Check-in and upgrades

[meldud]

I have been reading lots of threads regarding check-in, etc and now just have lots of questions...

We are staying in an airport hotel the night before our flight and would like to try for an upgrade at the airport.

What is the best way to check-in and get the upgrade.

Do we do the OLCI ? Or just wait til we get to the airport the afternoon before and do the twilight check-in there?

Can we ask for an upgrade at twilight check-in? Or can we only do that 3 hours before the flight?

Can you tell I haven't done this before?????

 

[2Tiggies]

I don't think OLCI will impact on your chances at all. I have often upgraded at the airport, but I have paid for it. If they have seats available they often sell them at a reduced price at check in. Comp upgrades are very rare. They do happen, but they are the exception. If you are willing to pay, set yourself a budget of what you are willing to pay and then ask when you check in.

Edit: I came back to finish my post. I got interrupted earlier and it looks a bit abrupt the way it ended! I meant to add that if you get a complimentary upgrade, enjoy it! It is just better if you really want one to have some idea of what you can afford or are willing to pay so that if they do offer you a bargain which will cost you something, you don't have to make an on the spot decision.

Some suggestions I have seen is to dress nicely. I know you are travelling but make sure you look good. Smile, be friendly and ask nicely. Hope you get some more tips from other posters on here. You stand as good a chance as anyone if they are up for grabs.

 

[meldud]

Thanks,

Yes I am happy to pay...just the upgrade fares were soooo astronomical when we originally booked that we didn't even consider it.

We will take your advice and set a budget, so that we can make a decision on the spot!!

We are flying at 11.15am, so do we ONCI or twilight check-in? Obviously our allocated seats will not be removed until check-in opens at the airport I am assuming? So we have time to get to the hotel and do it then. Do we ask for upgrade options then?

Oh.... and I am good at being polite!!

 

[orangetiggs]

having worked for VA i used to tell people that free upgrades were very rare! they go to gold flying club members sitting in economy first and then silver then red and then non members

When we flew last year the price to upgrade at the airport from economy to PE were £150 each one way. we just checked in at the airport but i was under special assistance so our seats were already confirmed

 

[wilma-bride]

Don't do OLCI as it is unlikely that, once you are checked in, you will be able to upgrde. You're better off going to do Twilight Check in and asking about upgrades then.

 

[2Tiggies]

Don't do OLCI as it is unlikely that, once you are checked in, you will be able to upgrde. You're better off going to do Twilight Check in and asking about upgrades then.

It depends if you have pre-requested your seats though. If you don't do OLCI you will probably lose the seats you requested and if there are no suitable upgrades available you sit where you are put.

We did self check in last year and still bought our upgrades for a special price at the bag drop. Is that different?

 

[meldud]

When do the pre requested seats get re allocated?

We will be at the airport approx 5 hours after OLCI starts.

 

[2Tiggies]

I don't know that answer to that. I have seen different views on the procedure and I suspect perhaps not all airlines have the same approach to seat allocation. I wonder if it might be worth sending an email to VA and asking until what point your pre-allocated seats are safe before they are up for grabs again. At least then you have some idea what you are dealing with.

 

[janiebubble]

I know its not the same situation, but I checked in online at Easter and then paid for the extra leg room seats at the airport, there was no problem that I'd already checked in, I just asked at the bag drop and they sorted it for me.

 

[2Tiggies]

I know its not the same situation, but I checked in online at Easter and then paid for the extra leg room seats at the airport, there was no problem that I'd already checked in, I just asked at the bag drop and they sorted it for me.

I think extra legroom is different because you can only do it at the airport. I could be wrong, but that was my understanding.

 

[2Tiggies]

Meldud, in response to your question in post #7, I have just emailed VA to ask. I would also like to know how they do this and had some other questions too. If you have not emailed them already, I will post the response as soon as they get back to me.

 

[meldud]

Meldud, in response to your question in post #7, I have just emailed VA to ask. I would also like to know how they do this and had some other questions too. If you have not emailed them already, I will post the response as soon as they get back to me.

Thanks...everytime I read a reply or read another thread it throws up new questions!!

 

[2Tiggies]

Thanks...everytime I read a reply or read another thread it throws up new questions!!

No problem. Just replying here so you know I haven't forgotten. Will post as soon as VA respond.