Online check in upgrade?

Mr_Wang

Up until the summer I had only ever been upgraded once, that was on a Swiss flight to Cairo.

This summer I was upgraded twice, once on a flight from Atlanta to Cancun with Delta and then again from Orlando to Los Angeles.

Not once have I ever been told I've been upgraded and I wear normal casual clothes. On the Orlando - LAX flight I was upgraded with my 7 year old son too.

But what I have noticed over the last few years is the drive to fill Business class in the days before the flight, particularly with the Middle East airlines. Some offer auctions, I know for a fact (as I have been offered) that Etihad do it. And Qatar have offered me 2 business upgrades for the price of one out of Doha at the customer service desk. Saudia also offer cash upgrades, if I recall correctly, they wanted $400 from Singapore to Riyadh at the desk in Changi.

malkie76

Easiest way is to pay at online check-in, or at the airport (at Heathrow head to the customer service desks). There's often an agent manning the entrance who can quickly tell you if there is a decent upgrade for cash offer.

Are you in economy ? The jump to world traveller plus isn't that exciting, but LAX is a long way so the extra space might be worth it.

globetraveller

Little chance with BA I am afraid. Perhaps try at your hotel instead? We were recently upgraded from wtplus to Club but OH is a silver card holder. It was a decision made before we even got to the airport, as I wasn't able to online check in and was told to go to the airport. I also think that with BA a lot of seats are snapped up in the days just before the flight by those upgrading or redeeming using airmiles.
I really detest those articles in newspapers with upgrade tips. It just gives folks false hope and most tips are actually ridiculous.
I have bought economy tickets and then upgraded during a flash sale, which gave a terrific price. So worth keeping an eye on.
Other idea would be to see if you can reserve emergency exit seats. Worth paying for.

blindman

I agree with Malkie76 and globetraveller-BA seem to be very stingy with upgrades and then only if you are a regular flyer with status.

I have been upgraded from Business to First -Once-:cool: Flying alone and upgraded whilst waiting in the lounge. I was at the time a Gold member.

Wt-> WT+ is nothing tbho so unless you're 6ft tall (or wide ) not worth it TBHO.

Best and cheapest way to get to Business class is to buy WT+ in a sale then see if you can upgrade to Business with AVIOS.

SW17

blindman wrote: »

I agree with Malkie76 and globetraveller-BA seem to be very stingy with upgrades and then only if you are a regular flyer with status.

They really only do it when they're overbooked, and you're right that they apply them more or less in descending order of status, with lone travellers a favourite. Not sure other airlines are that different, I get a lot of upgrades on BA, but very few on others where I don't have the same status, eg VS, CX, SQ, QF, LX. Just how it is these days. Had a couple on Qatar Airways recently, again due to overbooking.

Agree there are some reasonable paid upgrades available if you catch it right, though have seen a drop in availability for upgrades using Avios from WTP to Club.

cazziebo

itsanne wrote: »

Thanks, everyone. It's BA (have joined executive club) and the flight in question would be LA to Heathrow. I'm not anticipating an upgrade, so not getting hopes up.

gfplux, we won't be scruffs, though not all dressed up. Of course we're polite!

No chance! BA don't upgrade unless you are related to cabin crew or there is an operational reason (e.g. overbooking) and then only if you have status with them.