Originally Posted by
WineCountryUA
The availability of RN space does not vary based on fare BUT using multiple search options (such as a fare class or refundablity and for a mileage upgrade) is notoriously flaky. Look for RN using expert mode and than book the flight doing the upgrade afterwards. If for some reason the upgrade disappears in that short window, you can cancel and fully refund in 24 hours. Unfortunately the Advance Search options do not play well together.
Thanks, that's what I did. Curiously my preferred flight showed RN under the "flexible" fare but not under the "refundable" fare. And when I purchased the refundable fare and tried to add it, nope, couldn't do it. I ended up changing to the slightly-less-desirable flight which did have the upgrade available.
I'll admit it is nice having a refundable fare that you can play with. Make changes that all show $0. I didn't look for any less-expensive flights to see if it would actually refund the difference.
Thanks for all the help! Now I just have to hope that our favorite apartment hotel in Lourdes opens back up. Lots of places to stay in Lourdes but few good ones near the train station and none of the alternatives (near the train station) have air conditioning. France, July, air conditioning is a big deal. :-)