Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - Question about specific op-up: birthday

I have a question on birthday op-up, I've read many times in here that people get op-up on their birthdays.

Now, my question is this, assuming J has seats available, will a Y ticket definitely be op-up when flying on birthday? If that's the case I'll rearrange my future trips on my birthday.

Thanks

to simply state it: no.

cx will not give guaranteed op-ups for birthdays, loyalty, special occasions, etc etc. it's all at their discretion.

Although it's hardly guaranteed, it does happen. In January, a fellow pax in F on 840 HKG-JFK told me that he had been op-upped J to F because it was his birthday. There were plenty of open seats in all classes.

and...there's of course also cases where it does not happen. a few weeks ago I was traveling with some colleagues, one of them on her birthday. I got op-up to F with 1-2 others, while she stayed in J...J is very full while F is not even after the op-up.

and...there's of course also cases where it does not happen. a few weeks ago I was traveling with some colleagues, one of them on her birthday. I got op-up to F with 1-2 others, while she stayed in J...J is very full while F is not even after the op-up.

Is she a MPC member?

and...there's of course also cases where it does not happen. a few weeks ago I was traveling with some colleagues, one of them on her birthday. I got op-up to F with 1-2 others, while she stayed in J...J is very full while F is not even after the op-up.

Strange. Did she asked for the opup?

I think she's an MPC member, but not 100% sure. but one other point is - she actually got a bottle of champagne on board from the crew congratulating on her birthday...

Its not official and never has been, but such op ups are totally at the discretion of the ground airport manager on duty, and the cabin you're booked in.

For what it's worth, I just had a flight in business on Dragonair on my birthday and it went without recognition. I'm in AAdvantage not MPC, though.

For what it's worth, I just had a flight in business on Dragonair on my birthday and it went without recognition. I'm in AAdvantage not MPC, though.

You should ask for an op-up, they don't check for birthdays for each passenger.

Happy Belated Birthday!

There are no 3 class planes in Dragonairthis is interesting, I never knew about this :confused:. I used to get upgrade from J to F like 50%+ of the time on my KA PVG/PEK flights (not now anymore as J is quite empty usually and I'm traveling Y more often on these flights as well).

There are no 3 class planes in DragonairRubbish - 10 of Dragonair's (http://www.dragonair.com/da/en_INTL/whatonboard/fleet/a_330_300) 32 planes have a first class section.

You should ask for an op-up, they don't check for birthdays for each passenger.

There is no need to ask, your birthday is shown on your passport.

Rubbish - 10 of Dragonair's (http://www.dragonair.com/da/en_INTL/whatonboard/fleet/a_330_300) 32 planes have a first class section.

My bad, I always see Dragonair aircrafts only having 2 classes.

There is no need to ask, your birthday is shown on your passport.

Still, you will have to ask to be bumped up.

The normal collective wisdom of the people here is that asking for op-ups on CX almost never improves your chances, and very often decreases them.

this is interesting, I never knew about this :confused:. I used to get upgrade from J to F like 50%+ of the time on my KA PVG/PEK flights (not now anymore as J is quite empty usually and I'm traveling Y more often on these flights as well).

Even Y is not that full anymore. I was in Y on a PVG-HKG flight. The flight was originally overbooked (every booking class, including J, was zeroed out about a day earlier). However, the two seats next to me were unoccupied.

The normal collective wisdom of the people here is that asking for op-ups on CX almost never improves your chances, and very often decreases them.

I keep reading this in this forum, and I'm not doubting your wisdom.

However, my personal experiences when checking in at the gate is that when people ask for op-ups the agents usually says "I'll see what I can do" and unless I'm very lucky it seems most of the time the agents says "congrats, you've been op-up." Now, I don't know if I keep bumping into Diamonds but I see plenty of times when people asked for op-ups they get them.

Of course, so far I've been 0 for 3 when I do ask for op-ups, so maybe I'm just a lowly Silver and asking them for op-ups is insulting them.

Even Y is not that full anymore. I was in Y on a PVG-HKG flight. The flight was originally overbooked (every booking class, including J, was zeroed out about a day earlier). However, the two seats next to me were unoccupied.

For PVG-HKG where there are plenty of replacement/alternate flights the agents will try their best to ask passengers to board on earlier flights with empty seats.

Of course, so far I've been 0 for 3 when I do ask for op-ups, so maybe I'm just a lowly Silver and asking them for op-ups is insulting them.

