Originally Posted by
oreocookies
I am flying to New Zealand for the Women's World Cup in mid-July. I have a flight from JFK to Auckland with an Economy seat. I don't see a way to buy an upgrade on the Air NZ website and I can't get through on the phone to Air NZ to ask for help, but I see in the app that I can bid on either Premium Economy or a Skycouch. Given that this flight is 17 hours, I'd like a way to recline if possible, and I'd like a more comfortable experience.
-Do I need to bid on one or the other? Or can I bid on both a Skycouch and Premium Economy and see which I get?
-If I win a bid for Premium Economy, do I still get to pick a seat? I'd rather have an aisle seat on Economy than a middle seat on Premium Economy.
-What is the range for winning a Skycouch seat? The bidding starts at $190 USD.
-Is there a way to just buy an upgraded seat, like Skycouch, or do I have to go through this bidding system?
-Any other advice for how I can secure an upgrade? I'm worried about blood clots, so I want to be on an aisle so I can get up and walk around, and the ability to lay flat would be incredible since I just cannot sleep sitting up.
Is a big difference between upgrade policies for USA and non USA airlines. Non USA airlines will fly with unoccupied premium seats. With non USA airlines *always* expect to fly in the seat/class you buy.
Claiming a "
medical" reason for an upgrade. Phone & check agents have heard it before. They may challenge if you are fit to fly. Airlines will not take risks.
If you want a better seat get out your credit card and upfare to PE or business with $$$$ (for the retail fare difference). That's the harsh reality.
Originally Posted by
henrus
.....
I'd say your chances of getting an upgrade are close to zero.
Yes.
And will be many with Air NZ status ahead of the OP. And flights have high passenger loads.