BMI MAN-ORD (Chicago) Question

Hannah2

Hi

I am flying with BMI from Manchester to San Francisco via Chicago in September and just wondered if anyone who had flown the transatlantic section could help me out with some info.

I just wondered what peoples experiences were and also how full the aircraft was. I am hoping to be able to have an empty seat next to me but I dont know how realistic that is going to be.

Also, does anyone have any experience of getting a PAID upgrade (I dont expect one for free).

Thanks for your help

jonesMUFCforever

If they have room and you don't look out of place then I think you have a reasonable chance of getting a paid upgrade at check in.

What is the difference in price now between economy and business?
Is it worth upgrading now so that you are sure of getting what you want.

I have no idea how much you would have to pay on the day at the airport.

_Andy_

If you can post the dates you're travelling and returning I'll look up on Expertflyer how busy the flight is for you.

shirlsky

I have flown the exact same route as you but this was about 3 years ago. BMI provided complimentary bottled water before you board the plane at the departure gate. At Chicago, it took me ages to get through immigration/security and the transfer times were very short. I was huffing and puffing to get to my connecting flight but got there in the end!! It was quite full on the MAN-ORD flight as it is going to the hub but the ORD-SFO leg was very quiet. I fell asleep on the ORD-SFO flight due to the earlier running about!

Whether your flights would be full or not would depend on the season.

Hannah2

_Andy_ wrote: »

If you can post the dates you're travelling and returning I'll look up on Expertflyer how busy the flight is for you.

Thanks for responses

I am flying on out on Thursday 20th Sept. and back on Thursday 4th October.

The transfer times are pretty short on the way out, about 90 minutes I think, however, I did check that there were later flights in case I didnt make the connection.

As far as difference in price goes, I think the premium economy fare is about £600 more than current economy fare.

Thanks

jonesMUFCforever

Hannah2 wrote: »

Thanks for responses

I am flying on out on Thursday 20th Sept. and back on Thursday 4th October.

The transfer times are pretty short on the way out, about 90 minutes I think, however, I did check that there were later flights in case I didnt make the connection.

As far as difference in price goes, I think the premium economy fare is about £600 more than current economy fare.

Thanks

Would you pay the extra £600 if offered on the day or are you hoping for a substantial discount?

Purely my feelings here is that I would want to spend £600 at my destination not getting there.:D

_Andy_

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Coming back -
[URL="javascript:void(0)"]C9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]D9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]J1[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]I9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]S9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]L9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]U0[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]Y9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]B9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]M9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]H9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]Q9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]V9[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]G4[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]W0[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]T0[/URL] [URL="javascript:void(0)"]X0[/URL] .

Don't expect a good upgrade price on the day, especially if you're on a discounted economy fare. If you're going to do it, upgrade in advance

fushiafluff

Hi, just back.
Did the same route on the way out, but came back la -chicago-man.
Flight was full on the first leg to Chicago but it went so quick then from Chicago to San Fran it was only 1/3 full & again it was very quick.
Both legs on the way back were full & the food was DISGUSTING, make sure you buy something to eat before you board to come back.
I'm not sure you will be able to get a free upgrade but if you can afford it then purchase it through thier site, there was far more room up front, but I'm not too sure if it would be worth it as it is a split flight & both 'bits' go very quick. I suppose it also depends on your height, if you sre over 6ft. then you would be more comfortable 'up front'. You could request a seat by an exit if you are quick, these have more leg room, I like these seats!!

have a great time

mrtg0525

IME with other airlines, there is usually a chance of a very reasonably priced upgrade if economy is overbooked. If there are enough seats available in economy, chances are that you'd have to pay quite a lot.

That said, the only time I upgraded from economy to premium economy at the airport was on Virgin and they certainly charged me less than I would have to pay at booking time.

@fushiafluff - good tip regarding the emergency exit rows, they're usually good if you want/need to stretch your legs. OTOH if you rely on books and magazines to keep you entertained for the duration of the flight, be aware that there usually isn't much storage and of course no seat in front of you to stuff your bag under.

Hannah2

Thanks for your replies, all info helps!

I am going to ring them today to find out about costs for upgrading.

I am affraid it is not height that is my problem but width :rolleyes:. Hence the desire to have a spare seat next to me

This makes the exit rows a no go for me as the table in the arm rest makes the seat even narrower.

I have a feeling it might work out cheaper to buy a second seat but that might be going a little bit overboard!

Thanks fushiafluff for info about food, will stock up at San Francisco on way back.

Will let you know what I find out.

Thanks again

Hannah2

OK, so an update for you.

I phoned BMI and spoke to a very unhelpful person who wanted just under £1000 to upgrade to premium economy :eek: Decided against this as looking at the airplane plans BMI seem to have the same seats in PE, just more leg room, which totally negates the reason for me upgrading (more space width wise).

So, asked about booking a second seat and was scoffed at before they cut me off.

Was NOT impressed.

Got the number for head office in the UK and telephoned to explain what had happened and asked to be put through to someone who could help me. Spoke to a lovely lady in Customer relations who said she understood but she only dealt with issues post travel. She said she would get someone to call me back.

They did call back and it is possible to book another seat, which you can do without being charged taxes/fees, which is a bonus.(£290).

So, although it is not very moneysaving I have booked a second seat and can now stop stressing about a) being uncomfortable and b) worrying about the person sat next to me. (I am not that big but I dont think it is fair to invade someone elses space on a long flight, seats are cramped enough as they are).

Thanks to those who responded and now I have thoroughly embarrassed myself I am off to hide.