OK, I know this sounds crazy, but here goes. I'm flying from Auckland to Montreal and back in March (itinerary below). I am dreading the flights from Vancouver-Montreal and return because the seats look incredibly cramped. Is there any way for me to upgrade on these flights, using either Air NZ air points or United miles? I've called Air NZ and they didn't have an answer. I do have a request for an upgrade in for the Vancouver-Auckland final leg, so I'm crossing my fingers for that one.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.


Tue 15 March 11:00PM Depart: AUCKLAND (INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL)
Tue 15 March 3:00PM Arrive: LOS ANGELES (TERMINAL 2)
Airline: AIR NEW ZEALAND
Flight Time: 12 hours and 00 minutes Aircraft: 744
Service: Economy Class

Flight AC 557
Tue 15 March 6:35PM Depart: LOS ANGELES (TERMINAL 2)
Tue 15 March 9:23PM Arrive: VANCOUVER INTL (MAIN TERMINAL)
Airline: AIR CANADA
Flight Time: 2 hours and 48 minutes Aircraft: E90
Service: Economy Class

Flight AC 182
Tue 15 March 11:25PM Depart: VANCOUVER INTL (MAIN TERMINAL)
Wed 16 March 7:10AM Arrive: MONTREAL
Airline: AIR CANADA
Flight Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes Aircraft: 320
Service: Economy Class

Flight NZ 4741
Fri 18 March 8:00AM Depart: MONTREAL
Fri 18 March 10:28AM Arrive: VANCOUVER INTL (MAIN TERMINAL)
Airline: AIR NEW ZEALAND
Operated by: AIR CANADA
Flight Time: 5 hours and 28 minutes Aircraft: 321
Service: Economy Class

Flight NZ 83
Fri 18 March 8:00PM Depart: VANCOUVER INTL (MAIN TERMINAL)
Sun 20 March 6:00AM Arrive: AUCKLAND (INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL)
Airline: AIR NEW ZEALAND
Flight Time: 14 hours and 00 minutes Aircraft: 744
Service: Economy Class

Methinks you can do it provided your economy class ticket is booked in Y/B class-- try the UA site for this booking and insert your ticket number when asked--should make no difference who issued the ticket.

Short of re-ticketing your miles flight from an economy to business booking (and redeeming the additional miles) there is no way to do this. If you're able to check-in online or at a kiosk for the Air Canada segments within North America, you may be offered a business-class buy-up option, but that will depend on the loads on your specific flights.

Haven't you heard of Star Alliance upgrades, which AC is now participating in?

(Granted that would require the ticket to be booked in B class which sound unlikely.)

I don't know why you'd be dreading specifically YVR�YUL; in terms of seat pitch and in-flight entertainment, I think AC's Y product is comparable to NZ's. It's the American carriers that really squash you in, provide no video, etc..

Also, can't do a *A upgrade on a codeshare flight. In OP's case, YVR-YUL should be upgradable if booked in Y/B, since it was ticketed under the AC flight number. But YUL-YVR (NZ codeshare flight number) would not be.

You're right! I thought the Air NZ seat was roomier, but they are both 17.8" wide. However, on Air NZ's 747, the pitch is 34 instead of 32, as it is on Air Canada. Plus, since I'm an Air NZ elite, I have exit row seating.

Thanks everyone. I called Air Canada, and they said the only way to upgrade was to reticket, as makin'miles suggested.

I am going to check on United's site to see if they'll process a Star Alliance upgrade. If it were an Air Canada flight on Air Canada ticket stock, I think it would work. The fact that it's on Air NZ ticket stock will complicate things, me thinks.

Call AC, you should be able to get exit row seating for minimal cost. I really wouldn't recommend burning miles to get the domestic J product, it's a regional business class, 38" pitch, usually a good meal but really nothing to get excited over.

Well, my ticket classes are T and L, so no Star Alliance upgrades for me!

What kind of meals are offered (if at all) between Vancouver-Montreal and back? I'm used to Air NZ, where they serve great meals even in Y.

Not sure if the interpretation of the codeshare thing is correct. I suspect when on AC.com they say codeshares are not eligible what they really mean is that you can't get AC to upgrade you on a non-AC codeshare.

I would think the operating carrier probably could.

None - they have buy-on-board. Nothing spectacular - squashed sandwiches or pre-packaged stuff. I'd buy something in YVR and/or YUL to sate you for the flight.

Um, the OP says they are a Premier on United. That means access to free, pre-booked Economy Plus seats, which is definitely not "squashed in"

a taste of all 3 airlines.. you will have NZ in exit row and UA in E+ on AC you will have no leg room but if its working you will have IFE. 3 star alliance flights with different airlines to get to where you want to go. If you have gold status in NZ you will also get priority boarding and lounge access.