$20 Trick On Plane?

My first trip to Vegas was on Sun Country Airlines, and subsequent two trips have been on Delta. My trip in a month is back on Sun Country. Anyways, first time out first class wasn't filled and they asked if anyone would like to upgrade for $100. Noone did. If this happens next month, can I ask a flight attendant if I can bump up and have Mr Jackson in my hand for him/her to see? I will be subtle about it and not yell out "I'll do it for $20"

 

BTW, i am glad the person the $20 bill wasn't anyone named Mr Johnson. Reading that back, asking for anything and having "Mr Johnson" in my hand doesn't sound good.

 

I've flown Sun Country out of MSP to Las Vegas several times. I always ask for the 1st class upgrade when I check in at the ticket counter. Most of the time I have been able to get the upgrade for $118. They waive the baggage fee (saves you $30) and you get to use the first class line thru security(no waiting in line). I don't think that they will go for the Mr Jackson type action, but doubt that they would throw you off of the plane for asking. Good Luck!

 

I have been a frequent flyer for many years and know that flight attendants are not allowed to move people on board. That is the gate agents authority, and their authority only. A flight attendant could lose their job for doing something like that, and I doubt they're willing to risk it for $20.

That being said, you could try the $20 trick with a gate agent.

 

They didn't ask pre-boarding though, they asked on the plane.

 

There's about a 1% chance of that happening. As the flight attendant would have to consult the other attendants as to why you're moving. I highly doubt three people splitting a $20 would risk their jobs.

As some one who always takes the $225 upgrade Delta first class (NYC-->LAS), I suggest paying the $100 it's worth it.

 

For $118, I'll sit next to you ,I'll comb your hair and wipe your chin during the flight.

Never did understand the 1st class thing?

 

Priority entering and exiting.
Unlimited drinks, snacks and premium movies/shows.
More leg room and comfort.

Flying from NYC it's usually a 5.5 to 6 hour flight. So for me paying an extra $225 for this is well worth it; especially since I never pay more than $339 round trip with Delta.

 

In addition to what AbFab said above.....you never, never, never have to worry about someone taking up part of your space. You are guaranteed to get 100% of the space that you paid for! It is an excellent feeling when you get that email that says "you have been upgraded to first class". Woot woot

 

these days the gate/flight attendants have no control over upgrades. plus they aren't really allowed to accept tips either. so it's a lose lose situation for you to try that.

i remember a long time ago you could sweet talk your way to and upgrade, but not anymore. i do remember that a couple of years ago i was on AirTran and they canceled our flight and booked us on another flight. when i got to the counter for the new flight i told them they had canceled our flight and rebooked us and my buddy and i weren't sitting together anymore. the guy looked for a minute and put us both in first class sitting together. i guess he was just in a good mood as i've never had that happen before or again.

 

Sun Country has 1st class?

 

Please don't play the $20. trick on an airplane......

because..... if somebody over-hears that you only gave a $20. tip to be moved up to first class.... there will be trouble from the customers who paid
for first class.

You can try at the gate to talk the agent to upgrade you for nothing. I always ask for a better seat location and I always get moved.
I remember being asked if I wanted to go first class it would cost me $50.
more. I declined since the seat I ask for is a fantastic seat on Delta.
I only fly from L.A. to Las Vegas which is an hour flight.

 

Here is my rationale for paying the $118 upgrade:

1. I don't have to pay $30 for my checked bag
2. I don't have to wait behind 50+ people to get checked thru security.
3. I get to board first and enjoy a free cocktail while the rest of the coach
passengers are boarding.
4. Sun Country serves a very nice meal to their 1st class passgengers, so I
don't have to pay $20 at the airport for a pizza that tastes like a grilled
hockey puck. They serve a cheese and cracker plate, an entree with a
tossed salad and vegetable and a decent dessert(last time it was a
delicious lemon torte).
5. The seats are very comfortable with plenty of leg room, so I don't have
someone's elbow sticking in my ribs for the entire flight.
6. Free cocktails for the flight.
7. The 1st class passengers have their own restroom, so you are not
standing behind ten people waiting to use it.
8. I can relax in relatively peace and quiet during the flight and not listen to
a couple of bozo's screaming "VEGAS" or bitching to the flight attendant
about getting that 4th drink.
9. I get to de-plane first and start my Vegas vacation that much sooner.
10. Before we land, the flight attendant gives me a nice hot moist towel to
freshen my face and hands. Thanks for the offer to comb my hair and
whatever, but I'll pass.

I have done the upgrade several times and have never regretted by decision, but that's just me. I can certainly understand if someone else thinks that I'm wasting my money. Flying first class to Vegas is a great way to start out my vacation.

 

http://www.suncountry.com/page/1/FirstClassService.jsp

 

humph, interesting... too bad their scheduled flying times suck for my schedule otherwise i'd consider Sun Country more often

 

As far as the boarding process, I find that the combination of AA's (or Delta's) credit card and Global Entry membership is almost as good as first class. Free checked bag, no security line (which is ESPECIALLY helpful flying out of LAS; last time my girlfriend was in the First Class line and the wait was still almost 30 minutes, whereas I just waltzed right through the Pre-Check line), and priority boarding. Plus I have amazing luck with flight attendants; I generally pay for 1 in every 4 drinks. What can I say, apparently I look like a guy who needs a cocktail!

 

the money spent to upgrade is money well spent

 

You know, I like that airline. First time out, drank a 12 oz can of Coke, and they came around and asked if we wanted a second can. Rare anymore. Most airlines give you that 6 or 8 oz can and that is it.