www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I also fly Continental. Having silver elite status will frequently get you an upgrade from Hou to SJO. Of the 24 segments I have flown this year, 22 have been first class. A real bonus for me, regardless of whether you get upgraded, is the ability to bring heavier bags (70 vs 50 lbs) if you have elite status. That way I can bring my big stick with me for protection when I make the long walk from SL to NF.

Ciaociao

I always try to be the last guy on the plane. Then I seek out the stewardess who is attending to first/business class, and explain I was trying to get an upgrade at the gate, they showed nothing available. They key to this is you have to see empty seats up front. Then point out you do see seats, and offer to pay for that seat immediately. They cannot take payment for that on the plane, so they will say no, but see you're "serious". Then I say well, how about I take care of you with $100, and that has done the trick every single time.

CLN20

Exactly how many times has this "done the trick" for you? Flight attendants get fired for doing just this sort of thing. Doesn't seem worth cien to lose your job.

Ciaociao

AGREED !!!!

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Gotta call BS on this one!

You guys can call BS on this all you want, but it works. I never even thought about doing it until one of my friends who is a pilot, told me about it. Also key is being a smooth talker, and that the stewardess will go along with it. When I say its worked, it means every single time I've tried it, probably 5 times. All the variables have to be there.

I'll bet if you address her as stewardess she'll kick your ass, take your money and you'll still be in coach!

Berk.....

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FRUITCAKE... and you thought it was something you eat! Not on CRT!