Hello all, I'd like to use this thread to add all the information we have to offer BA board visitors on the famous "U" word.
As you are all aware that question gets asked at least 2 or 3 times a week so if we have a single thread with all the answers it will save us laughing when someone asks how they upgrade their ultra cheap fare... Please add all the information you have to offer so we can completely stop using the “U” word here
The Ultimate Upgrade Answers
HOW do I upgrade on BA?
British Airways does not have the same upgrade policy as most US carriers, they tend to try and keep their premium cabins just that; premium. There are no booklets of vouchers for elites, no $90 upgrade coupons and nothing to trade on the Coupon Connection. All upgrades will either be operational, paid for by paying the fare difference at check in, using an elite tier point voucher or using Asia Miles. Keep in mind that a business class or first class ticket on longhaul BA costs between $2000 and $12000, most of the people in a premium cabin will have paid for their seat though it is not impossible that up to half of them received an operational upgrade. BA’s loads of paying pax in business and first are quite good.
How do they process their operational upgrades?
If and when BA decides to do operational upgrades they are processed before or during check in and very rarely by the desk staff. There are no published written rules on operational upgrades but generally the process works by selecting pax off the manifest. BA will always select their own elite tier pax first. The order of operational upgrades will probably look something like this:
Premier (invitation only elite level)
Gold and/or Full fare paying pax
Silver
OW Top tier
OW Mid tier
Blue
The regular rules of dressing nicely and putting on a smile will probably not work though it naturally never hurts to be prepared to sit in a premium cabin. Of course it also never hurts to ask at check in, so be there early and always stay friendly and courteous. Don’t try the “do you know who I am” routine or trying to demand anything based on other Oneworld status, it won’t help.
What is the 2400 point upgrade voucher?
Gold Executive Club members in certain countries receive a free one class upgrade voucher when they reach 2400 tier points, the voucher can only be used by gold card members and will undoubtedly be used by the Gold member him or herself.