Shameless CAL Upgrade

[XJTAv8r]

As far as I know CAL doesn't upgrade non-revs to 1st class on international routes. I believe they have some rule about that.

CAL technically doesn't have an international first class but has a business class product called "BusinessFirst" All non-revs can upgrade on international flights, except buddy pass riders.

 

[XJTAv8r]

There are so many gold and platinum members out there first is usually full 2 days before a flight.

This is true for domestic F/C, not Int'l B/F.

While its a nice gesture to offer to those who work for the airlines to upgrade, those passengers that are dedicated to the airline and achieve status should be given the first shot.

They can upgrade to Int'l B/F if they burn miles and pay a fee. In this case they go ahead of non-revs. There are no "complimentary" B/F upgrades on Int'l flights like you see domestically.

 

[ATRCA]

As far as I know CAL doesn't upgrade non-revs to 1st class on international routes. I believe they have some rule about that.

Not true. I CAL until recently did not upgrade OnePass members to BF on Int'l flights. Non-revs (SA 3's and 4's) have always been able to upgrade internationally.

 

[LJDRVR]

Your friend is SOL. I've never ridden in BF and I work here.

 

[jonjuan]

Not true. I CAL until recently did not upgrade OnePass members to BF on Int'l flights. Non-revs (SA 3's and 4's) have always been able to upgrade internationally.

Not true. OnePass Elite members are NOT complimentary upgraded on US-Europe/Asia/South America/Hawaii BF flights.

 

[AV80R]

Your friend is SOL. I've never ridden in BF and I work here.

I must have been very lucky or maybe the rules changed but around Christmas I jumpseated out of EWR to Oslo and 3 weeks later jumped out of Stockholm back to EWR. On both flights they moved me up to the business class (or is it business first?); the pilots and the FAs were super friendly... On the flight back to EWR I got coach at first but 10 minutes or so after take off the lead FA came up and quietly told me to take an empty seat in business class - she said the captain requested that. I didn’t expect being upgraded but it was a nice surprise, great service for sure…

 

[BigShotXJTdrvr]

CAL should stop calling it non-rev.

They're turning it into reduced-rev.

 

[QOL_is_great:)]

Don't ask or use certain words!

Okay, here it is:

If one were to be traveling internationally (Europe) out of EWR on CAL in economy, what prey tell, might help a passenger secure an upgrade into business or first class. This individual (CFI - not current) dresses business casual and will be vacationing later in July. The guy doesn't get to travel often, and was basically wondering whether he could swing an upgrade if available.

Any hopes of getting the captain or head FA to accommodate this individual? Magic words or secret knocks?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

PM if necessary.


J.Otto

Based on your status, don't ask. I certainly would not even use the words head and flight attendant in the same breath. Not within the tube at least. Hotel room different story.
If you decide to ask, not smart, then address the "head" FA as lead or senior FA. Call said FA "head" and you'll certainly have the longest ride to Europe any pilot has seen. Good Luck and Cheers!