At least, for me, my personal experience has been that it's no harm asking and I feel that it does not decrease my chance of getting an op-up either :rolleyes: I had once asked whether there's any chance of an op-up for my sis (no status, just Asia Miles) after knowing that the flight was full. At first, the check-in just smiled and said "unfortunately not". Surprisingly, in just less than a minute, she changed her mind and said "okay....look's like we can upgrade your sis". At the end, my sister enjoyed her first ever business class trip back home on CX :)

Of course, there were also cases where the check-in agents just informed me that there would be no op-ups but ended up got upgraded at the gates (at least 3 times, including a long-haul to LAX).

Was denied a birthday upgrade from HKG-LHR, J-F. Asked at check-in and asked at the Lounge. A short while after, a rep came over to tell me they couldn't give me the upgrade.

Was granted an upgrade at check in on another birthday from TPE-HKG, Y-J.

Guess it really depends...

Was denied a birthday upgrade from HKG-LHR, J-F. Asked at check-in and asked at the Lounge. A short while after, a rep came over to tell me they couldn't give me the upgrade.

Was granted an upgrade at check in on another birthday from TPE-HKG, Y-J.

Guess it really depends...

First off TPE-HKG is very easily upgraded with or without the birthday.

Second, J to F is asking a lot from CX. For a company that's already stingy on upgrades J to F is asking a lot.

Was denied a birthday upgrade from HKG-LHR, J-F. Asked at check-in and asked at the Lounge. A short while after, a rep came over to tell me they couldn't give me the upgrade.

Guess it really depends...

I know a friend where last year he got op-up from HKG-LHR J-F on his birth date.

Given that, if the senior purser knows and her crew was very nice. They asked me why I didn't tell them earlier since I told them mid-flight during a LAX-HKG when my b/d was pasted sometime during the flight due to the time different. They gave me a birthday card with everyone's signature. :)

First off TPE-HKG is very easily upgraded with or without the birthday.

Second, J to F is asking a lot from CX. For a company that's already stingy on upgrades J to F is asking a lot.

CX does not upgrade people on their birthdays! Period.

It is not offically given out, and when given, is only at the courtesy of the check in agent / station manager. CX is also one of the most generous airlines around in terms of op ups. Go and compare it with SQ for example.

Secondly, it is better to be surprised when they do give it to you. Once you start asking for it, it puts pressure on the staff. Remember that it is a courtesy and not a right.

So what is going to happen now with people asking left right and centre? CX might very well go the way of SQ - and cancel all op ups altogether.

SO.... just wait and let it happen. If it does, thank them and your lucky stars for the wonderful gift you are receiving. But once you and everyone else starts asking for it, then see this perk gets removed entirely.

You should ask for an op-up, they don't check for birthdays for each passenger.

....
Of course, so far I've been 0 for 3 when I do ask for op-ups, so maybe I'm just a lowly Silver and asking them for op-ups is insulting them.

Remember - if you ask for it, your chances gets lowered immediately! If the flight is oversold, CX will have processed your op up even before you would have asked. That's with any Oneworld elite status.. , not only MPC. But remember the pecking order.

Well said Guy Betsy.

I flew J on my birthday every year since 06 from London to Hong Kong and I got op-uped every time. I never asked for it. 1st time was unexpected but 2nd and 3rd time were planned.

I am not saying that you will definitely get op-uped by flying on your birthday with CX. I am just sharing what has happened to me.

By the way, I was on Gold status only on all 3 occasions.

no guarantees but...

Last year NRT-HKG and this year HKG-AMS...
both cases at check-in, ground staff specifically mentioning my birthday and the card signed by all staff on board.

CX does not upgrade people on their birthdays! Period.

It is not offically given out, and when given, is only at the courtesy of the check in agent / station manager. CX is also one of the most generous airlines around in terms of op ups. Go and compare it with SQ for example.

Secondly, it is better to be surprised when they do give it to you. Once you start asking for it, it puts pressure on the staff. Remember that it is a courtesy and not a right.

So what is going to happen now with people asking left right and centre? CX might very well go the way of SQ - and cancel all op ups altogether.

SO.... just wait and let it happen. If it does, thank them and your lucky stars for the wonderful gift you are receiving. But once you and everyone else starts asking for it, then see this perk gets removed entirely.




