Free Upgrades - An Update

[danielh]

A few things on my most recent trip to the USA.

Asked for a three seater for me and my wife and got it in the back of the 747-400. Had previously reserved (and got) seats behind exit row in the frontmost part of the economy area.

Got my choice of exit seats for a flight from LAX to Las Vegas.

On a pretty full flight from Las Vegas to LAX around Christmas time 2005 myself and my wife were given upgrade to AA First class from our full economy seats.

Got exit seats (on request) for flight LAX to SFO and back to LAX

On my return flight from LAX to Melbourne on 14th Jan 2006 I asked for a seat of three with a spare again but could only get a double seater for me and my wife.

I only realised that later that I cold have asked for a four seater for the both of us in the back of the plane so I heavily recommend you keep your options open when checking in.

There was a bit of a scramble for people to get those free seats and I was just a bit too slow.

Regards
Daniel

 

[MetroAir]

But don't rely on this even for a good seat as if you get it wrong you will end up in seat 98E.

Thats the outermost seat on the tail isn't it??

 

[JohnK]

But don't rely on this even for a good seat as if you get it wrong you will end up in seat 98E.

Thats the outermost seat on the tail isn't it??

Totally right.

Not even in the cabin but literally sitting on the tail. Not sure if the flight would be comfortable there. :?

 

[straitman]

Kiwis with UGG boots and sheepskin coats would probably love it there :!:

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

nah it ruffles too many feathers

but a certain flying rat seems to enjoy the tail - see it everywhere

 

[straitman]

nah it ruffles too many feathers

but a certain flying rat seems to enjoy the tail - see it everywhere

Must be a Frequent and consistent flyer. 8) 8) 8)

 

[Skyring]

But don't rely on this even for a good seat as if you get it wrong you will end up in seat 98E.

Thats the outermost seat on the tail isn't it??

Totally right.

Not even in the cabin but literally sitting on the tail. Not sure if the flight would be comfortable there. :?

I fly for the view.

And the legroom is unbeatable.

Pete, donning his flying goggles

 

[cowombat]

About three years ago, BA ground staff at Heathrow gave me a time-wasting runaround. I asked to see the BA Airport Manager, and politely explained the problem. He apologized, then checked if an upgrade was available for the flight to Australia from J to F. No seats were available, so the verbal apology would have to suffice, and I heard nothing more.
But since then I seem to have an almost automatic upgrade with BA, on routes as remote as BOM-LHR (twice into F), MEL-BKK (from discount economy to premium economy for all the family), SAO-EZE (into F), and so on. Unless it's my good looks I seem to have got onto their computer system as an autoupgrade. Several more long haul flights with BA coming up next month, so see what happens........
Moral of the story - If the reason is because of a computer entry, it shows it's worth talking to the airport manager (who has the authority to do such things as upgrades)