Can (and how do) you refuse an OpUp?
Jan 6, 2018, 12:50 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Basingstoke, UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 54
Can (and how do) you refuse an OpUp?
Got a quick question while I'm sat in the Flounge waiting for the 09:35 to SEA.
The Fwing agent that did my visa check advised that Economy (where I am
) was oversold by 17, Premium Economy oversold by 7 and Business/First massively undersold.
She wouldn't let me do a paid airport upgrade because of the oversold situation. She advised that the chance of an OpUp for myself is very high (single traveller GGL).
Now I'm wondering if I can refuse an OpUp if the machine goes beep when they scan my BP?
Reason I'd refuse one....if I get OpUped to Premium Economy or Club World the chances of me getting a window seat are quite low. I was very happy with 39k on the 777 due to it being the only twin row along with the good window positioning and the extra storage space between the wall and seat and space behind. In my opinion that seat (which I've been on many times before) is the best thing about the 777 and I would choose it over any non-window seat in WTP any day.
So if I get OpUped in a couple hours into WTP and I ask about a window seat and they say no can I refuse the OpUp and have it deferred to someone else? Mainly to keep my 39k.
I would happily accept WTP with a window seat or any club world seat (unlikely I know) it's just if I'm going to lose my window seat on a 10 hour flight it's going to cause me issues with anxiety and motion sickness (having a window seat does wonders for my anxiety as I'm sure some people can relate to) so if there's a way for me to politely request not to be OpUped I would like to try it.
Wondering if anyone has experiences with declining UpOps. My initial thought is that it's a "tough cookie just enjoy your extra legroom" and I'm okay if that is the answer but it's worth me checking the awesome knowledge pool here first
The Fwing agent that did my visa check advised that Economy (where I am
) was oversold by 17, Premium Economy oversold by 7 and Business/First massively undersold.She wouldn't let me do a paid airport upgrade because of the oversold situation. She advised that the chance of an OpUp for myself is very high (single traveller GGL).
Now I'm wondering if I can refuse an OpUp if the machine goes beep when they scan my BP?
Reason I'd refuse one....if I get OpUped to Premium Economy or Club World the chances of me getting a window seat are quite low. I was very happy with 39k on the 777 due to it being the only twin row along with the good window positioning and the extra storage space between the wall and seat and space behind. In my opinion that seat (which I've been on many times before) is the best thing about the 777 and I would choose it over any non-window seat in WTP any day.
So if I get OpUped in a couple hours into WTP and I ask about a window seat and they say no can I refuse the OpUp and have it deferred to someone else? Mainly to keep my 39k.
I would happily accept WTP with a window seat or any club world seat (unlikely I know) it's just if I'm going to lose my window seat on a 10 hour flight it's going to cause me issues with anxiety and motion sickness (having a window seat does wonders for my anxiety as I'm sure some people can relate to) so if there's a way for me to politely request not to be OpUped I would like to try it.
Wondering if anyone has experiences with declining UpOps. My initial thought is that it's a "tough cookie just enjoy your extra legroom" and I'm okay if that is the answer but it's worth me checking the awesome knowledge pool here first
Jan 6, 2018, 12:57 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Effectively grounded
Programs: BA GGL for a little while longer
Posts: 844
I had precisely this scenario on a personal LHR-LAX last year.
At OLCI the app had me moving from my (carefully-selected) WT exit row window to an aisle in the middle of the WTP cabin. I used the BP to go through Security then asked the FLounge agent to switch me back.
All done in 5 minutes with no drama, and my exit row seatmates turned out to be a fascinating couple
At OLCI the app had me moving from my (carefully-selected) WT exit row window to an aisle in the middle of the WTP cabin. I used the BP to go through Security then asked the FLounge agent to switch me back.
All done in 5 minutes with no drama, and my exit row seatmates turned out to be a fascinating couple
Jan 6, 2018, 1:05 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Basingstoke, UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 54
Thanks OverTheHorizon! - That's good to know!
In my case OLCI worked fine and I got the seat I wanted. It's more a concern about at the gate when they begin boarding (I don't want to hold people up and want to know what to say to the gate angels).