Remember - if you ask for it, your chances gets lowered immediately! If the flight is oversold, CX will have processed your op up even before you would have asked. That's with any Oneworld elite status.. , not only MPC. But remember the pecking order.

You have to bear in mind that most of the posters on here only dream of flying in C or F and will do anything possible to get a sniff of an upgrade, I am sure that goes for SG forum as well. A lot of the stories you read on here are very BUMPED up - pardon the punn, and a lot of the posters who make out they know everyting there is to know about flying premium class, know it from actually reading it on here no by flying it.

One thng is for sure is that I feel strongly about upgrades being only given for payment of money or miles and top tiers memeber only for free upgrades, I find it very upsetting knowing how much I spend of my own money to fly well over 250 000 miles a year up front and to have some pimply faced geek next to me bragging about how he only paid $300 for his ticket, he then spends the whole flight playing with all the buttons, asking for every single freebie available and stuffs as many souveniers into his bag as he can

to have some pimply faced geek next to me bragging about how he only paid $300 for his ticket, he then spends the whole flight playing with all the buttons, asking for every single freebie available and stuffs as many souveniers into his bag as he canYou've met sealalula already then? :D

You have to bear in mind that most of the posters on here only dream of flying in C or F and will do anything possible to get a sniff of an upgrade, I am sure that goes for SG forum as well. A lot of the stories you read on here are very BUMPED up - pardon the punn, and a lot of the posters who make out they know everyting there is to know about flying premium class, know it from actually reading it on here no by flying it.

One thng is for sure is that I feel strongly about upgrades being only given for payment of money or miles and top tiers memeber only for free upgrades, I find it very upsetting knowing how much I spend of my own money to fly well over 250 000 miles a year up front and to have some pimply faced geek next to me bragging about how he only paid $300 for his ticket, he then spends the whole flight playing with all the buttons, asking for every single freebie available and stuffs as many souveniers into his bag as he can

Man, get over it. This is the nature of business model for flights. My company is regularly paying full Y fare for my business trips, and people sitting around me pays about 20% of what my company pays through travel agents.

Also it's about maximizing profit. Airlines are slowly founding out every cent counts. In the past airlines like Cathay do act like SG airline, filter out the "unwanted" elements from their business and first class. However, airlines start to realize, hey, why leave empty seats for nothing when you can make a few thousand dollars off of it?

Finally, op-up is good for them in the long run. There's a saying, once you've experience something better you can't go back. Many people I know never dream about flying J, but got op-up, and are now loyal customers simply because they want to accumulate miles and use mileage upgrade. Whereas in the past they are strictly cheap fliers that look for cheapest tickets.

It's true that only when u have tried business-class (and my case, it's from op-up), that u will start to consider paying for the discounted business-class fares from your own pocket. In the past few years, I only paid for some D-class short-haul fare to TPE (on TG) and one F-class to PVG (on KA); and that too after I enjoyed the benefits of several short and long-haul op-ups.

Only this year that I started paying for short-haul D-class fares to SIN and long-haul I-class fares to CDG; both on CX. And this is good for CX as the trend will continue as long as I find the fares value-for-money. In fact, I am planning for another ex-TPE D-class fare to DPS and LHR this summer (if my schedule permits).

Not everyone is blessed with a company that can pay or rich enough to pay for premium class travel everytime he/she travels. But op-ups certainly induce one to pay for premum class travel (esp for long-haul) once u taste the benefits and exclusivity of premium class travel.

Finally, op-up is good for them in the long run. There's a saying, once you've experience something better you can't go back. Many people I know never dream about flying J, but got op-up, and are now loyal customers simply because they want to accumulate miles and use mileage upgrade. Whereas in the past they are strictly cheap fliers that look for cheapest tickets.

exactly, and that was probably why CX changed thier rules and only allow the more expensive fare class YBHK to redeem mileage upgrade.

I haven't issued any upgrades from Y to J since they introduced the YBHK restriction. For me, I couldn't justify the fare difference. On the routes I frequent, K class is at least 30% more expensive and in terms of fare rules there is no difference at all between K and V class.

Much of this is due to the fact that I could get guaranteed seats but I wonder if any DM/GOs are in the same boat? I'm going to use my miles to upgrade from J to F instead...

It's true that only when u have tried business-class (and my case, it's from op-up), that u will start to consider paying for the discounted business-class fares from your own pocket. In the past few years, I only paid for some D-class short-haul fare to TPE (on TG) and one F-class to PVG (on KA); and that too after I enjoyed the benefits of several short and long-haul op-ups.

