Originally Posted by
frb98mf
Apologies for reopening a very ancient thread but I had the exact same question.
I just spoke with BA, who said that once travel commences, if one pax needs to return on another date, a change can be made to split the PNR, but definitely the mover, and in all likelihood both pax, would be downgraded to the purchased class.
What they couldn't tell me is what happens if I book this via a travel agent, as I'd prefer to do due to much better availability than relying on redemption seats.
Does anyone have any more up to date information to shed on any of this? Much obliged...
I'm not entirely sure what you are asking actually? The basic issue would be the same (ie once the PNR is split, the GUF benefit would be lost for the rest of the itinerary for at least one and probably both passengers) but additionally you would face whatever charges that the TA would impose on splitting a PNR as well as penalties for itinerary change and possible fare increase.
Note that if you split the PNR before you go, the GUF benefit will be lost at least for one passenger on the whole itinerary. If you want the two pax to benefit from the upgrade outbound, you need to wait till you have travelled to split the PNR and do the changes, which, unless you are gone for a long time and have plenty of flexibility will likely result in huge fare increases if your original booking class is unavailable.