https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 07:51:17 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades/page/2#post-1703306 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 02:48:36 +0000 Cococat 1703306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is so interesting.</p> <p>When I think about myself, I'm always polite, but I'm very quiet and introverted, so in the brief amount of time it takes to check in, I wouldn't make an impression.</p> <p>Although I've never been upgraded, I have frequently been given seats with vacant seats beside me. That even happened on the packed out flight home. It allowed me to stretch out and sleep. </p> <p>Of course, that could be because I'm so repulsive, they don't want to put anyone beside me....lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades/page/2#post-1702557 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 08:31:38 +0000 rachylou 1702557@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been thinking. The times I've been upgraded, I was with my father. My father was very sweet and charming in a Paddington Bear kind of way. A very simple but entertaining soul. A story teller, eccentric, always in a blue blazer with his dinner jacket in a garment bag, and completely befuddled...which is probably where my notion of anxiety comes from. I rather think now he gave the impression of being lost and not the sort one could possibly leave to the wilds of economy class. Poor lovely dear wouldn't survive - and lol, that was true enough. I don't believe he'd have known how to open one of those sandwich boxes they give you these days on planes. And he certainly would not have understood what was inside. Lol. Perhaps your lady was like this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades/page/2#post-1702546 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 07:27:59 +0000 Deborah 1702546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a relatively untested theory that nicely mannered people get the upgrades :)</p> <p>In a previous job I was responsible for organising travel and accommodation for groups attending conferences, some of which I also attended. &nbsp;As the group organiser, I would often be offered an upgrade on my accommodation.... which I enjoyed very much:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1702525 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 05:48:45 +0000 Maneera 1702525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok. So there definitely is a "type" when it comes to upgrades. After reading all the above replies, I'm 100% sure of that! </p> <p>I've never been upgraded. On the other hand, my husband almost always gets upgraded when he travels. Be that on flights, hotels, restaurants, resorts.....you name it - he gets an upgrade. </p> <p>After reading your post, I decided to analyse this a bit. He's 36 years old, 6'1" and conventionally good looking with a lean built, and short cut natural hair. His style is very guy-next-door. He only ever wears smart casuals - jeans and a shirt worn untucked with the sleeves rolled up. His style is very conventional but his clothes are refreshed every year, though he's not trendy. He wears relaxed fit denim jeans (always blue) and usually a nice shirt with checks or stripes (his uniform). He is *anal* about the fit...I've never met a more finicky shopper in my life and he never compromises with clothes. His clothes must always fit *just right*. His watch and shoes are always sporty and the style suits him a lot. He packs light and never has any check-in luggage either. </p> <p>On analyzing this further, I don't think it's his looks or his style that gets him these upgrades. It's his personality. He's got excellent 'people management' skills as that's his job. To be honest, he's not super friendly and neither is he reserved. He is easy to talk to but something about him commands attention &amp; respect. He is an eloquent orator and the way he speaks makes people want to impress him (I'm trying to remember back from when I first met him over a decade ago...but I've noticed this to be consistently true amongst new ppl we meet even now). </p> <p>He has a very non-threatening look<br /> about him but people always seem to want to be generous to him. Let's take this one step further and analyse more. We live in a world where Indians are often put through rigorous security checks and subjected to racism because of recent global terrorist activities. I'm not bitter about it; but it's just a fact. Most other people I know of Indian origin who don't even live in India face stupid delays Coz of 'random security' checks and what-not. Yet, my husband has always breezed through security and easily got a 10yr visa for US and 5yr visa for UK (those are the only places he travels for work). </p> <p>The most important aspect of his personality, though, is that he's a true gentleman. He would open the door for any woman or elderly person, he will help people with luggage, and he will allow anyone who seems harassed by luggage/children/or elderly to go ahead of him in line. He'll give his seat to any woman in public places and he's extremely polite. And I think that's what he has in common with this lady you met - conventional with excellent manners, polished and good looking, a sense of confidence while being 100% effortless. To put into simple words --- classy, without being overt with anything or pretentious. </p> <p>That's just my analysis! And no matter what I wear, I don't think my personality will ever be like his! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1702437 Tue, 26 Jul 2016 02:50:10 +0000 RoRo 1702437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"She seemed happy and friendly, but quietly spoken."</p> <p>I wonder if this has something to do with it...</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1702091 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 19:00:13 +0000 texstyle 1702091@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe she simply asked for the upgrades? I've found that often if you ask, and in the right way to the right person, upgrades, discounts and all kinds of things can magically happen ;-). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701831 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:09:54 +0000 Cococat 1701831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your replies are fascinating! </p> <p>She was certainly polished, polite, well spoken, mature and travelling alone.&nbsp; </p> <p>I need to remember this the next time I'm looking at 25hrs of flight time. </p> <p>As for the stateroom, that one's a mystery. Why wouldn't they upgrade a couple instead of a single? She said that she wasn't a frequent cruiser. Hmm..