The Upgrade

While Nazy was battling the (deputized) tram police, I was in London talking with the customer. The London trip was fairly simple – until I discovered that I would have to be in New York the following Tuesday and in Frankfurt on Wednesday and Thursday. The company-negotiated fare category (LPP: Lowest Possible Price) was, naturally, not upgradable. Equally naturally, Nazy was not convinced.

“I’ll ask Astrid.” She explained. “I am sure that she will give you an upgrade.”

“I’ve already called Continental Airlines, Nazy,” I explained. “It costs $1493 and 25,000 miles to upgrade. One way! There is nothing that Astrid can do.”

It is a rare pleasure for me to make the following announcement: I was right. Nazy was wrong!

In fairness (and as a result of considerable pressure on the domestic front), I provide a few additional pieces of information:

· After I took my (economy class) seat on the Zurich to Newark leg, Astrid came into the cabin to apologize: “Please tell Nazy that I really tried,” Astrid told me.

· On the Newark to Frankfurt leg, I was upgraded for no miles and no dollars. “Thank you!” I replied hearing the news. “Don’t thank me, sir,” the agent replied. “This is a favour for Astrid.” (And she did it as a favor for Nazy.)

· It is better to be upgraded on the flight from the USA because that flight occurs over night.

The meetings went... [response to additional spousal interrupt: “Yes, my dear, the flight was exceptionally comfortable. Thanks to you!”] ... smoothly.