Can't Upgrade AARP Club World ticket to First?
Nov 29, 2016, 6:12 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere between 0 and 13,000 metres high
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Posts: 30,528
Former BA Executive Club representative Nicci has stated in the past that you cannot UuA a ticket that has been subject to a discount already, whether it be the old shareholder discount, aarp, or chase. That said a few people have reportedly been able to do it, others have not. See these threads and posts (there are others):
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26925507-post444.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...iscount-2.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...e-fee-uua.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23583066-post51.html
There was a period of time that the agents would simultaneously claw back the discount in order to process the UuA.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/26925507-post444.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...iscount-2.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...e-fee-uua.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23583066-post51.html
There was a period of time that the agents would simultaneously claw back the discount in order to process the UuA.
Nov 30, 2016, 11:19 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: LAS
Programs: Aegean Miles & Bonus Gold, HHonors Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 300
Nov 30, 2016, 12:50 pm
#18
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: JAX
Programs: Ex-BA/AA/CP/LY staff, BA Executive Club Blue, IHG Diamond, Marriott Silver, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 3,587
In other words, if you get it through somehow, yay! If not, well, it's not meant to be done to begin with...
You cant Uua on a BT/IT fare is it possible that the Aarp discount is through a bulk or deal ticket like this? This is my guess as to why you are being told no.
Silly question to ask maybe, just im aware of what aarp discount is but bookings are rare so dont think ive actually seem/changed one.
Silly question to ask maybe, just im aware of what aarp discount is but bookings are rare so dont think ive actually seem/changed one.
The silly part of this is that corporate discounted fares and Holidays fares can be UuAed - why not the direct private fares (AARP, Hotline, etc). Same idea really...
Dec 23, 2016, 5:52 pm
#19
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: LAS
Programs: Aegean Miles & Bonus Gold, HHonors Gold, Starwood Gold
Posts: 300
TL;DR version: Got the upgrade.
Just wanted to follow back on to this - after a few more days of back and forth with the India call center, I finally got a call from someone @ BA who had some authority (though I still believe they were in the India Call Center).
The person apologized profusely for all of my time that BA had wasted thus far. Explained that they had done their research and though they couldn't find a single written rule (or memo) saying they shouldn't UuA an AARP Fare, it was that call center's policy not to process them because discount+discount = no, and they consider an upgrade a discount.
Regardless, he was going to process the upgrade through. First, because the very first person said it could be done and only back-tracked after I had already transferred the AMEX miles. In his own words "If one of our staff tells you they'll do something, we're going to do it." Secondly, he referred back to the AARP rule 10 itself where it says
Granted, he said, it's right below the "not combinable with other discounts/deal" but if a UuA isn't a discount/deal (especially since you're paying for it) then the fare is, in fact, an upgradeable fare. He also mentioned that the computers didn't dis-allow it at all, but they show "discounted fare" on the screen, which is why the staff won't push process an upgrade (before I let him go, he clarified that yes, if anyone had actually pushed the button it would have gone through fine).
He mentioned that he's requested clarification from HQ on this rule, but as a one-time courtesy, they were processing the upgrade. A couple hours later I got confirmation in my email that my one leg had been upgraded to F, and the 25K miles were deducted from my account.
Whether or not it will ever be upgradeable again is anyone's guess (probably not if you're just a lowly BA Executive Club Zero-miler and have to go through the general call-center, like me) but in the end my polite persistence paid off.
I know I'm late posting this, but I wanted to come and add some closure to this thread anyway now that I had a spare moment.
I'll be in LHR on 12/26 for like 7 hours and on 12/31, too for another 5. PM me if you're around, maybe we can grab a pint and swap stories.
Cheers,
-SF
Just wanted to follow back on to this - after a few more days of back and forth with the India call center, I finally got a call from someone @ BA who had some authority (though I still believe they were in the India Call Center).
The person apologized profusely for all of my time that BA had wasted thus far. Explained that they had done their research and though they couldn't find a single written rule (or memo) saying they shouldn't UuA an AARP Fare, it was that call center's policy not to process them because discount+discount = no, and they consider an upgrade a discount.
