy. I hit the ground running with golf the next morning.

 

[Hvr]

Just remembered this thread. On 27 January when flying on QF36 SIN-MEL the woman boarding in front of me was op-upped from Y to Y+.

She was quite pleased. It was a very full flight.

 

[dajop]

I would be surprised if anyone has got a free upgrade on SQ recently

Actually recently is a period when upgrades are more likely to happen due to higher leisure traffic and lower business traffic. I know a top tier SQ member who had 3 out of 4 flights upgraded during December (between SIN and China/India).