Upgrade to Business Class at check-in with AT?

[OzFan]

I was on the website and it states that when you checkin at the 24 hour mark you can upgrade (for a fee) to business class. With that upgrade you allowed 2 checked bags and complimentary drinks for your flight.

My question is..has anyone done this?
How does the checked bags work?

I was thinking about doing this for our trip. There are 4 of us flying together, since I'm knocked out for most of the flight (I HATE flying)I thought I would upgrade, check 2 of our bags, have a couple of cocktails and take my nap. Then the other 3 can have a row to themselves.

 

[TheWog]

I upgraded at the gate and didn't have any checked bags so i can't help with that, but the seats were well worth it compared to AT's normal coach class seat. The free drinks was true as the FA was making people boarding wait while she brought us our drink. Was kind of comical, I felt so important. hehehehe

 

[Traveliz]

I was on the website and it states that when you checkin at the 24 hour mark you can upgrade (for a fee) to business class. With that upgrade you allowed 2 checked bags and complimentary drinks for your flight.

My question is..has anyone done this?
How does the checked bags work?

I was thinking about doing this for our trip. There are 4 of us flying together, since I'm knocked out for most of the flight (I HATE flying)I thought I would upgrade, check 2 of our bags, have a couple of cocktails and take my nap. Then the other 3 can have a row to themselves.

The checked bags part works the same as if you had paid for it - when you check in online they give you the option to upgrade and you pay for it right then - then the next screen is the bags and it asks how many you have - since you have upgraded it all ready knows you are allowed two so you click on that and there is no additional charge.

Liz

 

[Tara]

I was on the website and it states that when you checkin at the 24 hour mark you can upgrade (for a fee) to business class. With that upgrade you allowed 2 checked bags and complimentary drinks for your flight.

My question is..has anyone done this?
How does the checked bags work?

I was thinking about doing this for our trip. There are 4 of us flying together, since I'm knocked out for most of the flight (I HATE flying)I thought I would upgrade, check 2 of our bags, have a couple of cocktails and take my nap. Then the other 3 can have a row to themselves.

Yes, I've done it a lot. It's really easy - your baggage (2 bags each) will be free and you'll be able to use the first/business line at the check-in counter, which can be very helpful if the regular line is long. You won't be charged for the bags - the website and the counter agents know how to handle this, so unless your bags are overweight, you won't be charged anything. (You'll likely still use a kiosk, but it won't ask you for a CC when you check the bags.)

ETA: I didn't notice this was AirTran - not sure if they have a first/business line or not...

 

[nkkilala]

I upgrade to business class almost every time I fly with Airtran (I wait for the best fair and the upgrade is still less than flying on other airlines)

At check in the attend/computer know that you have upgraded so there is no baggage fee.

I am farily certain you can upgrade just 1 person in your party, however, I have never done just 1 out of the group.

Enjoy the service and don't be afarid to ask for more than one drink. I know it isn't the most ethical situation but I'll normally get a few drinks and because the flight attendant doesn't mix my Rum and Coke I save the little bottles for WDW!!

 

[dioxide45]

Best to upgrade online prior to or at the checkin counter. I don't think they will refund your baggage fee if you upgrade at the gate. They were even pushing upgrades on the flight once the departure check was complete. These were cheaper than if one had upgraded at the gate or 24 hours prior to check in.

 

[mrscoobs]

As stated before the best case is if you are going to upgrade and are going to check bags then you want to do it when you check in or inquire at the ticket counter if you have NOT paid for your bags. Once you have paid for your bags in advance it is a done deal and you will not have the fee returned. The 1st and second bag fee is covered, though if the bags are oversize or overweight then you will still have to pay for those fees. You can only upgrade one person, but you need to have a ticket agent do it for you.

 

[OzFan]

When I saw the upgrade option, I figured "why not?"
Two bags checked free and complimentary drinks..I could TOTALLY do this.
I'm a bad packer. We are going for 11 days and I just can't seem to get it all in just carry ons. I didn't pay for my bags yet, I was waiting to upgrade. I was told I couldn't do the upgrade until the 24 hour mark or at check in.

How embarrasing is it to drink that early in the morning? I guess if I did a "breakfast" drink it shouldn't be so bad. LOL
Screwdrivers (orange juice)
Bloody Mary (tomato juice)

 

[kayla87]

Can you upgrade at the 24 hr mark if you have the "Web Special" fares? I think the rules are different for the web specials, at least before the 24 hr mark.

Can anyone guesstimate their cost to upgrade? I'm sure it varies by location, but we've never upgraded on (or even flown) Airtran before.

 

[ancestry]

Question - if you wait to upgrade until you check-in is the business class cheaper than if you straight out bought business class seats to begin with?

