Originally Posted by CPwingwalker
Of course this also plays havoc with those of us who like to call in just past midnight (time zone of departing flight) for upgrades on heavily trafficed routes. Not too many TAs are open at 0005h! Not kidding here folks. Try HKG-YVR or HKG-YYZ at the 7 day SE window ... lots of SEs are competing for those I seats if there are any ... last two flights the agent (back in Canada calling on the intl toll free number) told me I was lucky to get the one I seat left.
Thankfully, only TAs can sell M fares so that is ok as it is time of booking upgrade request.
I am not aware that you can actually upgrade HKG-YYZ-HKG on the direct flight unless you are paying full-fare or buy J outright. In theory yes, in practice, show me when you can upgrade within the 7 days window then I owe you a drink. That route, is often sold out in J booking class, many weeks ahead of time. My most recent trip from HKG back to YYZ, instead of coming back on a Friday, had to wait till Sunday to come back because seats were sold out in J. I cumulate my *A miles with BMI these days so unless I want to forfeit all those miles, I had to stick with AC. The weekend in HKG is not bad once in a long while but I am not sure I will do it in the future: Note to self, book multiple return dates, and then cancel afterwards.