Originally Posted by
trustno1
You might be aware that until relatively recently, if the upgrades vouchers were turned down on a Saver fare, EI would allow you to cancel with a full refund and then you could try other dates. Therefore this change to no refunds with Saver fares is a big loss.
Furthermore, on the topic of dealing with the Conc line, yesterday I wanted to move a return journey and when I called, the fares on offer were more expensive than that displayed on the website. I was advised to change via the website and call back for a refund for the €80 change fees. This I done, only to be told that the Conc line couldn’t process the refund and that the refund issue is raised to Customer Relations.
If agents provided a full refund on a Saver fare because you didn't get an upgrade, that was just luck. That was never a published benefit and certainly won't fly these days. Aer Lingus is no longer the wink, wink, nudge, nudge, "here, have this for free even though you're not supposed to - we know you" type airline it was before IAG rolled in. The entire point of the upgrade requests (vouchers, points) is to upgrade a flight you're going to take. Obviously I know this is FlyerTalk and everyone here tries to game the system as far as possible - I know I certainly happily fit my dates around the fare, upgrade, and frequent flyer seat availability - but that's not the case for most people.
It's a bit poor they couldn't do that refund. Be nice if one day the IT recognised you as Concierge on the website and just didn't charge the change fees.
Originally Posted by
alserire
As I’ve said before, it’s scandalous that they can’t tip you the nod and let you know if an upgrade is there before booking. They certainly did that for me twice pre Covid.
Scandalous? Really?
I've mentioned before, the telephone agents have no clue whatsoever. If there are business class seats showing on rewards.aerlingus.com you're guaranteed to get it with an upgrade or coupon unless someone else gazumps you. If there are no seats in business on that site, the phone agents haven't a breeze, as it's revenue management who will approve or decline them when no availability is there. Hardly scandalous.
It's good Aer Lingus offer upgrades as part of the programme. When I was researching an alternative for BA, I found that Royal Jordanian also do the same for their top frequent flyers. That brings the total airlines that do it that I know of to two. It would be a crying shame if EI moved closer to BA/IB and decided to ditch the upgrades to align with their IAG partners. Lets hope that never happens! (Be nice if it was the alternative - your EI upgrades are now also valid on BA and IB!
- a man can dream!)