Regardless, he was going to process the upgrade through. First, because the very first person said it could be done and only back-tracked after I had already transferred the AMEX miles. In his own words "If one of our staff tells you they'll do something, we're going to do it." Secondly, he referred back to the AARP rule 10 itself where it says
"All rules of any fare purchased apply, including advance purchase, minimum/maximum stay, stopovers, weekend add-ons, change fees and cancellation/refund rules. Please refer to individual rules per ticket before purchase."
He mentioned that he's requested clarification from HQ on this rule, but as a one-time courtesy, they were processing the upgrade. A couple hours later I got confirmation in my email that my one leg had been upgraded to F, and the 25K miles were deducted from my account.
Whether or not it will ever be upgradeable again is anyone's guess (probably not if you're just a lowly BA Executive Club Zero-miler and have to go through the general call-center, like me) but in the end my polite persistence paid off.
I know I'm late posting this, but I wanted to come and add some closure to this thread anyway now that I had a spare moment.
I'll be in LHR on 12/26 for like 7 hours and on 12/31, too for another 5. PM me if you're around, maybe we can grab a pint and swap stories.
Cheers,
-SF
Dec 23, 2016, 10:02 pm
#20
Join Date: Feb 2014
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 263
This is a great result for you. With an ever increasing number of discount options available in BAs pricing it would seem like they are potentially throwing some revenue opportunity away by not allowing upgrades. Polite persistence has certainly paid off here, however I can't imagine how many wasted hours have been spent by yourself and BA trying to resolve this.
Dec 24, 2016, 1:48 am
#21
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,659
TL;DR version: Got the upgrade.
Just wanted to follow back on to this - after a few more days of back and forth with the India call center, I finally got a call from someone @ BA who had some authority (though I still believe they were in the India Call Center).
The person apologized profusely for all of my time that BA had wasted thus far. Explained that they had done their research and though they couldn't find a single written rule (or memo) saying they shouldn't UuA an AARP Fare, it was that call center's policy not to process them because discount+discount = no, and they consider an upgrade a discount.
Regardless, he was going to process the upgrade through. First, because the very first person said it could be done and only back-tracked after I had already transferred the AMEX miles. In his own words "If one of our staff tells you they'll do something, we're going to do it." Secondly, he referred back to the AARP rule 10 itself where it says
Granted, he said, it's right below the "not combinable with other discounts/deal" but if a UuA isn't a discount/deal (especially since you're paying for it) then the fare is, in fact, an upgradeable fare. He also mentioned that the computers didn't dis-allow it at all, but they show "discounted fare" on the screen, which is why the staff won't push process an upgrade (before I let him go, he clarified that yes, if anyone had actually pushed the button it would have gone through fine).
He mentioned that he's requested clarification from HQ on this rule, but as a one-time courtesy, they were processing the upgrade. A couple hours later I got confirmation in my email that my one leg had been upgraded to F, and the 25K miles were deducted from my account.
Whether or not it will ever be upgradeable again is anyone's guess (probably not if you're just a lowly BA Executive Club Zero-miler and have to go through the general call-center, like me) but in the end my polite persistence paid off.
I know I'm late posting this, but I wanted to come and add some closure to this thread anyway now that I had a spare moment.
I'll be in LHR on 12/26 for like 7 hours and on 12/31, too for another 5. PM me if you're around, maybe we can grab a pint and swap stories.
Cheers,
-SF
Just wanted to follow back on to this - after a few more days of back and forth with the India call center, I finally got a call from someone @ BA who had some authority (though I still believe they were in the India Call Center).
The person apologized profusely for all of my time that BA had wasted thus far. Explained that they had done their research and though they couldn't find a single written rule (or memo) saying they shouldn't UuA an AARP Fare, it was that call center's policy not to process them because discount+discount = no, and they consider an upgrade a discount.
Regardless, he was going to process the upgrade through. First, because the very first person said it could be done and only back-tracked after I had already transferred the AMEX miles. In his own words "If one of our staff tells you they'll do something, we're going to do it." Secondly, he referred back to the AARP rule 10 itself where it says
Granted, he said, it's right below the "not combinable with other discounts/deal" but if a UuA isn't a discount/deal (especially since you're paying for it) then the fare is, in fact, an upgradeable fare. He also mentioned that the computers didn't dis-allow it at all, but they show "discounted fare" on the screen, which is why the staff won't push process an upgrade (before I let him go, he clarified that yes, if anyone had actually pushed the button it would have gone through fine).
