First Choice upgrade rip off !!

[alexandra uk]

Has anyone got any ideas about what I can say to First Choice ?
Here's my problem - I've been phoning First Choice every day for a price to upgrade to Star class premier and the price has been slowly coming down from £399pp - £180pp today.
Last night I was checking the prices for our flight on their website and the upgrade was coming in at £160 for 'all four of us', £40pp.
So I called First Choice this morning and asked for the upgrade, but was told it would still be £180pp. I asked why I couldn't have it for the same price as it was on thei website and she said that price was only for people booking a new holiday and unfortunatly because mine is already booked I can't have that price

I am so angry. We've been using First Choice for years so what's the matter with looking after the customers they already have ??

I feel as though there's no point in phoning every day now because as soon as new bookings see those prices, they're going to snap them up straight away.

 

[fizz13]

Can't give you any advice but I am feeling your anger I would feel exactly the same way!

 

[Hilary]

Have you flown or upgraded with FC before?

We flew economy with them last year and were really pleased we hadn't spent the extra to upgrade (we usually do upgrade if flying long haul charter, but decided to try FC's economy in the new aircraft).

The seats and legroom in economy were very good - definitely on a par with other premium seat we've had. Economy passengers were given the opportunity to upgrade their entertainment system to the same 'on-demand' system included for premium passengers for £5 pp.

We did have to pay for drinks throughout the flight (premium class get them free), and I think premium class get a different (presumably better! ) meal. There's also a dedicated check-in for premium which we, obviously, couldn't use. On the return leg we ugraded to the exit row seats for about £35 pp.

For the £40pp on the website booking, I'd definitely go for the upgrade, but I wouldn't be tempted at £180pp. We've booked FC again this autumn and will be sticking with economy (unless they're absolutely giving away upgrades !) .

 

[luvtinkerbell]

have been pricing up next trip when added upgrade to star class premier can only find prices 200 pound per person where are you looking surlely they should honour your up grade to this price good luck go to trading standards

 

[Babyboo]

We had exactly the same problem last year with them. I wrote a long letter (to which I never had a reply) but we did get them to reduce the cost slightly but not to what they were offering them to new customers.


I think it's disgusting that TA's in this country have this policy and one of the reasons I book as much as I can in the US as they is a greater flexibility to apply special offers / discounts to exsisting bookings.


We did think the Star Class cabin was great though and well worth the money. If I can get reasonable prices from them I wouldn't hesitate to book again.

 

[a jay]

This is something i've been considering doing, but not at those prices.
If i was to upgrade from economy would i be entitled to more baggage allowance? Can you buy extra baggage without having to upgrade from economy?

 

[Hilary]

This is something i've been considering doing, but not at those prices.
If i was to upgrade from economy would i be entitled to more baggage allowance? Can you buy extra baggage without having to upgrade from economy?

Star Class baggage allowance 20kg
Star Class Premier baggage allowance 23kg - so not a huge difference!

I don't know if you can pay for extra baggage without upgrading

 

[UKDEB]

What are the penalties for cancelling? Could you cancel and re-book at the new prices? I'd be beside myself with frustration too - it's outrageous. Have you tried asking to speak to a manager? Maybe a charm offensive, emphasising your loyalty and disappointment, might be worth a shot.

 

[Tinks1984]

Star Class baggage allowance 20kg
Star Class Premier baggage allowance 23kg - so not a huge difference!

I don't know if you can pay for extra baggage without upgrading

I've contacted them about our upcoming trip in regards to paying for extra baggage and they do not allow it. I was told that if the weight limit was breached then you'd have to pay the excess on departure.

I read on the website just the other day that it's £8.50 for every kilo that you're over that limit. If on the way out of the country you're over the limit, they will ask you to un-pack and re-pack to make the weight limit achievable!

They seem quite strict - hence why I'm panicking about my return journey home! I'm preying I can keep my weight limit ok!!

 

[DebIreland]

Oh wow, I can understand your frustration. At the very least let them know how unjust you think this is and don't give them any future custom. I hate when any company treats their potential or new customers so much better than their existing customers (I've had many a heated discussion with Sky about the same thing). Good luck!

 

[crabbie1]

As Deb said earlier the cost of cancelling and pre booking may be another option.How much deposit have you paid? I would look into it as it is a disgrace.Good luck.