Oh gosh, I never meant for this to start a discussion on who's right and who's wrong and who's 'deserving' of upgrades - I apologize for giving that impression - let me try and give a (sort of) short explanation: I seem to remember (I could VERY EASILY BE WRONG) that DL employees were not charged for non-rev travel; therefore, it didn't matter if they were accommodated in the front or the back, so (to my understanding) they would always accommodate in the front first. And when it got down to OA employees, it seems like the same rules would apply. This is years ago, though! With AA, we have ALWAYS (at least since 1982) been charged a fee for non-rev; almost nothing for coach, and usually at least double or more for F. But our F class cabin is ALMOST ALWAYS full w/revenue pax anyway, so we rarely get to sit up front (which is most likely the reason no one here ever gets upgraded on AA, either!)

Again, I did not mean to sound like a 'whiney' complainer - I truly am grateful I got on board that aircraft! It was a lovely flight! I just haven't flown in a very long time and things have changed quite a bit, that's all!

I do appreciate all the comments, though! You guys are keeping me on my toes, and giving me lots of useful information! Thanks!
(Just please don't call me 'maam' :-)

oh - and SpainFlier - thanks for the reminder on the flight listing - I always do that, but it's a great reminder to folks - ESPECIALLY for international! You would HATE to left behind because of THAT...:-(