He mentioned that he's requested clarification from HQ on this rule, but as a one-time courtesy, they were processing the upgrade. A couple hours later I got confirmation in my email that my one leg had been upgraded to F, and the 25K miles were deducted from my account.
Whether or not it will ever be upgradeable again is anyone's guess (probably not if you're just a lowly BA Executive Club Zero-miler and have to go through the general call-center, like me) but in the end my polite persistence paid off.
I know I'm late posting this, but I wanted to come and add some closure to this thread anyway now that I had a spare moment.
I'll be in LHR on 12/26 for like 7 hours and on 12/31, too for another 5. PM me if you're around, maybe we can grab a pint and swap stories.
Cheers,
-SF
Nov 27, 2017, 6:59 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: London - SW4
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 320
Hi all - sorry for resurrecting an old post. Trying to UUA WT-WTP (N fare) and can't do it online. Rang once and was told that only the outbound was UUA-able and the return (which I'm trying to do) wasn't. I don't see this in the AARP terms at all? Am I correct in just applying HUACA tactics or is there a strategy I should take? Twitter team quoted me (having gotten my booking ref) for the correct amount and didn't raise a problem at all. A bit lost... thanks in advance.
Nov 27, 2017, 7:25 am
#23
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,964
Hi all - sorry for resurrecting an old post. Trying to UUA WT-WTP (N fare) and can't do it online. Rang once and was told that only the outbound was UUA-able and the return (which I'm trying to do) wasn't. I don't see this in the AARP terms at all? Am I correct in just applying HUACA tactics or is there a strategy I should take? Twitter team quoted me (having gotten my booking ref) for the correct amount and didn't raise a problem at all. A bit lost... thanks in advance.
Nov 27, 2017, 7:27 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: London - SW4
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 320
I rang the UK silver number (studying in the UK so there now/haven't got a US phone) and he mentioned because it was booked under the "retiree" rate. Didn't seem he was very familiar with the AARP discount, understandably so. Confused me though as to why it would only apply to one leg if that really was the case and not just he BA systems acting up.
Nov 27, 2017, 7:34 am
#25
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: South Florida
Programs: All the best ones.
Posts: 1,415
If there is no award availability (check online award availability for the class you wish to upgrade too for your flight) then it cannot be upgraded by any agent due to lack of availability, except a GGL may use a Joker.
BA can deny an Avios or GUF upgrade on a discounted ticket (eg AARP, Chase 10% off), and sometimes BA does not.
If the discount is preventing the upgrade, the easy solution is to repay the amount of the discount back to BA (painful I know!), so the ticket is no longer discounted, and to ask the agent to go ahead and process the upgrade.
BA can deny an Avios or GUF upgrade on a discounted ticket (eg AARP, Chase 10% off), and sometimes BA does not.
If the discount is preventing the upgrade, the easy solution is to repay the amount of the discount back to BA (painful I know!), so the ticket is no longer discounted, and to ask the agent to go ahead and process the upgrade.
Nov 27, 2017, 7:37 am
#26
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: London - SW4
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 320
If there is no award availability (check online award availability for the class you wish to upgrade too for your flight) then it cannot be upgraded by any agent due to lack of availability, except a GGL may use a Joker.
BA can deny an Avios or GUF upgrade on a discounted ticket (eg AARP, Chase 10% off), and sometimes BA does not.
If the discount is preventing the upgrade, the easy solution is to repay the amount of the discount back to BA (painful I know!), so the ticket is no longer discounted, and to ask the agent to go ahead and process the upgrade.
BA can deny an Avios or GUF upgrade on a discounted ticket (eg AARP, Chase 10% off), and sometimes BA does not.
If the discount is preventing the upgrade, the easy solution is to repay the amount of the discount back to BA (painful I know!), so the ticket is no longer discounted, and to ask the agent to go ahead and process the upgrade.
Nov 27, 2017, 8:34 am
#28
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: London - SW4
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 320
Just off the phone. The (very kind!) agent mentioned that I was on a discounted fare so had to check re: that. Was expecting the change in taxes + the $37.50 but he came back with the originally estimated amount (just under $100).
Guess the old HUACA one has done it again. Thanks KARFA and Peter M for your guidance!
Guess the old HUACA one has done it again. Thanks KARFA and Peter M for your guidance!