</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701830 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 12:07:21 +0000 RobinF 1701830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going with the theory of a famous last name. Or coincidence but that is a lot of coincidence's for one trip. I would guess being well-spoken and dressing nicely could help with some of that but hard to imagine it for all three. And why would they put a person traveling alone in the largest stateroom!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701735 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 04:37:45 +0000 Ginkgo 1701735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's an old fashioned concept now but I favor the idea that she presented herself as a lady -- well dressed, well mannered and well spoken.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701577 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 00:40:30 +0000 Brooklyn 1701577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been upgraded twice.</p> <p>The first time I was nicely dressed (coming from a work conference) but I suspect it was just because they had overbooked economy due to cancelled flights. But I was pleased all the same.</p> <p>The second time I was taking my mum on a&nbsp;domestic trip and for some reason we were both upgraded. I would have been casually dressed. I can't&nbsp;remember what my mum was wearing but, knowing her, it would have been&nbsp;pretty swish. She bats for team&nbsp;dressy. She was very happy and actually asked for another upgrade on the way home. But, alas,&nbsp;they&nbsp;told her that&nbsp;upgrades are special and cannot be given all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701552 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 23:52:24 +0000 Barbara Diane 1701552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no Summer! :(<br />My only upgrade was also our honeymoon. Our flight was extremely delayed so we didn't head to the airport when everyone else did. Our travel agent hadn't booked seats for us. The only available seats were separate. When I said we had just gotten married she said that the flight was such a mess due to the delays that instead of handing it off and going home she would stay until it left, and she would upgrade us. It was very sweet of her. I think she didn't want to leave and have the next person change it or undo it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701447 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 20:30:45 +0000 Summer 1701447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taking this in an entirely different direction: I never get upgraded, but I'm very good at been singled out when going through security! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701436 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 20:10:22 +0000 barbaraq 1701436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get zero upgrades, maybe because I wear the closest thing to pajamas that I can get away with on long flights in a cramped seat.</p> <p>But Cococat's post reminded me of my childhood flight experiences. &nbsp;My father was United Airlines pilot and my family flew often on employee passes. &nbsp;United made it very clear to us in no uncertain terms that we had to dress very nicely to be considered for upgrades to first class, which we always did. &nbsp;The funny thing to me, though, were some of &nbsp;the paying first class people, who dressed really badly (hoochy-mama shorts and the like). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701412 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 19:36:06 +0000 Minnie 1701412@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The lady may have had a full-fare ticket.<br />Usually the only way to get an upgrade is if you have a full-fare ticket or are a frequent traveller with the airline. <br />Many flights are over-booked these days and when almost everybody shows up, they start moving some people into the next higher class. Discounted economy ticket will almost never get upgraded to business, no matter how nice the person looks.&nbsp;<br />If economy isn't overbooked, usually the only people with a chance for an upgrade are true frequent flyers.&nbsp;<br />Same with upgrades from Business to First. Unless you hold a full-fare business class ticket, there will be no upgrade to First, not even with miles.<br />There might be instances when upgrades happen under different circumstances, but i would say that's the exception. </p> <p></p> <p>Edited to add: It's easier to get an upgrade of a short-haul domestic flight where the price between Economy and what passes as First is not so drastic as compared on a long-haul international flight where the price difference is several thousand dollars.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701409 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 19:25:26 +0000 Sal 1701409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My Aunt gets upgraded often- she looks and dresses a little like Joy does - smart, elegant, intelligent, polished, She is well spoken, has nice luggage. </p> <p>She has been travelling alone and would be a moderate traveller.</p> <p>I have never been upgraded.....my husband has been but he is a frequent flyer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701327 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 17:04:32 +0000 Anonymous 1701327@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe she had a famous last name?&nbsp; It sounds like they suspected she was a VIP or celebrity, or was related to one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701263 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 13:42:23 +0000 Anonymous 1701263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've not read the other comments, but I have been upgraded a few time and credit my outfit and look and maybe age for it. Looking nice in a plane full of people wearing what looks like PJs is a good idea. Travelling alone probably also helps. Wear makeup and a beautiful scarf </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701262 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 13:39:04 +0000 Anonymous 1701262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mother used to tell me that people who dress and act nicely get treated better, and I think that's generally true. Not flashy or loud; just well put together and well mannered. