Any ideas on how to get upgrades on flights?

[2BoysMum&Dad]

Hi everyone,

We are flying with First Choice Holidays (and their own airline) and wondered if anyone had tips on getting free class upgrades on the flight? I know it is possible, wondered if anyone had any particular good tip on a guaranteed way of doing it?

2BoysMum&Dad

 

[gingernick]

Might be different now, but in the late 90's when we went to San Francisco (4 times & pre children), if you had children they wouldn't upgrade you.

 

[Rain]

The only sure way to get an upgrade is to pay for it.

It's nice if they do upgrade you but it is quite rare now to get a free upgrade.

 

[2BoysMum&Dad]

I've heard a few stories of people who happen to be in the right place at the right time and look the right sort of people who get offered free upgrades when they check in at the airport. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience and had any tips!

The extra cost is rather extortionate if you have to pay for it!!

2BoysMum&Dad

 

[UKDEB]

We've been upgraded several times, but I'm convinced there is no magic formula. It really is about being in the right place at the right time. There is a section on Virginflyer which explains it all very nicely. Their Bucket Class Check will tell you whether your flight's likely to be oversold - you're really very unlikely to get an upgrade if it isn't, no matter what you do. In fact, the whole site is very useful for Virgin Flyers.

My advice is to expect to get what you've paid for. That way, you won't be disappointed if you don't get an upgrade and you'll be thrilled if you do.

 

[mmtdevlin]

It's also all in who you know. My friend and I travelled with Aer Lingus from Dublin to New York in November and were upgraded to first class on both journeys. However we knew we were being upgraded before hand. My husbands neice has a friend who works for Aer Lingus in JFK and is in charge of first class reservations took care of it as a favour to us. She said it was "just the touch of a button". It will hardly happen again I should think but it was wonderful ..... champagne, unlimited drinks, filet mignon (sp?), etc..... and sitting across from us was Larry Mullen from U2.

My point is: the flight would have cost us more than £3000 for a round trip and while it was lovely there's no way it was worth that amount.

However the experience has taught me that each and every international trip I take from now on. I will ask for an upgrade. They can only say no - right!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

I've been upgraded the once on Virgin and that was by asking for it.

These days we usually just pay for the upgrade there are bucket shops around that offer great business/upper class fares on flights.

But recently I got a great deal just by asking Virgin Atlantic direct what deals they had and when they told me and I said oh no I was looking to pay a little less than that I'll see what BA have got then Virgin came back with a better deal. Obviously it means that we can't change the flight kind of deal but it was worth it.

From my understanding you are less likely to be upgraded on charter - unless they've overbooked. Also from what I remember when I upgraded on Airtours it wasn't what I would call and extravagent cost so you may want to consided paying up front for it anyway to guarantee you.

 

[Daniel&family]

On returning from New York with Virgin, when we relized we would have a very long wait to check in, my friend and I joined the queue whilst our partners enquired about a upgrade at the 'Upper class' desk.

The cost of the upgrade turned out to be too expensive, but after poliltly turning down the upgrade, our wives were told they could still check in for economy at that desk. Unfortunatly they had not taken the luggage so couldn't do this and thinking it would be a bit of a liberty to return with the luggage, joined the queue with us.

We subsequently waited 1.5hrs to check in for a delayed flight and were allocated some of the last available seats for what turned out to be one of the worst flights I have had to endure (not a criticism of Virgin).

So my advice is if you do enquire about a upgrade at the airport take your luggage with you.

 

[juliebro]

Fantasia Sam is right - you have more chance of being upgraded if you fly scheduled, not charter. You need to look reasonably smart (but I don't mean suits!). Also, if you have young kids, then you have next to no chance. Business people don't pay £3k for a business class flight to have kids crying next to them (sorry - but that's what they think!). It may help to be one of their 'frequent flyers' too.

Scheduled airlines regularly overbook flights as there will always be people who have to change their plans or don't turn up. Charter flights are used by people going on their holidays and don't get overbooked as (generally) everyone turns up. If everyone turns up on a scheduled flight which is overbooked, they 'bump' passengers. Initialy, they look for volunteers and may offer free upgrades if you are prepared to delay your travel by a day. This happened to us last year, and we were given free hotel accommodation and compensation too. If they don't get volunteers, they will involuntarily bump people.

You may get a free upgrade, if you are very very lucky - but it's always best to assume you won't- then you won't be disappointed!

I was amazed when we got a free upgrade to first on the internal part of our return flight (MCO to Philadelphia) - and we hadn't even asked for it. I still don't know why they gave it to us!

We have been able to book an upgrade on our return journey by collecting frequent flyer miles and 'buying' some extra miles. It has cost us about £70 each. Trouble is, it spoils you - it's hard sitting in 'coach' when you've tasted the champagne & smoked salmon in business class!

Julie

 

[Terry&Janet]

In addition to the advice above for free upgrades - I would also suggest your chances are increased by turning up early for check-in.

On a recent trip to New York, we were upgraded at the boarding gate for both outbound and return flights, without asking. We've no idea why we were selected ! I have to say we didn't have our kids with us.

Its ab fab in Business Class - we shan't want to fly Economy ever again!

 

[AlexE]

Me and hubbie have just got back from Orlando flying Virgin. We had booked premium economy and used twilight checkin. When we went to the boarding gate we were told we had been upgraded to the Upper Class (funny name that as its on the lower deck).

Although this was wonderful to be told we had been upgraded - no denying that we felt pretty special. I personally felt it wasn't any big deal - seats were only slightly better than PE and we didnt get Upper Class meals. We were told by cabin crew that it was something they were piloting (no pun intended) they used the back end of the Upper Class to relocate Premium Economy passengers. We weren't the only ones that this happened to and got the impression that the whole of Premium Economy were moved to this cabin and presumably they upgraded some economy passengers probably at a nominal fee.

I wouldn't pay Upper Class prices if the only difference between the 2 is proper plates with an upgraded meal.

But the experience was nice.

Unfortunately, no upgrade on the return flight.

AlexE

 

[juliebro]

Of the two, I would much prefer to be upgraded on the return journey rather than on the outgoing journey. More chance of getting some sleep in a bigger seat - plus also a nice way (if there is really a nice way ) to end the holiday. That was our thinking when we found we had enough frequent flier miles to have a one-way upgrade.

Julie