Only this year that I started paying for short-haul D-class fares to SIN and long-haul I-class fares to CDG; both on CX. And this is good for CX as the trend will continue as long as I find the fares value-for-money. In fact, I am planning for another ex-TPE D-class fare to DPS and LHR this summer (if my schedule permits).

Not everyone is blessed with a company that can pay or rich enough to pay for premium class travel everytime he/she travels. But op-ups certainly induce one to pay for premum class travel (esp for long-haul) once u taste the benefits and exclusivity of premium class travel.

On CX you need I class not D class, huge difference in price not so much in fare rules etc

On CX you need I class not D class, huge difference in price not so much in fare rules etc

Some I-fares might not be available (in my case the TPE-SIN-TPE), so, D-fares are the most economical available. I managed to grab I-class for TPE-CDG-TPE. For my "possible" (still not confirmed yet) upcoming trips to DPS and LHR, apparently, only D-fares are available (the last time I checked).

So what is going to happen now with people asking left right and centre? CX might very well go the way of SQ - and cancel all op ups altogether.This doesn't make a lot of sense to me. CX's op-ups, are just that, operational upgrades. They do it or else they (1) have to bump people and/or (2) can't (over)book as many seats. Either seem to be a less-than-optimal way of running an airline. CX's opups seem infrequent enough that I can't for the life of me think anyone out there buys down a cabin class expecting a free upgrade, so they're not risking the revenue integrity of the premium cabins by doing this.

Would SQ rather IDB a passenger and pay compensation than upgrade someone (usually a high level elite, on an expensive ticket)? That seems pretty stupid to me. Does SQ have to report IDB statistics to some authority, like the US carriers must?

I will try to ask for an Op-up from Y to J on my return flight YVR-HKG CX 839(34D) this week.
I'll be travelling with my mother and aunt, total 3 person.Do you think i will get any chance of getting op-upped?

Should i do online check-in or counter check-in, which one i stand a greater chance for an OP-UP ?:p

This doesn't make a lot of sense to me. CX's op-ups, are just that, operational upgrades. They do it or else they (1) have to bump people and/or (2) can't (over)book as many seats. Either seem to be a less-than-optimal way of running an airline. CX's opups seem infrequent enough that I can't for the life of me think anyone out there buys down a cabin class expecting a free upgrade, so they're not risking the revenue integrity of the premium cabins by doing this.

Would SQ rather IDB a passenger and pay compensation than upgrade someone (usually a high level elite, on an expensive ticket)? That seems pretty stupid to me. Does SQ have to report IDB statistics to some authority, like the US carriers must?

SQ purposely do this and realize they loses a few thousands bucks here and there. However, their primary goal is to establish "an atmosphere" - they purpose wants to make sure it's only Business management that rides in J, and super rich at F. That's their selling point. And judging by a few arrogant posts in here, there are people that like it this way and wishes CX would follow suit.

SQ purposely do this and realize they loses a few thousands bucks here and there. However, their primary goal is to establish "an atmosphere" - they purpose wants to make sure it's only Business management that rides in J, and super rich at F. That's their selling point. And judging by a few arrogant posts in here, there are people that like it this way and wishes CX would follow suit.

Ah. they could do whatever they want. Right now I have moved the trips I can decide to other airlines, burn CX miles on other airlines, well, and perhaps think of ways to spend less miles on awards. (Eg. LHR-AMS on BA, AMS-HKG on CX, HKG-KIX on whoever, OSA/TYO-LHR on JL, all together for 115000 miles, which happens to be less than the 120000 CX was asking for for LHR-HKG+ a destination some 1600miles from HKG)

Yes, I'm proud to have CX as HKG's mother airline, but I cannot yet afford to pay the extra just to get on the CX plane. btw, i've paid less, had more flexibility, and managed to get on NZ's PE class oneway. I didnt even had to beg for an opup!

sealalula

Are you flying on your birthday?
Depending on your marco polo/oneworld status, asking for an upgrade at checkin will not result in any upgrades. Usually the system has pre-determined passengers with status as opup, if the flight is full. Though there is still a chance at the boarding gate.

online checkin will improve your chances of any opup, but marco polo status is still king.

Good luck asking for the upgrades at check in, especially if you are asking for 3 opup for the 3 passengers traveling together.

