Sep 8, 2017, 8:42 am
Last edit by: flyerby
E+ members receive two upgrade vouchers per membership year that can be used as system-wide upgrades. Vouchers are not delivered to E+ status holders in physical or electronic form and only exist on the screens of TK agents.
It is advisable to call TK to verify the number of vouchers you have prior to and after the upgrade (unless you have no vouchers left).
Upgrades are done by calling TK CS or a local TK office (by phone or email).
One voucher is needed to upgrade per direction. For example, the itinerary LHR-IST-BKK will need one voucher to upgrade, and the itinerary LHR-IST-BKK-IST-LHR will need two vouchers. If an agent tells you otherwise, HUCA.
How to find itineraries with availability for a voucher upgrade?
Find an itinerary in any class in Y that has 4 seats left in J booking class on the same itinerary as the Y. To be extra cautious, you may also check the individual legs (when applicable) for 4 seats left in J booking class. For example, for the itinerary LHR-IST-BKK, check at least that LHR-IST-BKK has 4 seats left in J booking class, and in addition, check LHR-IST and IST-BKK individually too.
You can no longer check for upgrade availability without having an e-ticket number.
A relatively low-risk method of proceeding is therefore...
1) Reserve a ticket online with TK but don't pay for the ticket yet. Just put it on hold for 48 hours for free for E+ members.
2) Book an economy class ticket on the same itinerary with a reputable USA-based OTA that offers a 24-hour cooling-off / full refund period.
3) Once you have received your e-ticket number, go to Manage Booking on the TK website and check if TK has offered a business upgrade with miles for your intineray. Any segment eligible for an upgrade with miles on the website is also eligible for an upgrade with E+ vouchers.
4) Another option would be to call TK CS and ask an agent to check if the ticket in (2) is upgradeable with your vouchers. Do not upgrade this ticket; just check.
5) Once availability is confirmed for your itinerary, pay for the ticket in (1). Upon payment and ticketing, call TK CS to ask an agent to upgrade this ticket.
6) Cancel for free the ticket in (2).
Another even lower-risk method would be to skip (1) and just upgrade the ticket in (2). If unsuccessful with the E+ upgrade, you can proceed to cancel your economy ticket within the 24-hour cooling-off period. Going with this route, you would then have to be in contact with the OTA and not TK in cases of schedule change, cancellation, or IRROP, which is not usually advisable unless you really have to.
You might be asked to enter a PIN number via an automatic system to access your vouchers; this is the PIN you use to log on to your TK M&S account.
It is advisable to call TK to verify the number of vouchers you have prior to and after the upgrade (unless you have no vouchers left).
Upgrades are done by calling TK CS or a local TK office (by phone or email).
One voucher is needed to upgrade per direction. For example, the itinerary LHR-IST-BKK will need one voucher to upgrade, and the itinerary LHR-IST-BKK-IST-LHR will need two vouchers. If an agent tells you otherwise, HUCA.
How to find itineraries with availability for a voucher upgrade?
Find an itinerary in any class in Y that has 4 seats left in J booking class on the same itinerary as the Y. To be extra cautious, you may also check the individual legs (when applicable) for 4 seats left in J booking class. For example, for the itinerary LHR-IST-BKK, check at least that LHR-IST-BKK has 4 seats left in J booking class, and in addition, check LHR-IST and IST-BKK individually too.
You can no longer check for upgrade availability without having an e-ticket number.
A relatively low-risk method of proceeding is therefore...
1) Reserve a ticket online with TK but don't pay for the ticket yet. Just put it on hold for 48 hours for free for E+ members.
2) Book an economy class ticket on the same itinerary with a reputable USA-based OTA that offers a 24-hour cooling-off / full refund period.
3) Once you have received your e-ticket number, go to Manage Booking on the TK website and check if TK has offered a business upgrade with miles for your intineray. Any segment eligible for an upgrade with miles on the website is also eligible for an upgrade with E+ vouchers.
4) Another option would be to call TK CS and ask an agent to check if the ticket in (2) is upgradeable with your vouchers. Do not upgrade this ticket; just check.
5) Once availability is confirmed for your itinerary, pay for the ticket in (1). Upon payment and ticketing, call TK CS to ask an agent to upgrade this ticket.
6) Cancel for free the ticket in (2).
Another even lower-risk method would be to skip (1) and just upgrade the ticket in (2). If unsuccessful with the E+ upgrade, you can proceed to cancel your economy ticket within the 24-hour cooling-off period. Going with this route, you would then have to be in contact with the OTA and not TK in cases of schedule change, cancellation, or IRROP, which is not usually advisable unless you really have to.
You might be asked to enter a PIN number via an automatic system to access your vouchers; this is the PIN you use to log on to your TK M&S account.
