hungryone wrote:Now if y'all have any secrets for wrangling a first-class upgrade, I'd love to hear 'em. I won't have medallion status 'til I return from this trip, so I'm stuck.
Back in March I was at the gate in Frankfurt waiting for a Delta flight to Atlanta. The flight was oversold (imagine that). I was traveling alone, which has certain advantages. I politely informed the Fraulein at the counter that I was traveling alone and if they had any "singles" in business I'd be happy to move up and free a seat in coach for someone on "standby." My Delta status is "Flying Colonel" which has been discontinued and means nothing any more. But...
About 20 minutes before boarding they paged me and brought me to the only business seat left. The one next to the pilot's sleep seat. (The FAA requires pilots to rest on flights over 8 hours.) So I had three different pilots sit next to me. But best of all I had better food and free booze..
Oh lord how I miss the good old days of commercial aviation. Flying regularly between New York and Los Angeles. Upgrades on United, from WHITE (standard class) to RED (first class) for $25.00.Upgrades on American to First Class for two stamps. You bought a book of stamps for $150.00. Stop overs on the way home in Vegas - no extra charge.
Bring back government regulation! Please! The 60's, 70's, and early 80's were good times. And you could even schmooz your way into the cockpit and spend an hour chatting with the crew.
As John Wayne once said: "Life's tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid."
