Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles - Upgrades purchased at airport

I was curious whether anyone has any information or success purchasing an upgrade to business class at the airport. I am flying ORD-IST and was told by the Turkish Air operator that it was possible to buy such upgrades, but I was not sure that she completely understood my question. Has anyone done such a purchase, and if so, roughly what was the charge? It is my understanding that neither coach nor business are full on my flight. I'm also star alliance gold if that would make any difference.

Thanks for any insights.

lvnvflyer

I was curious whether anyone has any information or success purchasing an upgrade to business class at the airport. I am flying ORD-IST and was told by the Turkish Air operator that it was possible to buy such upgrades, but I was not sure that she completely understood my question. Has anyone done such a purchase, and if so, roughly what was the charge? It is my understanding that neither coach nor business are full on my flight. I'm also star alliance gold if that would make any difference.

Thanks for any insights.

lvnvflyer

I'm interested in this myself.
I'm going LHR to IST and I'm on a promotional fair and I've tried to upgrade over the phone but they won't let me.
Anyone have luck at the aiport?

I just tried to do this several times on flights over the last 2 weeks, both domestic and international (IST-MUC). The answer was always no upgrades, but I could re-ticket into business. The check-in desk was never able to help, and I was always sent over to the ticketing window.

The first time I asked about IST-MUC was in Bodrum (I was on 2 separate tickets for the flights), and I was quoted 290 euros extra, including a 40 euro penalty. I asked again when I got to IST and was quoted over 500 euros. Business class was relatively empty.

I am not a Miles & Smiles member, and I noticed in the magazine on the plane that upgrades are available to members, but I didn't pay attention to the details.

Free upgrades are available to members only. If you are willing to pay, no need to bother at the check in counter; you can directly go to the ticketing desk and ask them to be upgraded. If you like the price they quote and pay it, you will fly in business.

The reason this does not work at the check in counter is mostly because once the lady there hears the word "upgrade", she assumes you want a complimentary upgrade.

Is it easy to upgrade if I was to get status with TK>?