Dec 21, 2017, 11:03 pm
#29
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon or Costa Alegre take your pick
Programs: AS MVPG,
Posts: 1,066
FYI: Latest Avios Upgrade on AARP discounted fare request was denied by both representative in Germany and supervisor in England. This denial after I was given the go ahead and transfered the points into my Avios account. I am quite upset. I don't see anything in the terms and conditions about not being upgradable. If you look you will see about 18 months ago I did successfully upgrade an AARP discount segment. Grrr. Now I have 60k orphan points in my Avios account FYI here are the terms and conditions.The exclusive discounts as indicated on this offer page are available online to AARP members only via the dedicated link on this page when booking a round-trip through fare (round-trip flights with connection to final destination, separate tickets do not qualify for discount) from select US gateways to UK and beyond. Not too happy at the moment with BA. Very customer unfriendly. Inconsistent and unclear at best.
Terms and Conditions:
1. Customer must be an AARP member or must travel with an AARP member to be eligible for this exclusive offer.
2. The exclusive discounts are based on round-trip purchase off any published retail World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class) or First fares that are greater than the relevant discount for the class of travel on ba.com via the exclusive link, valid for outbound travel February 1, 2017 – December 31, 2018 on British Airways and British Airways codeshare services operated by American Airlines and on British Airways codeshare services operated by Iberia only. Inbound and outbound travel must be booked in the same cabin.
3. American Airlines and American Eagle flights with a BA flight number that connect to BA operated, AA operated with BA flight numbers and IB operated with BA flight numbers transatlantic flights are permitted.
4. Discount does not apply to open jaw journey (only round-trip with same origin and destination permitted).
5. The exclusive discounts will not apply if booked through a British Airways call centre or travel agent.
6. The exclusive discounts cannot be retroactively applied to bookings NOT made through the exclusive link, ba.com/aarp.
7. All discounted fares will be highlighted with a red ‘Discount’.
8. For new bookings only made February 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018.
9. This offer is not combinable with any other discount or deal.
10. All rules of any fare purchased apply, including advance purchase, minimum/maximum stay, stopovers, weekend add-ons, change fees and cancellation/refund rules. Please refer to individual rules per ticket before purchase.
11. Executive Club members can earn Avios per the terms and conditions of the Executive Club.
12. This exclusive AARP member offer is open to US residents paying in US dollars only, with travel originating in the US.
13. Subject to availability.
14. This offer may be modified, withdrawn or limited by British Airways without notice.
15. Other significant restrictions may apply.
AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. British Airways pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP benefits and offers are subject to change. Please contact British Airways directly for details.
© 2016 British Airways PLC
Terms and Conditions:
1. Customer must be an AARP member or must travel with an AARP member to be eligible for this exclusive offer.
2. The exclusive discounts are based on round-trip purchase off any published retail World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class) or First fares that are greater than the relevant discount for the class of travel on ba.com via the exclusive link, valid for outbound travel February 1, 2017 – December 31, 2018 on British Airways and British Airways codeshare services operated by American Airlines and on British Airways codeshare services operated by Iberia only. Inbound and outbound travel must be booked in the same cabin.
3. American Airlines and American Eagle flights with a BA flight number that connect to BA operated, AA operated with BA flight numbers and IB operated with BA flight numbers transatlantic flights are permitted.
4. Discount does not apply to open jaw journey (only round-trip with same origin and destination permitted).
5. The exclusive discounts will not apply if booked through a British Airways call centre or travel agent.
6. The exclusive discounts cannot be retroactively applied to bookings NOT made through the exclusive link, ba.com/aarp.
7. All discounted fares will be highlighted with a red ‘Discount’.
8. For new bookings only made February 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018.
9. This offer is not combinable with any other discount or deal.
10. All rules of any fare purchased apply, including advance purchase, minimum/maximum stay, stopovers, weekend add-ons, change fees and cancellation/refund rules. Please refer to individual rules per ticket before purchase.
11. Executive Club members can earn Avios per the terms and conditions of the Executive Club.
12. This exclusive AARP member offer is open to US residents paying in US dollars only, with travel originating in the US.
13. Subject to availability.
14. This offer may be modified, withdrawn or limited by British Airways without notice.
15. Other significant restrictions may apply.
AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. British Airways pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP benefits and offers are subject to change. Please contact British Airways directly for details.
© 2016 British Airways PLC