 

[Inkmahm]

Question - if you wait to upgrade until you check-in is the business class cheaper than if you straight out bought business class seats to begin with?

Yes! Much cheaper.

 

[networktek]

can you upgrade both ways or is it only for one way i usually try to upgrade at the counter but it would be alot easier to upgrade on line before we go also i have a question about the 2 bags free is that per person and does carry on count to this cause we always fly 2 of us so that would be nice to have 4 bags free plus carry on
thanks

 

[braydensmom]

I have an AT points card....if I upgrade at check-in or at gate, do I get the added points for flying business rather than just economy? and are you able to upgrade from web prices?

 

[cbrfan]

Can you upgrade at the 24 hr mark if you have the "Web Special" fares? I think the rules are different for the web specials, at least before the 24 hr mark.

Can anyone guesstimate their cost to upgrade? I'm sure it varies by location, but we've never upgraded on (or even flown) Airtran before.

You can upgrade to business class from any other fare class, including "Web Special" fares, at the 24 hr. mark. Until that time, it would be the full business-class fare. So it's best to wait until the 24 hr. mark. The price depends on your flight destination. It's definately a better deal if you're flying non-stop as they charge per segment.

Upgrade Promotion
For the amounts listed below, you may upgrade at time of check in (web, kiosks, ticket counter or gate) on a first come, first served basis.

Business Class upgrades are available for sale with the following fees per segment, per market, based on flight length. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing.

$49 for Short-Range Nonstop Flights
Origin City Destination City
Atlanta Akron/Canton, Baltimore/Washington, Bloomington/Normal, Buffalo/Niagara, Charleston, SC, Charlotte, Chicago (Midway), Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Flint, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Houston (Hobby), Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Moline/Quad Cities, New Orleans, Newport News/Williamsburg, Orlando, Pensacola, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, Richmond, Rochester, Sarasota/Bradenton, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington, DC (Dulles), Washington, DC (Reagan), West Palm Beach, Wichita
Akron/Canton Atlanta, Boston, New York (LaGuardia)
Baltimore/Washington Atlanta, Boston, Burlington, Charlotte, Dayton, Milwaukee, Portland, Rochester
Boston Akron/Canton, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago (Midway), Newport News/Williamsburg
Charlotte Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington
Chicago (Midway) Atlanta, Boston
Dayton Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington
Milwaukee Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Washington, DC (Reagan)
New York (LaGuardia) Akron/Canton, Newport News/Williamsburg
Newport News/Williamsburg Atlanta, Boston, New York (LaGuardia)
Rochester Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington
Washington, DC (Reagan) Atlanta, Milwaukee


$69 for Medium-Range Nonstop Flights
Origin City Destination City
Atlanta Atlantic City, Boston, Branson, Cancun, Dallas/Fort Worth, Harrisburg, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York (LaGuardia), Newark, Portland, San Antonio, White Plains
Atlantic City Atlanta, Orlando
Akron/Canton Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa
Allentown Fort Lauderdale, Orlando
Baltimore/Washington Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Tampa, West Palm Beach
Boston Atlanta, Fort Myers, Milwaukee, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton
Branson Atlanta, Milwaukee
Buffalo/Niagara Fort Myers, Orlando
Chicago (Midway) Fort Myers, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton
Columbus Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando
Dallas/Fort Worth Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Orlando
Dayton Orlando, Tampa
Detroit Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton
Flint Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa
Fort Lauderdale Akron/Canton, Allentown, Baltimore/Washington, Columbus, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Newport News/Williamsburg, Pittsburgh
Fort Myers Akron/Canton, Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Buffalo/Niagara, Chicago (Midway), Columbus, Flint, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Washington, DC (Reagan)
Harrisburg Atlanta, Orlando
Indianapolis Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Tampa
Kansas City
Atlanta, Orlando
Miami Chicago (Midway), Indianapolis, Kansas City
Milwaukee Boston, Branson, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, New York (La Guardia), Orlando, St. Louis, Tampa
Minneapolis/St. Paul Atlanta, Milwaukee, Orlando
Newport News/Williamsburg Fort Lauderdale, Orlando
New York (La Guardia) Atlanta, Milwaukee, Orlando
Orlando Allentown, Asheville, Atlantic City, Akron/Canton, Baltimore/Washington, Bloomington/Normal, Boston, Buffalo, Charleston, WV, Charlotte, Chicago (Midway), Columbus, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dayton, Detroit, Flint, Harrisburg, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Knoxville, Memphis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Moline/Quad Cities, New York (La Guardia), Newport News/Williamsburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Richmond, Rochester, San Juan, St. Louis, Washington, DC (Dulles), Washington, DC (Reagan), White Plains
Pittsburgh Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa
Portland Atlanta, Orlando
Rochester Orlando, Tampa
Sarasota/Bradenton Baltimore/Washington, Boston, Chicago (Midway), Detroit, Indianapolis
St. Louis Milwaukee, Orlando
Tampa Akron/Canton, Baltimore/Washington, Dayton, Flint, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Rochester
Washington, DC (Reagan) Fort Myers, Orlando
West Palm Beach Baltimore/Washington, White Plains
White Plains, NY Atlanta, Orlando, West Palm Beach


