Other European Frequent Flyer Programs - Possibilites of TAP operational upgrade?

I’m heading to Natal in 2 weeks together with my twinbrother, flying TAP from CPH-LIS and LIS-GIG. I’m a Star Gold (Eurobonus Gold) and would like to check the possibilities of a TAP upgrade on the LIS-GIG-leg. We’re scheduled to leave LIS the 26th Oct at 23:20 on TAP185, and I have tried to check seatcounter to see how the load is on the long-haul flight. What would you say the possibilities are for an operational upgrade? I have enough miles to upgrade, but have heard that TAPs C-class is not that great … So an operation upgrade would work out just fine;) What do you think my odds are? My twinbrother does not hold any status, I’m afraid…. We’re flying on the “basic fare” (ticket change allowed, 100% miles on long-haul (11128 points), partial refund)

I lived in Lisbon for three years and thus flew TAP flights quite often. *G on United, never once got an op up. You aren't missing much. Intra-Europe TAP Executive Class is the same sized seat just a better meal.

Intra-Europe TAP Executive Class is the same sized seat just a better meal.

The OP wants to upgrade on the LIS-GIG leg. There is a big difference between Eco and Bus and that flight.

If you absolutely want more space, use the miles to be sure. But if you are looking for a top class product, do not spend your miles on TAP. Their long-haul business is OK, but nothing more.

Op-ups don't occur that often in TP, much less if you're not TP Victoria Gold in a flight to GIG or GRU. Not only these flights are generally elite-heavy in terms of pax, but also they don't seem to be full in Y these days (which means that overbookings are not that usual); all this therefore drastically decreases your chances of op-ups.

We’re flying on the “basic fare” (ticket change allowed, 100% miles on long-haul (11128 points), partial refund)

As for an upgrade, if you're flying the tap|basic fare, you cannot use miles for it. Unfortunately, only tap|classic and tap|plus fares are eligible for the use of miles to upgrade tickets.

But if you are looking for a top class product, do not spend your miles on TAP. Their long-haul business is OK, but nothing more.

I completely agree. For a survey of some of its features, please check other threads in this forum, in which you have plenty of information.

Intra-Europe TAP Executive Class is the same sized seat just a better meal.

It's true, but I'd add that TP's intra-Europe C class is at least on par with the one of its main competitors. In some cases, it's better (way better than AF's or KL's ES, for example). To see it for yourself, check my latest trip report here (http://flyingincircles.wordpress.com/2009/08/20/eating-ooops-flying-tap-portugal-in-business-class/) (sorry for the self-plug).

But if you are looking for a top class product, do not spend your miles on TAP. Their long-haul business is OK, but nothing more.

Not sure what you expect from C-class, but if the Op wants a comfortable seat and decent legroom, he'll probably get it. Good food and excellent wine will be the bonus. Natal must be one of the shortest Brasil routes, but you can still get a decent sleep on the way back.

The bad thing for the Op is TAP's Friends & Family priority list. And GIG (like the north-east destinations) is very popular with off-duty, holiday-bound Tappers and Tappettes. Even a Victoria Gold is unlikely to out-rank one of those :D