Korean Air Skypass - Op Ups (Or, Dreaming the Dream)

Flying back to the US next month to visit the fam/friends. I'm still dreaming the impossible dream and am hoping for an op up.

Logically, the only way to really get this is to voluntarily bump myself, correct? That being said, does Korean Air oversell their flights like that?

I just keep telling myself "one day." Maybe this will be the day haha.

It should be noted that I'm flying to ATL. Last year, when I came to Korea, it was in August and the 747 was to the brim in econ.

That being said, does Korean Air oversell their flights like that?


Yes, I've had friends and family members go from economy to business on TPACs due to oversold economy at the gate. Usually they were traveling solo, wore appropriate attire (business casual), and had status with KE.

Yes, I've had friends and family members go from economy to business on TPACs due to oversold economy at the gate. Usually they were traveling solo, wore appropriate attire (business casual), and had status with KE.

I've had it a couple of times on BKK-ICN but never transpac, Y to J once and J to F once (though in that case, it was F seats by J service). This was as a PM and DM on Delta, SkyTeam Elite Plus, with no status on KE. The J to F was even an award ticket.

Sadly, I have no status. I was SO CLOSE last year to being Delta Silver (which isn't much, but for someone who doesn't fly often, it was still close). Presuming I'm dressed properly and am polite, is this something I can ask for when checking in?

To the tune of:

"Is this flight very full? I'd be happy to volunteer my seat if I could fly out later today in Prestige/First class."

Or is that too forward? Or do I wait until I'm at the gate and they actually make the call?

Sadly, I have no status. I was SO CLOSE last year to being Delta Silver (which isn't much, but for someone who doesn't fly often, it was still close). Presuming I'm dressed properly and am polite, is this something I can ask for when checking in?

To the tune of:

"Is this flight very full? I'd be happy to volunteer my seat if I could fly out later today in Prestige/First class."

Or is that too forward? Or do I wait until I'm at the gate and they actually make the call?

There's no harm in offering. I'd start at checkin. You could ask if it's a full flight. If they say it is, you could offer to take a later one in a higher class. If not full, let it go.

Isn't there a site I can use to check seat inventory before I depart?

Also, if you op up, do you still get to collect miles based on the actual fare you paid? That seems excessive, if so haha. Like you can only have one, not both, would be the most logical.

Also, if you op up, do you still get to collect miles based on the actual fare you paid? That seems excessive, if so haha. Like you can only have one, not both, would be the most logical.

You should still get miles for the fare class you purchased, though your BP will get you regular lounge access and, in places where invitations are done, they'll typically give you an invitation. The only hangup with that happens when you don't clear the op-up until the gate, when it's too late to use the lounge. I've been op-up'ed at checkin, the two times it happened.

Also, if you op up, do you still get to collect miles based on the actual fare you paid? That seems excessive, if so haha. Like you can only have one, not both, would be the most logical.
Most airlines give miles based on the fare you paid even when you use miles or SWUs to upgrade, so I certainly wouldn't expect extra miles for an OPUP.

Thanks everyone! I definitely wasn't expecting Business Class bonuses on miles, but I'm surprised I may even get something (if it ever happens). Fingers crossed!

Now, what's that website for seat inventory ㅋㅋㅋㅋ?

Thanks to my bored Sunday, I just checked on koreanair.com for my flight. If I were to buy that flight today from their website, I'd go on a wait list. I can safely presume that this flight is slam full (the 6 PM night flight is wait list, too)?

Prestige has 9 seats, First has 3....

Sorry, last question for now. What is their standard TPAC VDB compensation, anyway?

So how did it turn out? Any OPUP?

No op up! I asked at the gate and she was kind of confused by my question. I rephrased it and she finally understood.

She was SHOCKED at "how nice it was of me to offer my seat and do that" but that "they didn't need to do it that day."

Flight was still slam full. ICN-ATL/ATL-ICN route always is!

No op up! I asked at the gate and she was kind of confused by my question. I rephrased it and she finally understood.

She was SHOCKED at "how nice it was of me to offer my seat and do that" but that "they didn't need to do it that day."

Flight was still slam full. ICN-ATL/ATL-ICN route always is!

That flight is full of US soldiers. That's why it is always full. And rumor has it that it will get a 380 soon.

August is traditionally the time when most Koreans go on vacation. How is that for collective thinking!

Anyhow, it will be very difficult to get upgraded on this flight, unless you were a Million Miler Member.

If you are based in Korea, perhaps you might use a credit card that credits miles towards KE, then use the miles for upgrades later.

August is also when public school has summer break here.

Dang... Full to the brim, but not one seat over :) Next time perhaps

Do we see a pattern in op ups to biz? Any of these help:

Reserving Premium Economy, flying on certain days of week, being Skyteam elite (but not KE elite) ?

Was on the lax to icn a380 flt and every single y seat was filled.
Heard some people's name got called prior to boarding so I guess they got upgraded to. Iz class.