$99 for Long-Range Nonstop Flights
Origin City Destination City
Atlanta Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle
Baltimore/Washington Cancun, Los Angeles, San Juan, Seattle
Denver Atlanta, Milwaukee
Indianapolis Las Vegas, Los Angeles
Las Vegas Atlanta, Indianapolis, Milwaukee
Los Angeles Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Indianapolis, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle
Phoenix Atlanta, Milwaukee
San Diego Atlanta, Milwaukee
San Francisco Atlanta, Milwaukee
San Juan Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington
Seattle Atlanta, Baltimore/Washington, Milwaukee

 

[cbrfan]

can you upgrade both ways or is it only for one way i usually try to upgrade at the counter but it would be alot easier to upgrade on line before we go also i have a question about the 2 bags free is that per person and does carry on count to this cause we always fly 2 of us so that would be nice to have 4 bags free plus carry on
thanks

When you upgrade at the 24 hr mark, it's only for that particular flight. You would have to wait until you reach the 24 hr mark to upgrade your return flight. Upgrading online is extremely easy and I highly recommend doing it that way as opposed to waiting until you reach the counter. It is 2 free per upgraded passenger. So if both of you upgrade you'll get 4 bags free. Just be sure to list each passenger as having 2 bags, not 4 for 1 person.

 

[cbrfan]

I have an AT points card....if I upgrade at check-in or at gate, do I get the added points for flying business rather than just economy? and are you able to upgrade from web prices?

You won't get the extra 1/2 flight credit unless you paid the full business fare. You only receive the 1 credit for that flight. You can upgrade from web prices. A+ Rewards members can upgrade to business class for free by using 4 flight credits. Passengers who book a reward upgrade can call and upgrade their flight any time the day before the flight departs. You don't have to wait until the 24 hour mark.

 

[braydensmom]

I wonder if Wifi will be complimentry in Business class, anyone know?

 

[kristenrice]

I upgraded our flight to MCO last October. We are flying out on Saturday from Detroit and this will be DH's first experience with AT. I am planning on purchasing the upgrade to surprise him. He probably won't even look at his boarding pass until they start calling people to board so it will be a shock.

Here's my plan...

We are (were) only planning on checking one bag total. We have a rolling backpack (Carry-on), rolling carry-on and a boarding bag (3 carryons total) and each of our DD's have a small backpack (personal items). We also have 2 strollers that will be gate checked (in the same bag) and our DD3's car seat that we will use on the plane. That is a LOT to lug through the airport.

I was able to pack all of our "first 24" stuff into the rolling backpack (DH's) so I do not need to pack "essentials" in the rolling carryon. I am going to put food/disposable stuff in our checked suitcase and check an additional soft duffel bag (clothes and shoes). I am also going to CHECK the rolling carryon. This will give us 3 checked bags on the way to MCO (all free with the upgrade). This means that we will only have to take the backpack, boarding bag, stroller bag and carseat through security.

Then, on the way home, I can put the soft duffel inside the now-empty suitcase and bring the rolling carryon onboard as a carryon, thus only having to pay for one checked bag (as planned) on the way home. I am not going to upgrade us on the way home since we will have a 3-hour drive home after we land and we won't be able to enjoy the beverages.

If we can't get the upgrade, I will skip the little duffel. We don't need the upgrade for the seats since we actually got assigned to rows 12 and 14 so we are in a great spot on the plane. DH doesn't drink, but I need a few to relax on the plane. Plus, I really like the dedicated FA for the BC section. They do a great job of making you feel important! Every time they saw my drink glass running empty, they were right there to offer me another one.

Now, I am just keeping my fingers crossed that I can get the upgrade. I looked at our flight and there are only about a dozen coach seats that are showing unassigned. I imagine our flight is fairly full.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Has anyone upgraded while using DCL's Onboard Check in?

For the return flight of our Oct/Nov cruise, my dad wants to use his A+ credits to upgrade which they say to call their toll free # the day before and as long as there is availability, he can have it.
How does that work when DCL retrieves your boarding passes later that evening. They deliver them to our stateroom so it's not like we have a lot of choices with that. The BP should state his new seat right? Also they usually have to stop at a desk at the port to pay the luggage fees. Would they know he can skip this step then?