On board upgrades - does it happen?
Jul 25, 2013, 11:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
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On board upgrades - does it happen?
I recall discussions here a while back about selected pax being invited to UuA (or possibly for cash?) while on board.
Did it ever happen? If so, is it still happening?
Did it ever happen? If so, is it still happening?
Jul 26, 2013, 12:55 am
#2
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You've never been able to upgrade with miles/Avios on board.
You've never been able to upgrade with miles/Avios on board.
Jul 26, 2013, 1:05 am
#4
Join Date: May 2006
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I'm sorry, but you're slightly incorrect. The OP is referring to a trial from earlier in the year where a limited number of CSD's and CSM's were given the ability to sell targeted upgrades to certain customers. The trial hasn't been rolled out to everyone else, so am unsure whether it was successful or if its still ongoing.
Jul 26, 2013, 1:08 am
#5
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I think the OP is referring to the trial a few months ago. The CSD would choose people to offer paid for upgrades. The only thing I remember is CIHY saying something like 'over his dead body'.
Jul 26, 2013, 1:15 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2010
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Good question, ^ it was only using cash and I believe it was only a trial wasn't it? However, I never noticed it being done with any pax (and didn't get approached myself) on flights I was on. Customer feedback to BA was likely that we didn't like or want it! (as it seems with many other BA feedback outcomes 
Who are these people they are asking?)
CIHY will hopefully come along and let us know as he was involved at the time IIRC (in the trial and offering it onboard his flights).
Who are these people they are asking?)CIHY will hopefully come along and let us know as he was involved at the time IIRC (in the trial and offering it onboard his flights).
Jul 26, 2013, 1:52 am
#8
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Good question, ^ it was only using cash and I believe it was only a trial wasn't it? However, I never noticed it being done with any pax (and didn't get approached myself) on flights I was on. Customer feedback to BA was likely that we didn't like or want it! (as it seems with many other BA feedback outcomes Who are these people they are asking?)
CIHY will hopefully come along and let us know as he was involved at the time IIRC (in the trial and offering it onboard his flights).
Who are these people they are asking?)CIHY will hopefully come along and let us know as he was involved at the time IIRC (in the trial and offering it onboard his flights).
Jul 26, 2013, 4:03 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2013
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It was a trial, with selected passengers highlighted on the IPad. The trial is no longer, and no news on whether it will come back or be available in the future.
Upgrading is now done via mmb, or at the airport desks. Crew are unable to offer any paid upgrades.
Upgrading is now done via mmb, or at the airport desks. Crew are unable to offer any paid upgrades.
Jul 26, 2013, 4:30 am
#10
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I was asked to be involved in the trial but refused; I have no idea if it was successful, as I have no friends that took part.
Personally I still don’t think cabin crew should be involved in this as we have enough to do prior to takeoff and for the first couple of hours of a flight.
I do think just like the US carriers do that you should be able to upgrade using cash or miles up until boarding and this is where BA should be focusing.
Jul 26, 2013, 4:49 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,866
I can't imagine asking colleagues to do something and they would "refuse".
I can't imagine other airline staff being asked to be involved in a trial and they would "refuse".
A potential customer enhancement, potential additional revenue for the airline during the same working time for staff. Surely this would be certainly worthy of a trial? No?
Jul 26, 2013, 5:08 am
#12
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The trail was going to take place with or without me, they approached certain CSDs and asked if we wanted to take part I said that I wasn't interested so they asked someone else.
As I said before if I had the time I would take payment for an upgrade onboard, as a CSD we are allowed to make such decisions but of course I would have to justify any decision not too.
As I said before if I had the time I would take payment for an upgrade onboard, as a CSD we are allowed to make such decisions but of course I would have to justify any decision not too.
Jul 26, 2013, 5:13 am
#13
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Poxball..... There is a line in the sand for all of us.
What next? Pay for Champagne in Y? (etc) Which all creates extra work, and B.A. have reduced the number of cabin crew on most aircraft....
The thing is this is something that used to happen (upgrading on board) and was withdrawn by B.A.
I have a little sympathy for a passenger that gets onboard in Economy and the reality of sitting there for the next X hours.
But in these days of technology, it should be possible to quickly upgrade at a booth at the airport for cash or miles and the correct catering could then be loaded.
What next? Pay for Champagne in Y? (etc) Which all creates extra work, and B.A. have reduced the number of cabin crew on most aircraft....
The thing is this is something that used to happen (upgrading on board) and was withdrawn by B.A.
I have a little sympathy for a passenger that gets onboard in Economy and the reality of sitting there for the next X hours.
But in these days of technology, it should be possible to quickly upgrade at a booth at the airport for cash or miles and the correct catering could then be loaded.
Jul 26, 2013, 5:37 am
#14
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London
Posts: 442
CIHY has confirmed that the trial participating was a request and not an instruction, therefore I would hope that his feedback was considered as part of the results.
Are you saying that management should come up with all innovations with no concern with how they will work in practice?
Jul 26, 2013, 6:06 am
#15
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: ECH Gold
Posts: 150
There is plenty of options to pay for an upgrade prior to boarding. I know that I regularly use the tactical upgrades on mmb. And in the states I have paid for the upgrade at the check in desk when they have offered it.