Originally Posted by
FlyerGoldII
In a couple of weeks or so, I will be flying from YOW to SAN via IAD, and returning via ORD. I am a Star Alliance Gold with Air Canada. I have already purchased economy plus (window) seats on all 4 flights.
What are the chances of getting a last minute upgrade (albeit for some fee, but less than the difference between the "T" class economy and business/first class fares)?
Good luck with that upgrade. I flew IAD-SAN on Friday evening and SAN-IAD last night. Ran into UA Golds who thought they would get upgraded (the F cabin was 30-40% empty) but didn't! Even on the red-eye flight, there were plenty of UA Silvers (like myself) who didn't get upgraded.
You might get a TOD or buy up offer, though.
Originally Posted by
keisari
By the way, if you are upgraded (purchase or free) to First you do not get the E+ payment back
I got it back once. But...I did ask very nicely.
Originally Posted by
FlyerGoldII
Not wondering about a complimentary upgrade - I realize the changes are near nil.
The question is as to what are the chances of getting a last minute upgrade (when checking online or checking in at the airport) for a limited (ie very affordable) upgrade fee?
What's your definition of affordability?
As a UA Silver, I got offered $609 when checking in (down from $753 before check in, but for the extra $50 I would have actually bought up to the higher fare class). (I did not take the offer.) If you factor in that an upgrade is usually 20K miles, that's basically 20K miles at 3 CPM.