Originally Posted by
nygiants242
Hi all - just made 1K and had a question about using GPUs. Thanks in advance for the help.
I am looking to apply these to EWR-HKG. I booked a really cheap economy class fare, and realize I need to upgrade to W class.
Fare difference is roughly $700, but then the agent said there is also a change fee of $300. Is this normal? Just wanted to be sure.
I have seen others in the GPU success thread upgrade using GPUs from lower fare classes. Is the W fare class the only one that basically let's you confirm "at booking"? I have seen V or H work as well. Are these "riskier" in that it may only happen at the gate? Is it worthwhile to roll the dice on a summer route like EWR-HKG which has had a ton of R space?
Thank you!
If you are booked in a cheaper fare class than W, you cannot use GPU without having your ticket re-issued in W or a higher class. Yes... this involves a change fee of $300 usually, unless you find a very kind phone agent. If the difference in fare is $700, I would pass, personally. Besides, you will probably get a better buy-up option at check-in anyway... you would then get the additional PQM's for the Z/P fare class. Its better in my eyes to take the risk by waiting til DoD, and spending the $700 for the upgrade inot Z/P... at least you aren't spilling $700 and a GPU to, in effect, get nothing in return (7700 award miles is squat when comparing it to the value of a GPU in my eyes). Just keep an eye on inventory in J and determine what path is best for you. It is very rare that J is completely booked (in my experience) before DoD... I bet you will have an upgrade option at check-in to buy up.
A for W class... this is probably the riskiest booking class, as it is the cheapest booking class for GPU usage. V and H are typically more expensive, and would put you above 1K's booked in W for the upgrade priority.
Hope this helps.