Elite Plus upgrade voucher
Mar 26, 2015, 2:21 pm
#151
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: ZRH / YUL
Programs: UA, TK, Starwood > Marriott, Hilton, Accor
Posts: 7,295
As vincewy mentioned, not all origins seem to allow "hold" reservations on the TK website. YUL for one does not.
Here's my experience in redeeming my vouchers - a reasonably straightforward experience:
Here's my experience in redeeming my vouchers - a reasonably straightforward experience:
- Checked on TK website if my complete O&D itinerary is available in both Economy and J class (by searching for Business and checking if it books into J)
- Called TK Elite+ line in Turkey to confirm voucher upgrade availability on chosen flights. Hotline said 1 voucher = 1 flight segment upgrade, not 1 direction incl. connection.
- Booked Economy class flights on TK website
- Called TK Elite+ line in Turkey again, provided booking reference, asked for voucher upgrades.
- 30min on the phone, including keying in my membership number and PIN to validate.
- 2 long-haul segments upgraded to J, 2 intra-Europe segments remain in Y.
Mar 27, 2015, 9:13 am
#152
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PVG
Programs: BA Gold, TK E+, ex AA EXP
Posts: 510
Got my upgrade done fairly quickly over the phone, 10min I would say.
Got the LH to PVG plus the short leg to europe upgraded using one voucher again.
Last year I got an issue at check in as my baggage allowance was only 20kg despite being in business. I only had 40kg of baggages so it was ok with my E+ allowance (I had to recall it to the check in agent as she wanted to charge me for the extra KG).
After being upgraded just few minutes ago I notice that my ticket is still referring to 20KG.
From/To Carrier Flght Cls Date Time Fare Basis Bag Tkt St Cpn St Nvb Nva
*ISTANBUL(IST)
SHANGHAI(PVG) TK 0026 J 02APR 00:40 20K OK OPEN 02APR 02APR
Got the LH to PVG plus the short leg to europe upgraded using one voucher again.
Last year I got an issue at check in as my baggage allowance was only 20kg despite being in business. I only had 40kg of baggages so it was ok with my E+ allowance (I had to recall it to the check in agent as she wanted to charge me for the extra KG).
After being upgraded just few minutes ago I notice that my ticket is still referring to 20KG.
From/To Carrier Flght Cls Date Time Fare Basis Bag Tkt St Cpn St Nvb Nva
*ISTANBUL(IST)
SHANGHAI(PVG) TK 0026 J 02APR 00:40 20K OK OPEN 02APR 02APR
Mar 29, 2015, 5:16 am
#153
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: DSS
Posts: 827
Got my upgrade done fairly quickly over the phone, 10min I would say.
Got the LH to PVG plus the short leg to europe upgraded using one voucher again.
Last year I got an issue at check in as my baggage allowance was only 20kg despite being in business. I only had 40kg of baggages so it was ok with my E+ allowance (I had to recall it to the check in agent as she wanted to charge me for the extra KG).
After being upgraded just few minutes ago I notice that my ticket is still referring to 20KG.
From/To Carrier Flght Cls Date Time Fare Basis Bag Tkt St Cpn St Nvb Nva
*ISTANBUL(IST)
SHANGHAI(PVG) TK 0026 J 02APR 00:40 20K OK OPEN 02APR 02APR
Got the LH to PVG plus the short leg to europe upgraded using one voucher again.
Last year I got an issue at check in as my baggage allowance was only 20kg despite being in business. I only had 40kg of baggages so it was ok with my E+ allowance (I had to recall it to the check in agent as she wanted to charge me for the extra KG).
After being upgraded just few minutes ago I notice that my ticket is still referring to 20KG.
From/To Carrier Flght Cls Date Time Fare Basis Bag Tkt St Cpn St Nvb Nva
*ISTANBUL(IST)
SHANGHAI(PVG) TK 0026 J 02APR 00:40 20K OK OPEN 02APR 02APR
From ADD it doesn't matter much because it is already 40 kg
With 20 kg though I would be in trouble more often.
Mar 30, 2015, 12:39 am
#154
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: IST - NYC
Posts: 776
The intra-Europe segments should also be upgraded to J if your connecting flight leaves within 24 hours of your incoming flight, or did TK change the rules for the voucher?
Mar 30, 2015, 5:21 am
#155
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: ZRH / YUL
Programs: UA, TK, Starwood > Marriott, Hilton, Accor
Posts: 7,295
My itinerary does not include stops in IST, they are straight <5h connections.
I don't think TK changed "the rules" - more likely, it's just the result of how the particular agent I dealt with interpreted them. Inconsistencies like these make up the particular charms of TK I believe.
If you read through this thread, the ways in which people here were able (or not) to use their vouchers is anything but consistent.
I considered myself lucky to have my 2 long-haul segments upgraded.
