Possible to negotiate reduced upgrade charge?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Plat Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Club Carl Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,002
Possible to negotiate reduced upgrade charge?
When I check in for an international flight, I occasionally get a message that "I can upgrade to business class for $X." Has anyone had success in renegotiating their requested fee -- for instance, we'll pay $X for one upgrade if you throw one in for my traveling companion for free?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Never tried it, but I would doubt it. I've seen premium seats go out empty, so I don't think the "Let's Make a Deal" approach works with them.
That said, there's no harm in trying and reporting back. Can you talk like an auctioneer?
Cheers.
That said, there's no harm in trying and reporting back. Can you talk like an auctioneer?
Cheers.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: west of DFW airport
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I always ask......seldom receive....but it is worth the effort.
I try to be as upbeat and polite about it as possible.
I try to be as upbeat and polite about it as possible.
#4
Senior Moderator and Moderator: American AAdvantage & TravelBuzz
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
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Is it usually just the regular fare difference between coach and business? Or do they offer a slight discount? If so, do you recall the rough discount %?
I don't fly intl very often, but still curious... Thanks!
I don't fly intl very often, but still curious... Thanks!
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Lifetime Platinum, Hyatt Plat Hilton Gold, SPG Gold, Club Carl Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,002
It is generally LESS than the fare difference. I always buy bargain basement fares and the offer is usually upgrade to business for an additional $725 from DFW to Europe (only when business and first are wide open).
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NYLON - AA EXP 1MM, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,232
In answer to the op's question, I once offered a lower amount for an offered upgrade J-F on a NRT-DFW flight. I think they asked for around $600 and I offered $500. They looked confused and said no. I paid the amount they offered and flew F on a discount Y ticket (VIP to J)
#7
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#8
Suspended
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In other words, this helps to avoid the freebee OP UPG that we (particularly lowly PLTs) so long for.
#9
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#10
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,286
I believe the best approach would be to show the agent that you truly are a man of means. Walk up to the podium with a few $100 bills in your hand and tell him/her that "Mr. Franklin" would like to upgrade.
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA & UK -- AA EXP 3.5MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 6,411
When I check in for an international flight, I occasionally get a message that "I can upgrade to business class for $X." Has anyone had success in renegotiating their requested fee -- for instance, we'll pay $X for one upgrade if you throw one in for my traveling companion for free?
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Cheers.
#13
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NYLON - AA EXP 1MM, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,232
Also, in my experience, I have never seen the upgrades offered only when the loads in J / F are light. I did a few flights over the holidy period. All had light loads in J - one flight with 4 or 5 of us in J, yet not offered. This is not conclusive I know.....
#14
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 131
Sometimes, if you decline, you can check again at the gate. If they still have space, they may sell you it for a cheaper rate, but probably not.
#15
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What mileage do you earn on these tickets then ?
I have never seen such an offer in the last 2 years, either way I fly the wrong routes or pick the wrong dates.
I have never seen such an offer in the last 2 years, either way I fly the wrong routes or pick the wrong dates.