Upgrade Guide Being Sold on

[33rpm]

There is this ad on eBay Australia selling this guide on how to best position yourself for an upgrade when flying economy.

Has anybody read this guide and can make comment as to whether the information within is nothing more than what we can get from this forum? For all we know, the author and seller is probably a member of this forum profiting out of the information provided by the collective experience of contributors. The testimonials are impossible to validate but they sound convincing. We do not know the denominator with regard to success of the guide.

I am happy to "take one for the team" and purchase (only $7.80) but before I do, was curious to know if anybody else had already taken the plunge.


UPGRADE ECONOMY TO EXECUTIVE BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL.HOT! (eBay item 260725595174 end time 01-Feb-11 00:35:28 AEDST) : Tickets, Travel

 

[JohnK]

I don't know anything about this guide but if the information contained was so valuable it shoud not be selling for $7.80 only.

You can pick up a lot more information by posting on AFF and I would not waste any money on these types of 'guides'.

 

[Sprucegoose]

There would be nothing in there that collectively 'we' don't already know or understand!!

Members contribute here voluntarily and I am sure would not seek to profit, as suggested.

 

[Mal]

Without looking at the book, I presume it's yet another "web guide" that affiliates resell.

The guide will contain excellent information that most people (at this type of site) already know, and the information will be close to zero value for an Australian domestic flyer as it will be US centric and thus not generally appropriate for an AU audience.

There will be tips on when upgrade windows open, how to get confirmed upgrades, which credit cards provide points in airline schemes, and a host of other similar items stitched together.

But of course I could be wrong...

 

[33rpm]

There would be nothing in there that collectively 'we' don't already know or understand!!

Members contribute here voluntarily and I am sure would not seek to profit, as suggested.

I am absolutely blown away that I may have caused offence with my post. I guess that this is the problem with comments in an email/post context where the tone and tenor of what is said can be missed/misinterpreted. This includes both my comment which may sound flippant and accusational to some and the response abrupt, defensive and arrogant to others. I have no doubt it is all a misunderstanding and my unreserved apologies if I have been misunderstood.

Whilst not the primary question asked in the post, my comment that theorised that there might be a member who could take the opportunity to reference material from this forum is not unreasonable. It would be totally inconsistent that a 'contributing' member would seek to profit but it would be naive of us to think that there were not people looking for a way to profit.

My original post was one of curiosity. My inclination is to think that all the information in the guide could be found here but if somebody had actually read the guide, they could speak wth some authority on the matter rather than speculate as to its contents.

Sprucegoose, I know that you are the longstanding member with much post/contribution/knowledge credability and I am a new user/member - it is very easy for the newcomer to be viewed with suspicion as a potential troublemaker and I have seen this happen to newcomers on other forums (please, I am not suggesting that this is a normal part of the culture here). I have no desire for conflict as I do wish to contribute where I can as well as learn something from the AFF. Wishing you the very best.

 

[33rpm]

Without looking at the book, I presume it's yet another "web guide" that affiliates resell.

The guide will contain excellent information that most people (at this type of site) already know, and the information will be close to zero value for an Australian domestic flyer as it will be US centric and thus not generally appropriate for an AU audience.

There will be tips on when upgrade windows open, how to get confirmed upgrades, which credit cards provide points in airline schemes, and a host of other similar items stitched together.

But of course I could be wrong...

Greetings Mal
I am inclined to agree with you.
The seller is based in Sydney so it may or may not have an AU centric theme.
If nobody has read it, I am quite happy to burn $7.80 and take one for the team and report back on how our forum stacks up. Yes, it will more than likely be a total waste of $7.80 but I think I could wear this expense!

 

[LiamR]

Without looking at the book, I presume it's yet another "web guide" that affiliates resell.

The guide will contain excellent information that most people (at this type of site) already know, and the information will be close to zero value for an Australian domestic flyer as it will be US centric and thus not generally appropriate for an AU audience.

There will be tips on when upgrade windows open, how to get confirmed upgrades, which credit cards provide points in airline schemes, and a host of other similar items stitched together.

But of course I could be wrong...

I agree, it will most likeley be full of information for US based airlines, with little use in Australia. I don't know of a magic answer to get a free upgrade almost every time. Unless theres some secret that I don't know about?

 

[Mal]

Some of the negative feedback is interesting - along the lines of "Nothing new to see here", "Common Sense", "you can find the information elsewhere", "already knew it" etc etc etc.

So the information can't be anything special...

 

[nlagalle]

I am absolutely blown away that I may have caused offence with my post. I guess that this is the problem with comments in an email/post context where the tone and tenor of what is said can be missed/misinterpreted. This includes both my comment which may sound flippant and accusational to some and the response abrupt, defensive and arrogant to others. I have no doubt it is all a misunderstanding and my unreserved apologies if I have been misunderstood.

Whilst not the primary question asked in the post, my comment that theorised that there might be a member who could take the opportunity to reference material from this forum is not unreasonable. It would be totally inconsistent that a 'contributing' member would seek to profit but it would be naive of us to think that there were not people looking for a way to profit.

My original post was one of curiosity. My inclination is to think that all the information in the guide could be found here but if somebody had actually read the guide, they could speak wth some authority on the matter rather than speculate as to its contents.

Sprucegoose, I know that you are the longstanding member with much post/contribution/knowledge credability and I am a new user/member - it is very easy for the newcomer to be viewed with suspicion as a potential troublemaker and I have seen this happen to newcomers on other forums (please, I am not suggesting that this is a normal part of the culture here). I have no desire for conflict as I do wish to contribute where I can as well as learn something from the AFF. Wishing you the very best.