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701259 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 13:32:47 +0000 Traci 1701259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some people just have an air about them that draws people in and makes them want to be generous. One of my daughters has this. As a young child people would beg me to let them give her things or buy things to give her. Weirdest one was at a gas station the girl behind the counter just *had* to come out from behind the counter and buy her candy with her own money. It was really odd because she was just so compelled to do it, not casual at all. She needs to go into sales of some sort.</p> <p>I think this lady's dress was probably only important in that it didn't get in the way of her gifts. If she'd been too ritzy looking or too sexy or sloppy then those things may have halted someone from being drawn to her. </p> <p>I actually jokingly call this my "nice white lady skills". While people don't just give me things, I have learned in time that I'm the right amount of smiley, unassuming, put together, non-threatening and mature that I can get away with quite a bit. I came up with the label as a way of pointing this privilege out to my kids because I do notice when other people don't walk through a gate quite as easily as I do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701253 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 13:25:50 +0000 Anonymous 1701253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the secret royalty theory, lol. </p> <p>Has anyone thought about how frequently she travels? My DH &amp; I have gotten cruise ship cabin upgrades before, and I think it might have been based on how often we sail - and always with the same cruise line. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701233 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 12:51:14 +0000 Anonymous 1701233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting. I think a study needs to be carried out on this phenomena. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701232 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 12:48:53 +0000 Suz 1701232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those odds are amazing.&nbsp;</p> <p>It does make you wonder. Maybe it is some combination of factors in her case -- travelling alone, being "a certain age" and possibly behind the scenes elements to do with who she is or her status.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe she's secret royalty.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701211 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 12:15:52 +0000 Cococat 1701211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Shevia</b>, I was travelling with my sister but we weren't seated together. I travel alone with no upgrades so far. <br /><b>Rachyl</b>, she definitely didn't seem anxious, but who knows how she is at the check-in counter. It doesn't explain the other upgrades though. <b>Traci</b>, she would be in her late 60s, so could definitely be a mother figure, but she had more of a glamorous look to her than motherly.&nbsp; </p> <p>I just realised that I'm upgrade profiling. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701205 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 12:04:55 +0000 Traci 1701205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What was her age range? Could people have been viewing her as a mother figure? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701183 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 10:34:03 +0000 rachylou 1701183@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think anxious people get upgraded most often. The desire to soothe is brought forth. Don't know about the captain's table tho. I would imagine you'd have to look like you have something to say... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701171 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 09:35:49 +0000 Jaime 1701171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question. Were you travelling alone? Apparently she was. It certainly makes sense that they would want someone quiet and presentable at the captain's table I guess. No one offers to upgrade me and my brood, that's for sure! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701168 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 09:25:21 +0000 Cococat 1701168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I travel quite a bit for work too Lucy, and I use my Dr title when it's work travel, but it makes no difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701166 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 09:02:23 +0000 Helen11 1701166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I hardly travel, but it might be nice to know what helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701157 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 07:57:27 +0000 Lucy 1701157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting. <br />I've never been upgraded from coach to business class. But I have had some good luck now several times in the face of cancelled flights or disruptions - i have been moved to a better flight, a sooner flight or the very next flight, while those around me were not. This has happened both on the phone and on the ground. I think it is because I use my "Dr" title when I fly (a PhD doctor, not a medic!), mainly because I often fly for work. &nbsp;So it might not be about what she looks like, but something behind the scenes - a very fancy credit card, used to work in the industry, a professor etc.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dressing-and-travel-upgrades#post-1701153 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 07:04:06 +0000 Cococat 1701153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK then, if it's random I'm going to need to do some analysis...lol</p> <p>Let's say that there were 250 people on the flight. It was long haul from Oz to Europe. There were about 180 people on the boat.</p> <p>If I calculate chance of 2 upgrades + table, I multiple chance of flight upgrade by chance of cabin upgrade by chance of captain's table. There were 3 flight upgrades according to her. I'm assuming she was the only ship upgrade and there were about 8 captain's table spots.</p> <p>That's 1/83 x 1/180 x 1/22 = 1 in 328,680 chance. </p> <p>Hmm..I'm still not convinced. Shall I investigate blue eyeshadow and natural looking blond hair dye?</p> <p>Joking aside though, I'm not suggesting that you need to wear blue eye-shadow or be a natural blonde etc. to get an upgrade, but I suspect that there could be some way apart from being well dressed that could increase your chances of being a desirable candidate for a flight upgrade. </p> <p>Now I'm paranoid that she could find and read this and identify herself...</p> <p> </p>