Originally Posted by
Cloud Lounger
Was looking for what I think would be the best chance to upgrade me and Mrs. CL on flights to Europe in a couple of weeks. Booked in PE but we are on different PNRs so will need to hope I chose correctly when it comes time to make the request for the Missus at the airport(s).
Anyway, all flights over the ocean were showing R0 on expertflyer and the AC website indicated I would be waitlisted. I pulled the trigger based on J9 (and some P) availability (and still looked at the seat map 'cause I couldn't resist). Upon making the eupgrade request, one leg cleared right away and the other cleared a couple hours later. So at least one of us is (Mrs. CL) is set up front
. After booking my ticket, EF is still showing R0 and the AC website saying waitlist.
I will have plenty of time at YOW check-in to get my companion request on the list but will face a shorter window in FRA coming home as we are flying in from a city without an AC presence. Connection time in FRA is 1.5 hours so hoping the lists aren't cleared too early. Could the agent for my outbound in YOW note on the file that both of us are on the same flight coming home and note the UG request? I expect the answer is likely no, but I will still ask (and report back).
The outcome may not come as a surprise, but here is how it all went down. Perhaps a useful data point or two for the gang here.
No issue with check-in at YOW with ability to request YYZ-FRA e-upgrade for Mrs CL. Agent was unable to note the upgrade request for the return to Canada (not surprising, but I nonetheless asked).
Interesting though that while the app noted the upgrade was requested, the app did not show Mrs. CL on the posted list. In the end it did not matter as the upgrade did not clear. Upside is that Mrs. CL was given zone 1 with me which was nice to get on board early to ask the SD if they would be okay with a seat swap allowing the Missus to sit up front, and allow me to get all of my bags in the overhead in PE. No issue whatsoever and it appeared appreciated that we asked as opposed to expected. PE for me was not that bad at all.
Better success on the return. Not surprisingly, the LH agent at checkin in BER did not have access to the e-up system, but Mrs CL was noted as being zone 1 with me. On arrival at the MLL lounge in FRA, agent was able to quickly register the request, and while they said no promises felt that the upgrade would clear. The app showed the request was made but again Mrs. CL’s name did not appear on the posted list. Upgrade cleared before we finished our first cup of coffee and the MLL agent had a new boarding card at the ready. As an aside are the B gates at FRA that AC uses looking a bit tired and overly chaotic?
With regard to the upgrade request being made but not showing on the posted list, might it have something to do with my request involving both e-credits and cash add on?
Anyway, I’m very pleased with the outcome. 3 of the 4 possible upgrades were achieved with credits with Mrs. CL getting J across the ocean both ways - the primary goal of this trip.