Originally Posted by
smartinez
I'm trying to figure out if there are any tricks to booking an upgrade with CO miles on Star Alliance partners. I'm planning to go from LAX to BKK, then MEL and back to LAX in March/April and it would be great to grab some upgrades. From what I understand you have to purchase a Y or B fare, and then ask for the upgrade. But that just seems crazy. Why would I pay a premium for the fare without some indication of whether there is an upgrade available? I have plenty of flexibility on dates, and I would pick the airline and flight based on whether I could get the upgrade.
I'm not sure if I'm missing something or if this is actually the process, who would take a chance like this?
Originally Posted by CO Insider View Post[*]Star Alliance Upgrade Awards. We’re pleased to introduce Star Alliance Upgrade Awards. While our OnePass Upgrade Rewards are a better value for travel on Continental and Copa, our new Star Alliance Upgrade Awards give you an option to redeem miles for upgrades on 16 of our fellow Star Alliance members. Please note that upgrade amounts are per-segment (not per one-way) and in most cases, upgrades awards are only valid in conjunction with Y and B class fares. For redemptions amounts, refer to our updated OnePass Travel and Upgrade Reward Charts PDF. For more information and online redemption, go to our new Star Alliance Upgrade Awards page.[/list][/indent]
No tricks involved. You have the process right.
Here is my view on the star alliance upgrades.
1. You can call and ask CO to see if the upgrades are available on the routes that you want. Generally, AUstralia UG's are difficult to obtain.
Singapore air is pretty much out of the question.
2. If you want to DIY:
Different airlines have different names for the upgrade buckets.
If you have the airline of choice in your mind, then, figure out the name of the upgrade buckets (will be one or two alphabets). Then, use a tool such as ExpertFlyer to see if those fare-buckets are available on the dates that you want. Then, call CO and confirm the tickets.