When are upgrades called?
Jun 28, 2010 | 4:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC Elite, *A Gold
Posts: 80
When are upgrades called?
I have been told by more than one agent that if you are not in the boarding area when upgrades are called, they will move on to the next person. Any wisdom on that? I tend to stay in the MLL as long as possible.
BTW, I've been AC E for three years and have never received an op-up, except once when my flight was canceled.
BTW, I've been AC E for three years and have never received an op-up, except once when my flight was canceled.
Jun 28, 2010 | 5:26 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
They can be called at any time.
If I'm playing Aerolotto, I'm at the gate around 15-20 min before the "stated" boarding time.
I have personally seen them go on to the next person on the list (me) when someone doesn't present himself for the upgrade.
If I'm playing Aerolotto, I'm at the gate around 15-20 min before the "stated" boarding time.
I have personally seen them go on to the next person on the list (me) when someone doesn't present himself for the upgrade.
Jun 28, 2010 | 7:06 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: Air Canada Aeroplan
Posts: 1,756
I have been called for an upgrade at the YVR international lounge about 30 minutes before stated boarding time. So anytime is true, but in this case they also made an effort to locate me beyond the gate area.
Jun 28, 2010 | 8:07 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
Jun 28, 2010 | 9:23 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Ottawa
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 219
I suspect it depends somewhat on the type of upgrade.
Recently (ie this year) I have found that when on the waiting list for cert type upgrades, they are often processed at the last minute at the gate. I have had op-ups given to me at the check-in desk, handed to me at the gate during boarding and once(!) after I was already seated way in the back of economy. Pretty funny actually - one of the crew asked me what I was doing when I started heading to the front after everyone had cleared the aisle.
Recently (ie this year) I have found that when on the waiting list for cert type upgrades, they are often processed at the last minute at the gate. I have had op-ups given to me at the check-in desk, handed to me at the gate during boarding and once(!) after I was already seated way in the back of economy. Pretty funny actually - one of the crew asked me what I was doing when I started heading to the front after everyone had cleared the aisle.
Jun 28, 2010 | 9:53 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: PHL, NYC, DC
Posts: 9,763
really depends on the GA.....
i have seen GAs going down the upgrade list after announcing unsuccessful names
i also haver recieved UG boarding pass at the gate 30 mins before departure (during the calm of the storm)
i been asked to move up after seated
also been told if #4 does not arrive i will be #5 on the WL and its up to me to stand and wait or get on the plane + take the economy seat
i have seen GAs going down the upgrade list after announcing unsuccessful names
i also haver recieved UG boarding pass at the gate 30 mins before departure (during the calm of the storm)
i been asked to move up after seated
also been told if #4 does not arrive i will be #5 on the WL and its up to me to stand and wait or get on the plane + take the economy seat
Jun 28, 2010 | 10:01 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,190
For international flights processed at the gate for an E or SE, they assume you are in the MLL and often will page you there to exchange boarding passes and attach the upgrade cert a few minutes before calling the flight for boarding. Domestic and Transbordere are done at the gate and if you are not there when they call names, but they knwo you've checked in, you will be caught as you board when your boarding pass is scanned. Sometimes it may be done when you're on board and already in your seat.
Jun 28, 2010 | 10:23 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: AC*SE
Posts: 122
For international flights processed at the gate for an E or SE, they assume you are in the MLL and often will page you there to exchange boarding passes and attach the upgrade cert a few minutes before calling the flight for boarding. Domestic and Transbordere are done at the gate and if you are not there when they call names, but they knwo you've checked in, you will be caught as you board when your boarding pass is scanned. Sometimes it may be done when you're on board and already in your seat.
As for Op-up, I've experienced upgraded at the gate when my bp was scanned and other times, been paged at the desk. Always an exciting time when they start paging all sorts of people prior to boarding (my gf was shakng her head when I did the "please upgrade me dance" until it worked on our HKG-YYZ flight last year)
Jun 29, 2010 | 11:58 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,702
Every time I have requested an UG that was not confirmed by check-in time, I just go to the counter at the time I would otherwise and ask if my UG has cleared.
Most times, if it has, they will already have the printed new BP waiting on the desk.
Most times, if it has, they will already have the printed new BP waiting on the desk.
Jun 29, 2010 | 7:12 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: BKK,YYZ
Programs: Star Gold
Posts: 50