Thanks for the Flounge tip - I'll ask on my way out to the gate if anythings changed yet they may be able to see it (I arrived 4 hours early so I imagine operations hadn't yet done the moves but T-45 they may have )
Glad to know I'm not the only one that prefers a window seat over all else
In my case OLCI worked fine and I got the seat I wanted. It's more a concern about at the gate when they begin boarding (I don't want to hold people up and want to know what to say to the gate angels).
Thanks for the Flounge tip - I'll ask on my way out to the gate if anythings changed yet they may be able to see it (I arrived 4 hours early so I imagine operations hadn't yet done the moves but T-45 they may have
)Glad to know I'm not the only one that prefers a window seat over all else
Jan 6, 2018, 1:29 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Krakow
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Posts: 5,921
if you have the app then there is a good chance any op up would appear there and you could see it before you leave the lounge
Jan 6, 2018, 1:54 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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Exactly, if being op-up'ed worries you, just keep refreshing the app a few times and you'll notice any seat change. 'Gate upgrades' really means that we only find out at the gate, but they often take place a little earlier than that in practice, and now with the app you see it in real time.
Jan 6, 2018, 2:02 am
#6
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,127
You can ask for your old seat back, although it might take the agent a bit of an effort to get it back for you.
My husband declined the op-up from a WT exit row aisle or window to WT+ middle a couple of times and it took a bit of time to get the original seat back but he did get it back.
My husband declined the op-up from a WT exit row aisle or window to WT+ middle a couple of times and it took a bit of time to get the original seat back but he did get it back.
Jan 6, 2018, 2:12 am
#7
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Posts: 63,809
But yes, you can decline upgrades, though if they moved a couple into your seat (ie. moved 2 single passengers) then it can get rather messy. But it can be done. Luckily it's rare these days that upgrades should be declined. I take your point that you really want a window seat - and the same for me - but it used to be a bigger issue (e.g. when Old First was around). Arguably still is on JFK services, I'm not sure I'd want First on a daytime service if SuperJ 747 UD. Mostly there is enough product differentation that passengers wouldn't normally decline upgrades.
It is also totally OK to haggle for a better seat, particularly with Customer Services in First, it's not usually a busy desk and shouldn't be so on a Saturday. Moreover there is usually some scope for trading seats on board if there are a lot of status upgrades since someone else will no doubt be given a window seat and prefer an aisle. I was going to say "have a look at ExpertFlyer" to assist this, but in your case every single seat in all cabins is allocated, with just 3 seats available in First.
Jan 6, 2018, 2:17 am
#8
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver, M&M, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,223
Got a quick question while I'm sat in the Flounge waiting for the 09:35 to SEA.
(...)
Reason I'd refuse one....if I get OpUped to Premium Economy or Club World the chances of me getting a window seat are quite low. I was very happy with 39k on the 777 due to it being the only twin row along with the good window positioning and the extra storage space between the wall and seat and space behind. In my opinion that seat (which I've been on many times before) is the best thing about the 777 and I would choose it over any non-window seat in WTP any day.
(...)
Reason I'd refuse one....if I get OpUped to Premium Economy or Club World the chances of me getting a window seat are quite low. I was very happy with 39k on the 777 due to it being the only twin row along with the good window positioning and the extra storage space between the wall and seat and space behind. In my opinion that seat (which I've been on many times before) is the best thing about the 777 and I would choose it over any non-window seat in WTP any day.
Jan 6, 2018, 2:21 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Basingstoke, UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 54
All sorted!
It didn’t show on the app nor in the Lounge when we left but when we got to the gate a long beep and now I’m in 23G
gate agent said I could go back to economy but not the twin pair seat I had previously.
so I choose to stay in WTP and not cause any fuss and maybe ask the person with the window seat if they want to swap.
EDIT: thanks to the cute young American guy in 25k that swapped with me. You don’t know how much help you’ve been and how grateful I am to both you and the cabin crew member that spoke to you and asked. A truly nice guy in random circumstances. Thank you!!!
