A pal of mine just flew from NYC to Ireland. He's still pulling in a great salary in his mid-70s, so he decided this once, he'd splurge, and get the $4,000 sleeper. One-way was all he could afford.

He adored it, of course, and pronounced if he was rich, that's the only way he'd travel.

On the way back, he connected through Heathrow, and inquired about any possible upgrade: You're in luck! the gal told him. Since England lost in the semi-finals, we've got LOTS of first-class to New York suddenly available!

They charged him $500 for the upgrade. Woo Hoo!