I'm booked on a business class points award on an international flight from YYZ to NRT, and unfortunately, for the outgoing portion, there are no business class points seats left, althought there are several revenue J seats available.

My question is, I've booked that portion on economy, but will get upgraded if there are seats available. Does this points ticket (that was redeemed on a business class award) get priority for the business class seats, or will SE/E stickers get the priority? Thanks.

You will have priority at the gate. Business class award tickets are just like full fare business class tickets.

Priority is based on elite status, then fare or category of ticket. What you should do is check prior to the 7-day SE upgrade window to see if any D-class award space has opened up [someone cancelling, etc.] and again at the 72-hour Elite window. At the gate, an award does have the same status as a full fare ticket, but that is not often a consideration in upgrading.

How far out is your flight? If it is several weeks or months, you will find J is fairly open since these fares are not generally purchased that far in advance. If it is a week or two, then keep checking to see if any D-space opens up. What is your elite status? I suppose you are not eligible for waitlisting.

Empress is correct (while Shareholder's "but that is not often a consideration in upgrading." seems a bit fuzzy)

At the gate, a D fare trumps any E/SE's using upgrade coupons. Of course, the E/SE's may have been able to upgrade in advance, although if you watch inventory like Shareholder suggested, you may be able to get your booking changed in advance as well.

Thanks all!

The problem is that I'm booked on a Star Alliance award, so they won't let me do any changes prior to travelling. I go from YYZ to NRT to BKK to PEK, then PVG to NRT to YYZ.

Got business on all segments except that long first segment. ITN inventory still shows 12 seats available. I guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed. I lost my elite status since February, so just a basic member now.

BTW - are there restrictions on class of fare for Super Elites / Elites to upgrade on international segments?

Thanks again!

I leave May 13th.

Elites can only upgrade from Y, and SEs from H or higher.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I do not believe you should say "upgrade" (it's not so bad here, although it seems to be causing confusion, but definitely don't ask for "upgrade" from AC).

You're not asking for an upgrade, you've paid for Business Class but seats weren't available on all segments.

It shouldn't count as a change to the booking, it's a change to the seat assignment! (?)

andrew

Prior to the day of departure, whether there are upgrade inventory is irrelevant to your situation. The flight might be showing J9C9 but no D class is released. I highly doubt any D class will be released on this route if there are only 12 unassigned J seats as you said. Your best bet is to keep checking but you'll most likely get the seat if there are open seats on day of departure. This route is always pretty booked up in J.

Based on ITN, I have to say your chances are not that good. Just cross your fingers and hope that they don't sell out the J cabin as it's getting close to that point.

J7 C3 Y9 M9 B9 H9 V9 Q9 L9

... or hope that there are no-shows, which is also likely.

I would also check-in early and be sure to identify yourself to the gate agent/MLL agent, letting them know your situation.

Since you paid for a J class ticket, it seems that you should get MLL, but that may not be the case. Anyone?

Also, is concierge available to only paid international business class customers, or those travelling on awards as well. If you could swing it, a concierge may be more than helpful.

Greetings from *** (Fukuoka) Japan. Was on AC1 last Friday. There were 10 paid/award folks (cant tell from manifest) and 4 FAs deadheading in civilian clothes. Rest was EMPTY. Two of the FAs chatted quite loudly most of the flight (all other pssgrs were singles so no talk) and for the last two hours of the fligh - after the final meal two working FAs decided to visit with their pals and the cabin was turned into a galley with all their loud chatter .. which the in charge joined .. so much for asking for them to turn it down a notch. But I digress!

This route fluctuates day by day ... so chances are pretty good.

Tangent here: for SEs who are upgrading off of H (my case here) it is an interesting experience trying to get your return upgrade if you are off hiking in a somewhat remote area of Japan (or any other country for that matter). I asked the concierge at NRT to do it for me. Cant wait for the automated system. Presently it is not convenient for folks on holiday! I am BTW now back in a Hyatt Hotel with internet access so thus my catching up with FTers.

Sayonara!

Just email the SE desk before you leave and they'll be glad to do it for you when the time comes. They're pretty good at it.