KLM Flying Dutchman - Upgrades on NW using KLM miles- Procedures, Experiences?

I am currently in North America region and wish to upgrade a flight in June on NW to Asia. I have called KLM twice and got 2 answers- 14 day advance is required and another told me I could upgrade JFK-NRT at the KLM counter.
I also called NW and they told me to call KLM.

Which agent was correct? Does it matter that I want to process upgrades while in North America region or will it only be possible to upgrade return from Japan because of KLM ticketing office there?

My reservation is not yet ticketed because if I must fly Y, I will push for MH ticket which is only $30 more and so much more comfortable transpac.

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Going back to the bAAsics

Upgrades are only processed after ticketing. I got upgraded as well on the 14 day advance rule, as on the day of departure out of AMS on NW flights.

If your Itinery is JFK - NRT be aware, that MH will not fly you transpacific. They fly EWR - DXB - KUL (transfer) NRT which is a loooong way !

Thomas

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tmeyer:
Upgrades are only processed after ticketing. I got upgraded as well on the 14 day advance rule, as on the day of departure out of AMS on NW flights</font>

My experience as well.

If you call the FD Helpdesk, they can tell you if there is ungrade seating available (as of that moment) on the flight you're considering. If they're so inclined, they can also tell you how many upgrade seats are still available. Call just before purchasing, buy the ticket, then call the FD folks back immediately to confirm the upgrade.

If only one way of the round trip can be confirmed at time of purchase, be sure you get on the waitlist for upgrade of the other way. This can get weird, since KL and NW use different PNR systems, and you may have to have KL create a parallel PNR to your NW one in order to put you on a waitlist for an upgrade using FD miles. Those upgrades can clear at the airport.

And, there's the special program for AMS where you can upgrade at the lounge on NW on the day of flight if seats are available.

Actually if I fly MH, it would be LAX-TPE so much shorter route but oddly enough, UA to LAX?!? Would I get the PE bonus on MH instead of NW?!?

So what is the verdict? If I want to leave weekend of May 31, it is already less than 14 days and I am in North America. Does this mean if I do not pass AMS- I do not pass Go, I do not collect $200 and I can not upgrade?

I really want to give business to NW/KL but really try to avoid Y. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

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Going back to the bAAsics

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by idealflyer:
Actually if I fly MH, it would be LAX-TPE so much shorter route but oddly enough, UA to LAX?!? Would I get the PE bonus on MH instead of NW?!?

So what is the verdict? If I want to leave weekend of May 31, it is already less than 14 days and I am in North America. Does this mean if I do not pass AMS- I do not pass Go, I do not collect $200 and I can not upgrade?

I really want to give business to NW/KL but really try to avoid Y. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

</font>

Yes, you get PE elite bonus and status miles on MH; however, no, you can't upgrade MH operated flights. (Only KL,NW,CO,KQ)