FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - The Definitive eUpgrade Resource (2024 onwards) [read wiki BEFORE asking question]
Old Oct 19, 2024 | 11:33 pm
  #1085  
canadiancow
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Originally Posted by echino
New 25k here after Marriott status link. After reading about eUpgrades (it's all new to me) I came to the conclusion it's absolutely useless to me because I will need to waste money on more expensive fares just to get a chance of upgrade that will most likely not happen.

Example: looking at widebodies YVR-YYZ Nov. 20, two passengers. I always just buy basic fare, $154. To get a change of eUpgrade, I need to buy Flex for $244, + 10 eUpgrade credits per person to avoid a $250 upcharge with Standard.

So if the upgrade doesn't clear, I just wasted $90 per person? Which is +58% of the basic fare? If it's correct, then there is absolutely no reason for me to play this game. Or am I missing something?
Originally Posted by tcuhrc
well yes, if the restrictions of basic fares work for you, then buying more expensive fares isn't often worth it, but that isn't often the case for most people.
Yeah... Flex includes seat selection, a free checked bag, 100% SQM and Aeroplan points, and probably some other things I'm forgetting.

If none of that matters to you, then yes, it's $90 for the chance of an upgrade.

The last time I booked Standard (I've never booked Basic) was YVR-YLW, because the benefits as a Super Elite on that flight just didn't exist.

But if you're the kind of person that enjoys the cost savings of Basic fares, then no, I don't think eUpgrades will be useful to you.
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