Also; the app still shows me as 39k on the more details page (just a data point)
It didn’t show on the app nor in the Lounge when we left but when we got to the gate a long beep and now I’m in 23G
gate agent said I could go back to economy but not the twin pair seat I had previously.
so I choose to stay in WTP and not cause any fuss and maybe ask the person with the window seat if they want to swap.
EDIT: thanks to the cute young American guy in 25k that swapped with me. You don’t know how much help you’ve been and how grateful I am to both you and the cabin crew member that spoke to you and asked. A truly nice guy in random circumstances. Thank you!!!
Also; the app still shows me as 39k on the more details page (just a data point)
Last edited by rssfed23; Jan 6, 2018 at 2:51 am
Jan 6, 2018, 2:43 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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Hmm... I wouldn't and I personally don't think that's on actually. You had your options and any qualm you have about them should be with BA and not with the poor guy sitting next to you who has nothing to do with it. Chances are that they are there because that is what they booked and paid for which is not your case. Many people feel guilty about saying no and I'm actually against asking them for a seat change unless there is a really imperious reason to do so. If you would prefer a window then mention this to the crew and see if there is something they can arrange. For instance, they might be aware of people who sat separately who would be glad to swap etc but at least you are not making an innocent feel like the bad guy and worry that you will be an unhappy neighbour for the next 10 hours.
I know plenty of people say: "oh well, just ask and they can always say no", I think that this completely ignores the norms of psychology and social desirability (people are barely now becoming aware of the phenomenon in a very different context).
I know plenty of people say: "oh well, just ask and they can always say no", I think that this completely ignores the norms of psychology and social desirability (people are barely now becoming aware of the phenomenon in a very different context).
?
Jan 6, 2018, 2:54 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Jan 6, 2018, 2:55 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2002
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So to summarize:
- There is no way to pre-decline an op-up (special meal perhaps?)
- There is no way to protect/guarantee an original seat assignment when declining a processed op-up
- There is no way to pre-decline an op-up (special meal perhaps?)
- There is no way to protect/guarantee an original seat assignment when declining a processed op-up
Jan 6, 2018, 3:01 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Basingstoke, UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 54
Hmm... I wouldn't and I personally don't think that's on actually. You had your options and any qualm you have about them should be with BA and not with the poor guy sitting next to you who has nothing to do with it. Chances are that they are there because that is what they booked and paid for which is not your case. Many people feel guilty about saying no and I'm actually against asking them for a seat change unless there is a really imperious reason to do so. If you would prefer a window then mention this to the crew and see if there is something they can arrange. For instance, they might be aware of people who sat separately who would be glad to swap etc but at least you are not making an innocent feel like the bad guy and worry that you will be an unhappy neighbour for the next 10 hours.
I know plenty of people say: "oh well, just ask and they can always say no", I think that this completely ignores the norms of psychology and social desirability (people are barely now becoming aware of the phenomenon in a very different context).
I know plenty of people say: "oh well, just ask and they can always say no", I think that this completely ignores the norms of psychology and social desirability (people are barely now becoming aware of the phenomenon in a very different context).
The chance to change the plan isn’t the best chance tbh and I don’t agree with that - with only one scanner in use at the gate I was holding everyone up when I asked questions. I did everything possible in advance (check in agent, flounge agent and checking the app) to find out what was happening but it wasn’t known until reaching the gate and I was one of the first to board and as such holding up everyone creates a significant amount of pressure to make a rushed decision so saying I had my chance is true but IMHO my chance wasn’t as free or open as it could of been with the mounting queues and stares coming my way from the priority line. I guess im saying I agree with you in a way but also feel it wasn’t fair to make a pressured decision with a few factors about something that’s very important to me (It’s disrupted a flight before. No diversion but cabin and flight crew involved as well as mediline or whatever the telephone/Radio doctor services that BA use are called) and as such want to avoid it when possible.
anyways in this case everyone wins and we’re just being de-iced. Thanks for everyone’s opinions, suggestions and comments it goes to show how great FT can be when a situation occurres
.