I don't think TK changed "the rules" - more likely, it's just the result of how the particular agent I dealt with interpreted them. Inconsistencies like these make up the particular charms of TK I believe.
If you read through this thread, the ways in which people here were able (or not) to use their vouchers is anything but consistent.
I considered myself lucky to have my 2 long-haul segments upgraded.
Mar 30, 2015, 11:36 am
#156
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: TK E+, WY, Radisson R
Posts: 2,360
To redeem I'd still recommend going in person if possible, there are many things that could go wrong.
If your schedules and itineraries aren't finalized, just get long haul - IST return upgraded, this usually has the most Js available and try to patch up the connections later. TK often has sales on regional flights, if not, you can also connect with Atlas Air, Onur, Pegasus, or other LCC (some through SAW).
If your schedules and itineraries aren't finalized, just get long haul - IST return upgraded, this usually has the most Js available and try to patch up the connections later. TK often has sales on regional flights, if not, you can also connect with Atlas Air, Onur, Pegasus, or other LCC (some through SAW).
Mar 31, 2015, 7:18 am
#157
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: ZRH / YUL
Programs: UA, TK, Starwood > Marriott, Hilton, Accor
Posts: 7,295
Given TK's weak on-time record, it is quite a gamble to book a connection to/from IST on a separate ticket, unless you plan on spending the night anyways.
I would think twice before taking that risk for sake of circumventing married segment availability for J class.
Mar 31, 2015, 10:04 am
#158
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: TK E+, WY, Radisson R
Posts: 2,360
The problem with booking separate tickets to IST and then from IST to your (short-haul) destination is that you are not protected in case of delays or IRROPS.
Given TK's weak on-time record, it is quite a gamble to book a connection to/from IST on a separate ticket, unless you plan on spending the night anyways.
I would think twice before taking that risk for sake of circumventing married segment availability for J class.
Given TK's weak on-time record, it is quite a gamble to book a connection to/from IST on a separate ticket, unless you plan on spending the night anyways.
I would think twice before taking that risk for sake of circumventing married segment availability for J class.
I'm usually risk averse and stay in IST at least 24 - 72 hours for the above scenario. Depending on certain situations when it's worth taking a chance with backup plans, because going YYZ-IST(stopover)-TPE on the outbound trip is $750 CAD cheaper than YYZ-ESB (stopover)-TPE outbound. Plus there are flights every hour between ESB and IST.
So it will be ESB-IST (cheap 55TLR ticket), connecting IST-TPE in J with 4 hours and 10 minutes in IST.
TK 2171 ESB-IST (8:00pm - 9:05pm)
TK 24 IST-TPE (1:15 am next day)
I am still not quite comfortable with 4 hours and 10 minutes margin; to hedge this risk, I bought another ESB-IST ticket TK 2163 leaving at 6pm, if I finish things early, I'll most likely take this flight.
If the weather forecast in Ankara or Istanbul is not so good the day before I may just chill out in Istanbul.
Last edited by vincewy; Mar 31, 2015 at 8:14 pm
May 11, 2015, 8:15 am
#159
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: TK E+, WY, Radisson R
Posts: 2,360
Planning next trip except I am trying to redeem upgrade vouchers spanning 2 membership years (else I lose the vouchers I have this membership year).
YYZ (or anywhere in North America) - IST - KIX/NRT. (travelling during next membership year)
Has anyone attempted and succeeded -
1. Upgraded YYZ-IST segments this membership year.
2. As soon as next membership year begins, upgrade IST-Japan segments.
Of course, provided J fare buckets remain open for all segments (married segments).
YYZ (or anywhere in North America) - IST - KIX/NRT. (travelling during next membership year)
Has anyone attempted and succeeded -
1. Upgraded YYZ-IST segments this membership year.
2. As soon as next membership year begins, upgrade IST-Japan segments.
Of course, provided J fare buckets remain open for all segments (married segments).
May 13, 2015, 4:56 am
#160
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: TK E+
Posts: 602
Now when flightstats.com no longer show availability in booking classes, what is the best way to check if there is any seats in J? I prefer to get a confirmation online before I start the tedious work of calling TK's CS.
May 13, 2015, 6:14 am
#161
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: HEL
Programs: *G, used to be with TK but left due to their corruption and political ties
Posts: 4,406
May 13, 2015, 6:25 am
#162
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: DSS
Posts: 827
May 13, 2015, 3:16 pm
#163
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: TK E+, WY, Radisson R
Posts: 2,360
and preferably do a dummy booking of at least 4 persons to ensure availability even if you're only booking for yourself.
I have updated my post here to reflect the change.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22849602-post112.html
I have updated my post here to reflect the change.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22849602-post112.html
May 15, 2015, 3:24 am
#165
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: DSS
Posts: 827
