Thanks to your book, whenever I fly I am able to be put on the waiting list for first class, but once I board my coach seat, I never get that upgrade. What am I doing wrong?

Ken,

You have successfully accomplished step one--being put on the waitlist for that prized first-class seat. The next step to master is key: get yourself seated there. The best way to do this is to stay aware of the boarding process. I suggest that before the actual boarding begins, you introduce yourself to the gate agent; inform them that you are on the waitlist and would appreciate any assistance they might provide in upgrading you. Then check to see if they can clear you right away. If not, make sure that you stay in eyeshot of the gate agent but do not intrude upon their duties. When your row is called to board, do not board. When you see that the gate agent is not too busy, ask them how it looks for your upgrade. Usually they will upgrade you at that point. Sometimes you might have to wait until the end of the boarding process, but it's usually worth the wait. There is one disadvantage--by the time you board, the overhead bins may be occupied. But this is a small price to pay for securing that first-class seat.

Good luck,
Joel