Lindy

Has anyone here ever been upgraded on a scheduled flight and what's the secret [8)]

We're flying with BA on Xmas day from Heathrow and wonder what our chances are [?]

Any tips/experiences will be gratefully received

mushtaq

The only way you will get an upgrade is if they are overbooked in economy class and there is room in the business class. then they would offer upgrade to customers who have loyalty cards (air miles etc) who look as if they should travel in business class (so dress smart), and if the counter staff like the look of you, and they happend to be in a good mood.

Good Luck [8D]

Mushtaq

Gail

My friend phones beforehand Lindy and asks them "what are the chances of us getting upgraded". If you don't ask you don't get, she generally gets upgraded.

Gail

JohnF

Yeah, Mushtaq's right. Most airlines will only upgrade an economy passenger when they are unable to seat them in their allocated class. If economy is not overbooked it's extremely unlikely anyone would be upgraded as there is simply no need. Thats not to say it can't happen, but if it does there will generally have to be a good reason.

We've had upgrades a few times, but these have been for either being unable to seat us together in economy or once when our original flight was cancelled, we got an upgrade for a later flight, but only for that leg of the journey.

According to a friends wife who was a check in worker at Gatwick, can't remember the airline, there is a pecking order for upgrades and it's often decided as soon as they realise the flight is overbooked (that is, everyone they sold a ticket to actually turns up!). Anyone with a frequent flyer card get priority followed by those passengers with highest economy ticket codes (M, K, B, Y etc).

How you look does play a part but she reckoned it was more how you came across and behaved as opposed to how you dressed. And if you've got young kids, forget it! That I suspect is the human element in the great quest for an upgrade...

JohnF

starman

I have a loyalty card and have been upgraded quite often and dress code doesnt seem to matter so much as long as you dont look like a bum. Also a wink and a smile at the check in girl helps a little.

heidi

I think it is down to who is on the desk at the time.
Last year I asked for an upgrade coming back form a business trip in Jan. It was a national Turkish holdiay and I failed unless I paid 178 pounds extra. But three weeks later, stuck in Gatwick I asked again and I got one . No extra money. But can I make a point?
There was no difference really except for a crtain behind me.
Turkish Airlines have loads of leg room, leather seats and free drinks all the way.
You don't really get anything differnt in First Class exept for stainless Steel cutlery.