Word to the wise: If your flight has extra seats and the crew is looking to upgrade a couple of coach passengers to business/first class, I can guarantee you that the slob wearing shorts, sandals and a Kansas City Chiefs jersey isn't going to be picked out of the passenger line and invited to the forward cabin.
You oughta see some of the tattooed nose ringed messes I have seen in first class.
Yup..
I learned this at age 18 flying off to university in 1982.
Wearing a suit becaue it was easier than packing it. Got upgraded.
(I did look a little older than 18, never got carded at the liquor store)
My personal experience confirms your point….im happy to say.
We have experienced your “Word to the wise”.
Pulled out of a mob of people all trying to board at the same time, we were only distinguished by our business attire.
Since we were traveling on travel agent reduced rate fare, we were required to wear suit or dress for women and coat and tie for men.
When they singled us out, I told my husband that we were probably being bumped off the flight because it was so full.
We were very surprised to find that they moved us up to first class.