[Altair]

I have ot been op-up on QF, but yes on other airlines, but I have op-up my boss.
On a flight SYD-WLG, I was given the points upgrade while my boss kept going down the back with comments, "Wipe that smile off your face" and "Make sure I do not hit you on the head as I walk pass."
There were only three people in the cabin out of sixteen and I asked the CSM if my boss can be moved up. She said wait until the doors close and ask her again. Sure enough the doors closed and she came to me and asked if I would lke to go down the back to bring up my boss.
His smile was priceless and we both had a very good flight back.

[Chester]

As I usually travel with my family, I think a party of 3 rarely get upgraded.

But I wonder what is the best approach to get upgraded ?

Should we check in early or late ? I reckon by checking late may give us a better chance of getting an upgrade, as by then they should know whether J class has some spare seats and economy is overflowing.

Alternatively, we re-allocate the bulkhead seats to ourselves, and if at check in time they get families with babies or young kids, they may push us up to J class so they can give the bulkhead seats to the families.

Any thought on this subject ?

[trooper]

Friend of mine got upgraded Y-J LAX-SYD in June... He's NB... was on an award ticket (!) but IS a QP member... which I assume was the key? Maybe Y was seriously overbooked.. it was not an "elite heavy" flight.. and after all the Plats/Gold/Silvers had been moved up they still needed more? Only thing I can think of.....

This happened at check in... so I'd sorta rule out last minute "laziness" by staff...

On top of that.. when told he pointed to the guy he was travelling with (on his first QF long haul the mongrel!) and said... "he's with me".. and HE got upped too! Luck of the devil!

I fly with NZ (*Gold through them) and have never had an op-up... mind you I don't give them much of a chance.. on all 11 flights this year on NZ metal (recreational only) I applied for upgrades online after booking (Yup.. supported by Gold certs or points every time)... and every single one cleared.. even the Y>C AKL-HKG (bypassing Y+).... Nice hit rate that!!

You think I might:

A. Be rather happy with NZ, and

B. Feel just a little encouraged to maintain status!

[vt]

Being nice to the checkin attendants might also get you an op up.

Dubai to London on BA, I was checking in behind a real DYKWIA W!nker. I was then really nice to the attendants and puff....upgraded at gate.

Or maybe just luck

[simongr]

I think part of our reason for the upgrade was mrssimongr's medical issue coupled with a few tears along the lines of "we just want to go home"... I didn't once use the DYKWIA - but I did call the EXP desk at customer services when teh BA guy couldn't get through on his contact number to AA - he seemed to appreciate hat - even though AA could do nothing....

[Jobu]

I've received a few operational upgrades (all domestic). Most all of them were during school holidays (hence I assume Y gets oversold).

Cheers

JOBU

[straitman]

Have had an OP upgrade for three out of HKG for SYD, so it is possible. (with QF)

[serfty]

Originally Posted by Jobu

I've received a few operational upgrades (all domestic). Most all of them were during school holidays (hence I assume Y gets oversold)....

school holidays = op-up season (mainly for status pax travelling solo)

[MelUser]

I suspect that internationally there are many people requesting points upgrades so free/complimentary op ups are unnecessary.

[serfty]

Originally Posted by MelUser

I suspect that internationally there are many people requesting points upgrades so free/complimentary op ups are unnecessary.

Not necessarily; see this thread:

• http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/comm...ppy-12288.html (QANTAS made me happy.)

Originally Posted by serfty

It's the time of year you often see this happen - It's 'Upgrade Season'!

The proportion of PAX travelling in WHY compared to the premium cabins increases greatly this time of year. So Qantas will sell many of the pointy end seats for WHY fares; deciding on the day (and at the gate if necessary) who to give them to (generally those with Status).