Upgrading Techniques

What a great web site!!! Such a lot of great advice!!! I have booked a flight with Continental from Birmingham, England to Newark, New Jersey in Feb 2004. My friend and I were trying to get an upgrade on our flights so I emailed the airline directly. I told them the truth, we have had a tough year as both my parents passed away at a young age in the last 12 months and my friend’s father also then passed away, and that this is our first trip since the funerals. They replied by saying that they only give upgrades to their frequent fliers. How can we get an upgrade on our flights now?

I have also told the Waldorf Astoria hotel, which is where we are staying during our stay, the same and they said they can only offer upgrades on the day of arrival at the hotel. Any advice?

Thanks,
Debbie Greenway, UK

Dear Debbie,

Thank you for such nice words about the web site. Also kudos for being proactive and emailing the airline with your request. Frankly, I am a little surprised that the airline responded. In any event, here’s what you should do. Go to Continental’s web site and sign both you and your friend up for Continental’s OnePass frequent flyer program. Than call the airline and give them your new OnePass numbers (an instant number will be generated on-line) so that you will get credit for your flights and be identified as a frequent flier. While you are doing this explain to a sympathetic phone agent your story and ask her if she can “at least” put onto your flight record your special circumstances. (If the agent is not sympathetic simply re-call until you get an understanding agent.) Than when you arrive at the airport pass thorough the security screening process and find the lead gate agent for your flight. When you first approach her, state that you are a passenger on the flight and then ask if she has a moment to help you. After this short dialogue explain that your record should show your situation and ask if the agent will assist you with a nice flight by upgrading you.

This is the same technique that you will use for your hotel visit. Similar to the airline strategy, call the hotel directly (call the actual hotel) and ask for the reservation manager and let him know what your special circumstances are, and ask if he can at least tag your reservation for an upgrade upon arrival—if available. Than when you arrive at the hotel and check in, tell the front desk clerk that you spoke with the manager (be sure to get his name in advance) and that they should have marked your record for an upgrade.

If you encounter any difficulties with this method consult my book for more specific details.

Have a fabulous trip.