Originally Posted by
ClipperJet
I would EXPECT any airline to put a paying passenger in First Class over any non-rev. Especially one from a competing airline. That's just the smart thing to do. By upgrading a paying passenger, you can probably make a loyal customer for life--especially one who is already a frequent flyer on the airline.
I understand the "take of of crewmembers" idea, but I would passionately want my airline to take care of those who pay the bills. That gives the employees better pay/benefits and/or fewer furloughs etc..
People are not going to pay $20 more for a ticket on a particular airline despite a one time courtesy upgrade. All this is going to cause is an influx of passengers hounding the gate agents before every flight for an upgrade. Give it to them once for
free and they will expect to be upgraded everytime.