Originally Posted by
HnDsolo
Is it short of 'day-dreaming' to expect an F upgrade on Okinawa or Fukuoka routes? No status whatsoever, so I guess I would be classified 'B category' on a waiting list..... Personal experiences during COVID-19 times? Any comment will be very welcome. Thanks in advance
It is possible, with strategy.
Haneda T1 South wing counters opens at 6am sharp. Airport itself opens at 5am.
Be at the counter by 5:50, ready to book using the self service machines and you will get any available F seats for upgrade at 8000 yen cash.
Go that early in the morning and upgrade flight at the counter, then go back home for breakfast and whatever, then come back to airport later in the day for your flight.
Done it several times already (despite being a Diamond myself), and it is bulletproof, because you get it done before any Diamonds and JGCs have even gotten to the airport.
its the only way to beat the crowd, and surprise your GF/wife/BF/husband later in the day.
(of course check that the flight you are on actually has F seats on sale!)
Other way is to look up the Japanese blogs to find sellers who provide this morning-in-person upgrade service. Anyone with your names and PNR can use the self service machine to upgrade, so there are people who sell the service of going to the airport for you. You pay them 10k and they pocket 2k yen.
Popular for Fukuoka and Okinawa (to secure the return leg upgrade while traveler still hadn’t departed tokyo) and Haneda (due to the cut throat demand).