33RPM I don't think you have caused offence to anyone about your post/question. I guess it is more of a "another upgrade guide online" that has been around before. But again don't feel bad about it in any way shape or form.

Also i seriously doubt someone from here would be posting a book online....

I am pretty sure the ebook would be online somewhere too..

 

[tipsy.skipsy]

Greetings Mal
I am inclined to agree with you.
The seller is based in Sydney so it may or may not have an AU centric theme.
If nobody has read it, I am quite happy to burn $7.80 and take one for the team and report back on how our forum stacks up. Yes, it will more than likely be a total waste of $7.80 but I think I could wear this expense!

Hey, worth the shot , if it's any good please share with us - if not of much help then think of it as , you were served a very bad drink at pub one day

 

[33rpm]

Hey, worth the shot , if it's any good please share with us - if not of much help then think of it as , you were served a very bad drink at pub one day

Thank you so much for capturing the spirit of the post! I love the analogy!

 

[RB]

I see the ebayer also is selling platinum and silver bag tags

 

[JohnK]

I am absolutely blown away that I may have caused offence with my post. I guess that this is the problem with comments in an email/post context where the tone and tenor of what is said can be missed/misinterpreted. This includes both my comment which may sound flippant and accusational to some and the response abrupt, defensive and arrogant to others. I have no doubt it is all a misunderstanding and my unreserved apologies if I have been misunderstood.

I definitely do not think you caused any offence and i hope that was reflected in my post.

We have seen many of these over the years, so called experts, disgruntled employees, etc, and some people have taken one for the team to purchase and have reported it the same information over and over and of no benefit to anyone on AFF!

The biggest problem with these types of gimmicks is that some fall for it and think they will get a 'free' upgrade to business class on their next flight, or their first flight, and there is only way to go with that expectation and that is sheer disappointment.

 

[docjames]

33rpm I certainly interpreted your post as you were curious, rather than profit seeking etc.

Similalrly, I dont believe the experienced members were taking it that way either, again as you say, written word can be misinterpreted without tone or context.

FWIW: My opinion would be to not waste your money unless the curiosity is absolutely killing you, as you can find the info free here (and on other websites/boards). I believe this is what other "experienced" members were trying to covey.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I had a look at the ebay sellers feedback score which has 3 negative feedback strikes all for this particular item, comments include:

"There was no indication that this was just a computer download" - what did they think they were getting - an actual upgrade for $7.80??? This person only has a feedback score of 1 so pretty inexperienced on ebay.

"nothing any normal person wouldnt already know its useless i feel ive been ripd" - another relative noob to ebay with a feedback score of 3.

"Seller did not advise item was an email!!!" - again, der if it wasn't an email what exactly did they think they were buying, feedback score of 29?

Sounds like these people are the type who book the cheapest Tiger fares requiring webcheck, don't read the conditions then turn up at the airport & whinge because their printer was out of paper & they have to pay $25.00 for a real person to check them in.

 

[JohnK]

"Seller did not advise item was an email!!!" - again, der if it wasn't an email what exactly did they think they were buying, feedback score of 29?

It is the title that catches everyone. The naive travellers think they have a leg up on their opposition with this guide and would expect an upgrade on every flight. :shock:

 

[tipsy.skipsy]

I had a look at the ebay sellers feedback score which has 3 negative feedback strikes all for this particular item, comments include:

"There was no indication that this was just a computer download" - what did they think they were getting - an actual upgrade for $7.80??? This person only has a feedback score of 1 so pretty inexperienced on ebay.

"nothing any normal person wouldnt already know its useless i feel ive been ripd" - another relative noob to ebay with a feedback score of 3.

"Seller did not advise item was an email!!!" - again, der if it wasn't an email what exactly did they think they were buying, feedback score of 29?

Sounds like these people are the type who book the cheapest Tiger fares requiring webcheck, don't read the conditions then turn up at the airport & whinge because their printer was out of paper & they have to pay $25.00 for a real person to check them in.

THIS IS AN EXTRACT FROM THE SELLERS LISTING

"Have a Wonderful Journey.

As soon as the payment is received, i will send the travel guide to your email address within 24hours.

Enjoy Your Flights!"

well according to me the seller clearly states it is an e-mail !!!!!!

It is the title that catches everyone. The naive travellers think they have a leg up on their opposition with this guide and would expect an upgrade on every flight. :shock:

Well but does anyone know the actual contents of the e-mail ?

If you do please share it here for the knowledge of my uninformed mind.

 

[JohnK]

Well but does anyone know the actual contents of the e-mail ?

If you do please share it here for the knowledge of my uninformed mind.

I don't know the contents of the email and to be honest I am not interested as I firmly believe the information is already contained on AFF and let's be realistic for a minute that no upgrade is guaranteed.

Serfty if one of the people on AFF with excellent success rates at op-ups and upgrades but he does not always get it right either.

Do some search on AFF and you will find similar threads where people have purchased the information only to find it useless.

 

[oz_perspective]

I'm dubious however interested to know what the end result is if anyone ends up coughing up the fee!

 

[serfty]

I have good 'points' upgrade success merely by flying Qantas when the premium cabins are less likely to be popular for paid fares.

As far as OP-ups go, using ExpertFlyer I can get a good idea if I may be targeted but that's it.

This is in relation to Qantas flights - my best advice is to be WP!

Do a search for "Proactive Onload".