Korean Air Skypass - Upgrade for cheap

I am leaving for Korea on February 23, 2009. I'm going from IAH to LAX and from LAX to ICN and then from ICN to PUS. I'm interested in upgrading on the leg from LAX to ICN. Right now I have an economy seat, but I really want a better seat because of the length of the flight. Is it possible to upgrade for really, really cheap or even free? Is it possible to put my name on a standby list or something in case someone doesn't show up or if there is a free seat in business, or first class? I don't have much money so I need to know the shortcuts from ya'll. Thanks guys!

KE does not upgrade anyone unless extremely high elite status or economy class is full. Moderate elite status can't get upgrade even though there are many vacant upper class seats. Even when Y class is full, those in elite status get upgrade first. Still you can upgrade using your miles, if you have. Upgrade by pay is actually close to the fare difference between business and economy class, so I don't think this is what you're looking for. If you don't have money, there's no other way.

But I guess there will be some empty seats in Y in this low season, so if you're lucky, you may have no one next to you, although I doubt you can have full row on your own, because KE is doing decently well on LAX-ICN sector.

I am leaving for Korea on February 23, 2009. I'm going from IAH to LAX and from LAX to ICN and then from ICN to PUS. I'm interested in upgrading on the leg from LAX to ICN. Right now I have an economy seat, but I really want a better seat because of the length of the flight. Is it possible to upgrade for really, really cheap or even free? Is it possible to put my name on a standby list or something in case someone doesn't show up or if there is a free seat in business, or first class? I don't have much money so I need to know the shortcuts from ya'll. Thanks guys!


For free? Did you have something wrong for your last meal? If they do it for free, who the heck would pay USD5000ish for that? If your budget is tight, there is really no option.



KE does not upgrade anyone unless extremely high elite status or economy class is full. Moderate elite status can't get upgrade even though there are many vacant upper class seats. Even when Y class is full, those in elite status get upgrade first. Still you can upgrade using your miles, if you have. Upgrade by pay is actually close to the fare difference between business and economy class, so I don't think this is what you're looking for. If you don't have money, there's no other way.

But I guess there will be some empty seats in Y in this low season, so if you're lucky, you may have no one next to you, although I doubt you can have full row on your own, because KE is doing decently well on LAX-ICN sector.


They do not upgrade ANYONE regardless of elite status UNLESS economy is full.

Bibimbap, obviously.:p

[QUOTE=N227UA;11283448 Did you have something wrong for your last meal? [/QUOTE]

Upgrade is a rae thing in KE. Your only hope is an overbooking.


I am leaving for Korea on February 23, 2009. I'm going from IAH to LAX and from LAX to ICN and then from ICN to PUS. I'm interested in upgrading on the leg from LAX to ICN. Right now I have an economy seat, but I really want a better seat because of the length of the flight. Is it possible to upgrade for really, really cheap or even free? Is it possible to put my name on a standby list or something in case someone doesn't show up or if there is a free seat in business, or first class? I don't have much money so I need to know the shortcuts from ya'll. Thanks guys!

They do not upgrade ANYONE regardless of elite status UNLESS economy is full.

Didn't know that. Very harsh compare to many US airliners, but fair enough.

Didn't know that. Very harsh compare to many US airliners, but fair enough.



US air carriers do not upgrade anyone on international flights or non-continental US flights as well unless flights are overbooked.

Only domestic (either 50 states or 48 contiguous states depending on carrier) upgrades are complimentary for elite members.