SQ purposely do this and realize they loses a few thousands bucks here and there. However, their primary goal is to establish "an atmosphere" - they purpose wants to make sure it's only Business management that rides in J, and super rich at F. That's their selling point.Um, can't anyone use miles to get into J or even F? By prioritizing op-ups by elite status and/or fare class, they can pretty easily keep the riff-raff out of the premium cabins. Still seems like a stupid strategy to me.

I will try to ask for an Op-up from Y to J on my return flight YVR-HKG CX 839(34D) this week.
I'll be travelling with my mother and aunt, total 3 person.Do you think i will get any chance of getting op-upped?

Should i do online check-in or counter check-in, which one i stand a greater chance for an OP-UP ?:p

your chances are pretty slim since its still mid june and Y doesn't look too full. plus you have three people traveling together. your lucky if one of you gets op-upped, imo three is just pushing it :rolleyes: but you never know, it might be your lucky day ;)

SQ purposely do this and realize they loses a few thousands bucks here and there. However, their primary goal is to establish "an atmosphere" - they purpose wants to make sure it's only Business management that rides in J, and super rich at F. That's their selling point. And judging by a few arrogant posts in here, there are people that like it this way and wishes CX would follow suit.If you're trying to claim that SQ never upgrades people for operational reasons (i.e. overbooking) and prefers to IDB those people instead, I'm sorry but that would be a false statement.

Even at SIN, let alone outstations where they are under much less pressure to stick to rules, I have seen direct evidence of operational upgrades. I.e. standing next to the gate while waiting to sort out an issue where at least 5 people's BP beeped and a new one was spitted out in a higher class.

The reason why you don't see vast numbers of operational upgrades on SQ is because they do not overbook to such high margins as other airlines. It's not because they IDB'd the overbooked passengers.

To be honest, your post reads as though you might have some axe to grind with SQ more than anything else.

If you're trying to claim that SQ never upgrades people for operational reasons (i.e. overbooking) and prefers to IDB those people instead, I'm sorry but that would be a false statement.

Even at SIN, let alone outstations where they are under much less pressure to stick to rules, I have seen direct evidence of operational upgrades. I.e. standing next to the gate while waiting to sort out an issue where at least 5 people's BP beeped and a new one was spitted out in a higher class.

The reason why you don't see vast numbers of operational upgrades on SQ is because they do not overbook to such high margins as other airlines. It's not because they IDB'd the overbooked passengers.

To be honest, your post reads as though you might have some axe to grind with SQ more than anything else.

To be equally honest, I have no such axe, and you shouldn't guess other people's motives, that's a sure sign of arrogance. If you like what you read, follow suit. If you don't, refute it like the way you just did, no need to add your unwarranted commentary.

I have flown SQ a few times, and I have nothing to grind with them. In fact I think their FAs are the friendliest ever, and I chatted up one easily.

I am simply posting what some who few SQ regularly tells me, and how they like to fly SQ J/F vs. other airlines because SQ seems to provide the best J/F atmosphere (i.e. making sure Business Class is truly BUSINESS class.) That is a fact, merely pointing out one exception like you did does not refute or settle this debate one bit, your condescenting tone at the end not withstanding.

People on these forums sometimes really need to chill out a bit.

your chances are pretty slim since its still mid june and Y doesn't look too full. plus you have three people traveling together. your lucky if one of you gets op-upped, imo three is just pushing it :rolleyes: but you never know, it might be your lucky day ;)

Hmm well, i dont think i will be asking for an op-up as my chances look slim.
But i will try to sneak into J when no one is looking hehe
Like i did it last time :P

To be equally honest, I have no such axe, and you shouldn't guess other people's motives, that's a sure sign of arrogance. If you like what you read, follow suit. If you don't, refute it like the way you just did, no need to add your unwarranted commentary.

I have flown SQ a few times, and I have nothing to grind with them. In fact I think their FAs are the friendliest ever, and I chatted up one easily.

I am simply posting what some who few SQ regularly tells me, and how they like to fly SQ J/F vs. other airlines because SQ seems to provide the best J/F atmosphere (i.e. making sure Business Class is truly BUSINESS class.) That is a fact, merely pointing out one exception like you did does not refute or settle this debate one bit, your condescenting tone at the end not withstanding.

People on these forums sometimes really need to chill out a bit.Sorry, did you say something about chilling out? :confused: ;)

I've just re-read the sequence of posts leading up to my previous reply and... nope. Still think the same.