A question for a VIRGIN ATLANTIC employee???

robb2002

Hi there, I was just wondering how easy it was to upgrade from Econonomy to first class?? What it is my aunt has a flight soon and her friend works for Virgin Atlantic and has said that she will upgrade her ticket from Economy class to first class at the airport. Now she is very excited about this (and with good reason) but I was just wondering if this was possible/this easy after a booking has been made to change from Economy to First class because surely her seat would have been accounted for. She says that her friend will be on check-in and will do it for her. Is this even possible because it sounds far too easy for me?

Thanks

Caz312

As an ex airline employee (not Virgin) upgrading at check-in is possible however this will depend on booked loads on the day. If First is booked full there will be no seat to move her into. It is often the case that Economy will be overbooked so they would be looking to upgrade people anyway although I would have thought it was more the norm to upgrade to premium economy than first although someone may come along and correct me :-)

robb2002

Yes I understand what you are saying. However a change from Economy is still £750 so I just wondered how this could be done without question or intervention from a supervisor, it is big money after all? I don't want my aunt to be upset going on her holiday. I perosonally think that her friend is chatting a load of rubbish.

poppy_f1

robb2002 wrote:

Yes I understand what you are saying. However a change from Economy is still £750 so I just wondered how this could be done without question or intervention from a supervisor, it is big money after all? I don't want my aunt to be upset going on her holiday. I perosonally think that her friend is chatting a load of rubbish.

airlines upgrade to first/club/business class all the time these days, depends on the day and if there is space and its done all without charge

Kizzy001

My friend works for BA and whenever I have flown with BA (which is not very often) she has always upgraded me at no extra charge.

people do it all the time.

mystic_trev

She'll be put at the top of the SFU list (suitable for upgrade) If other classes are full, she won't get an upgrade.

ShockingPink

Sorry - question from a long-haul newbie here; do you just ask for an upgrade? We're going to NY for my sister's 40th in October. Booked economy but First would be fantastic!

Should I contact the airline nearer the time, or what's the best way to go about it? (There'll be 4 "mature" women, BTW!)

pbright

4 mature Women....no chance! I find checking in early, alone, and with a smile helps!

i_love_it

As has been said already, upgrades often take place when economy class is overbooked and business or first is underbooked. Such upgrades take place at check in. A priority list may be compiled of employees friends and family, random requests before check in would not be honoured.

The best tip is to dress smartly and be polite to all staff. A polite enquiry at check in may also bag you an upgrade, regular customers may be given priority as a loyal thank you.

Rob 2002, i would suggest your aunt does not take it as a given until she checks in, availibilty and priority come into play, but if she's lucky and your friend has done what she can, then its a bonus, at no extra charge.

LB1985

ShockingPink wrote:

Should I contact the airline nearer the time, or what's the best way to go about it? (There'll be 4 "mature" women, BTW!)

Yes, contact the airline in advance - if you want to pay for your upgrade, that is!

You'll need to be dressed smartly and friendly to the check-in agent, and by no means is that a guarantee of an upgrade. The difference between economy (particularly discounted fares) and premium classes are often several thousand £, so airlines generally upgrade those who are loyal frequent travellers first. Worth a try, I guess though. Just remember it's not very likely though.

Voyager2002

ShockingPink wrote:

Sorry - question from a long-haul newbie here; do you just ask for an upgrade? We're going to NY for my sister's 40th in October. Booked economy but First would be fantastic!

Should I contact the airline nearer the time, or what's the best way to go about it? (There'll be 4 "mature" women, BTW!)

Forget about it: for a group of four it just won't happen.