Ah! What splendid luck. I wonder if anyone else has had this experience? A quick search of the forum suggests not...

Company policy not to send us business class on short-haul flights. But ever since I discovered the £59 upgrade option at LGW, I always ask at the ticket desk to find out how much it would cost. Usually prohibitive from LHR (about £700 one way to LED was the last one I remember!)

Asked at the ticket desk at LHR this morning for the cost of an upgrade to Club on my flight to MAD. An awful lot of tapping at the computer, and a hurried and hushed conversation on the other side of the desk (as if I couldn't hear) - which went something like this:

Agent 1: Claire - look at this. It doesn't make sense. Passenger wants to upgrade from economy to business. That was his original fare (pointing at figure she has scribbled down on sheet of paper), and this is the new fare (tapping the screen). It doesn't make sense. How can it be cheaper?

Agent 2: It can't be. You must have done something wrong. Here - try again.

Cue much more tapping, sucking of teeth and a call to Agent 3 - who appeared from back office.

Repeat of conversation Agent 1 had had with Agent 2 - almost word for word. Agent 2 interjecting with helpful comments like "I know", and "It can't be right".

FInally after a total of about 15 minutes - Agent 3 says to me:

"Well sir, I am afraid that it seems that if we upgrade you we would owe you a refund, as the business fare is cheaper than the economy one you had previously booked."

"Fine," says I. Hoping for £70 cash in my pocket for spending money - but it seems that the refund has to go back to the company through the TA who made the booking.

Oh well. At least I am in Club with the extra TPs, Miles and Champagne without being even a little out of pocket!

A great start to what was promising to be a gruelling 4 day trip - so fingers crossed my luck holds...