British Airways

[goldheart]

Can anyone tell me if they have ever been upgraded from normal class to first? If so, how to go about asking... is there some sort of code word!!! or do you dress smart, smile sweetly and ask in the nicest, poshest voice!! Im flying to dubai on my own on Sunday and as Im a larger lady, would like more room, also not sure what seats would be best, someone told me to the rear of the plain it tapers in so they can only fit in two chairs so there is more width between them.... can anyone help?

Thanks!!

[mushroom25]

upgrading from economy straight to first is a bit unlikely, but from economy to club (business) class is a possibility if the flight is full at the back.

[heathfield]

It's true that the three seats on each side of the plane become two as the plane tapers in at the rear. But there's no change to seat size. The only advantage is that the aisle becomes slightly wider where the third seat is missing, but it too becomes a bit narrower as you move further toward the rear. My wife and I go for these seats, as it means you're not disturbing someone else if you have to go to the loo, and I can stretch my legs into the aisle.

[Dom Tuk]

but the loos are always at the back so when the queue builds up and some cannot hold it in...you will be the first to sample the smells.

[Dom Tuk]

And if the flight is not full you have no chance of getting any upgrades.......

the people at the front have paid extra for the privilege...if airlines satrted bumping people up just because they smile sweetly or dress posh..... no no chance

[goldheart]

thanks guys

[jno]

there's always a chance... but 'chance' is the word. It's happened to me without asking; when I've asked it never works. Only tip is never be rude to counter staff as they can stop it happening in an instant.

If you want more legroom try asking for a seat by the exits (though these can be chilly).

[auntiebertie]

They would never upgrade someone from Economy to First - they would upgrade Economy to Premium Economy, then someone in Pre Econ to Club and someone in Club to First.
Having a BA frequent flyers card helps, dressing nicely, asking politely - not the people at the check in desk - they have no power - the power lies in the hands of those at the desk in the boarding lounge just before you go down the tunnel to the plane. But upgrades only happen if the plane is oversold [and all airlines oversell by approx 10%]. Good Luck!

[spudqueen]

Never happened to me, even when I've been travelling on my own and nicely dressed. Cousins wife is an air hostess who flies out of Heathrow and she says she could upgrade me anytime on flights from Heathrow on her airline, unfortunately I live near Manchester and am not going to get the shuttle down and do an extra couple of flights just to be upgraded.

[dzug]

There was a thread about this a few days ago

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Travel/Getting- there/Question363750.html

The codeword is 'I'm willing to pay the difference in fare' btw..... Otherwise your chances are slim but not zero.

[Dom Tuk]

dont wish to be a prude but i always get upgraded to first class with a particular airline as my brother is very high up in the organisation and he speaks directly to the pilot. I check in as usual and tell my brother my seat number. I get in the plane turn right and sit on my seat. within a few minutes after every one is settled in invariably a cabin crew will come to my seat and take me upstairs to first class. this has happened every time for the past 5 years. In the end it is who you know and how high up they are in the organisation. but ofcourse you cant go mad in first class.

[Boo Boo]

Considered paying? That way you'll be guaranteed a larger seat.

BA offers World Traveller Plus, which is their premium economy, which doesn't cost too much more but better seats and more room.