A ?? about upgrading plane tickets

[DaveKr]

Howdy,

I was curious what my chances are/would be if I tried to upgrade my coach seats to 1st class (on Delta) right when I check in. I've been watching my flight fill up, but it seems that 1st is really empty. I really don't like flying in coach (seats too narrow).

TIA

Dave

 

[Lewisc]

No problem, just pay the difference in fare or if applicable use some of your ff miles.

 

[TravelSheryl]

If you don't plan to pay, forget about it!!

 

[DaveKr]

I had planned to pay, but I was wondering how much it'd be. I'd assume that if there are empty 1st class an hour b4 the flight, the airline would want to sell these quick...


Dave

 

[Beckles]

I'm not sure anyone would prefer coach to first class ...

You have to realize not many people get first class tickets. Most people in first class are that airline's elite level frequent flyers (silver/gold/platinum or whatever it's called on that particular airline). These persons can usually only upgrade a certain amount of time before the flight. For instance, on Delta, Platinums can upgrade at any time before the flight (using the "standard" upgrades), Golds at 72 hours, and Silvers at 24 hours (this is using the "standard" upgrades that you'd use on such flights. There are upgrades that can be used at anytime but they are less prevalent). Even though First looks pretty empty now, you can be pretty sure these folks will fill up the first class cabin.

If you wanted to upgrade by paying, it would be very expensive ... 100's of dollars. Less expensive upgrades are only available to the above mentioned elite level frequent flyers (on Delta, other airline's rules vary). Regardless, First is almost always filled on Delta with such elite level flyers anyway. In my four years as a Gold Medallion with Delta, I can count on one hand the times I did not see First Class full by the time the plane left.

 

[TravelSheryl]

Originally posted by DaveKr
I had planned to pay, but I was wondering how much it'd be. I'd assume that if there are empty 1st class an hour b4 the flight, the airline would want to sell these quick...
Dave

Nope, that's not how it works. Buying a first class seat at the last minute is the same price as buying it in advance. And your advanced purchase coach ticket requires a $100 fee for any changes on top of the additional fare.

 

[Beverly Lynn]

there have been instances where people are upgraded without paying money. it can also be done with using ftp miles and or paying an upgrade fee but thats expensive. you can ask the agt be syrupy sweet and its possible they may give you a courtesy upgrade but don't count on it so your hopes get broken. they will give upgrades to an upper level of their FTP members and they also get lots of certificates to upgrade as well. it never hurts to ask.....

 

[Brer-Rabbit]

If anyone would know, Beverly Lynn would!

Like she said, It doesn't hurt to try....

 

[Beverly Lynn]

hmmm we didn't charge a change fee to those upgrading to first class at usair tkt cntr. they just paid the difference in fares. or got upgraded for free or used their miles. if they charged the change fee to upgrade to first class from any class of svc tkt then there would be a lot of angry people and no one upgrading to first class. if you were changing times or dates then yes they would charge you the change fee, however to merely upgrade to first class they do not charge a change fee. its upgrading to a higher class of svc. and to make sure I was correct in this I did call the airlines first, AA,US,UA, DL and NW.

 

[mikamouse]

well....I never expected to get upgraded..but did once...on my trip this past Aug/Sept...I was upgraded by AA....my Tix that I bought was 157 dollars...the first class tix was 1676. big difference!!! now I use points to upgrade!!! If you are interested in upgrading...call before getting there and just see what is avab........but yes..BEVERLY...does know her stuff!!!! I do not...just what I have done...so I would not expect it...but it has been know to happn!!!!

 

[Wendy]

Everyone please refer to the board guidelines that you agreed to when registering in this site. A lot of people seem to have forgotten the ones about no fighting, no personal messages, and staying on topic. Please re-read these guidelines: http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm All posts that do not follow these guidelines will be deleted.

We've been having way too many of those posts on this board lately. Everyone, please remember to play nice and make this a welcoming place for everyone to get information that will help plan a magical Disney vacation!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I've been turned down plenty of times! I'm going to use my dad's FF miles next time (next July).

 

[GrumpyOne]

It's almost impossible to get upgraded the day of the flight on most airlines but it's not as hard as it was a year or two ago. Many airlines start releasing 1st class seats two to three days before the flight to their frequent fliers. In the 100k miles I used to fly each year I only recall one time where 1st class wasn't full and many times people at the lower end of the elite levels had trouble upgrading.

If you want a 1st class seat, get it more than 3 days out. It's extremely unlikely you would get a deal on one at the last minute.

 

[Poly Pal]

Go to Delta's Web Site and try to price (but not book) your exact flight using the class "First Restricted). If it shows that "First (A)" class fares are available AND you've paid full fare coach (or close to full fare coach), be sure to ask at the counter (and again at the gate if the counter person can't assist you) if you can get a complimentary upgrade to the "A" class fare. It helps on Delta if you are Medallion.

BTW, my entire family of 4 were upgraded to First at no charge by Delta last February. There was a change of equipment from a 767 to a 777 and our family was not going to be able to sit all together. The flight was sold out in coach and they announced "don't stand in line if you are looking to change your seats." Just before boarding they called me to the podium and gave us new boarding passes. What a treat considering we were only paying $83.00 per person to fly from Tampa to Hartford! Boy, First Class on the 777 (Delta calls it "Business Elite" since the 777's are used primarily for flights bound for Europe) is prety darn spectacular. There was so much room between seats that the flight attendant could stand in front of you to serve your meal. My 8 year old particularly liked the "sleep" button which automatically converted the seat to an almost flat bed with th push of one button. Thanks Delta!