My wife entered a raffle drawing in 2006 and won four Parkhopper passes to Disneyland and accommodations for three nights near the park. Since it coincidentally worked out best for our schedule, we flew down to Anaheim on my daughter Rachel's fifteenth birthday. Before boarding, I discretely asked the agent at the check-in counter if it would be possible for my daughter to sit in first class, since it was her birthday. She told me that she had no authority to do so, but I could ask one of the flight attendants if it was possible. I asked one of the flight attendants after we boarded the plane and she told me that she didn't think that it was possible to move my daughter into first class. I thanked her and went back to my seat.

After everyone was seated, the flight attendant announced over the intercom that everyone had to fasten their seat belts and keep their tray tables down and remain seated during takeoff, that there would be complimentary drinks, and the usual details that few people listen to when they fly. While still speaking on the intercom, she asked that Rachel bring her belongings to the front of the plane since it was her birthday and she was going to sit in first class. Rachel looked at me and her eyes got as big as saucers as the other passengers erupted in applause.

While the three of us sat in coach, Rachel enjoyed her very first first class flight. It just goes to show that if you don't ask for something, you will never get it.