BA FT Board - What to expect?
Aug 25, 2008, 12:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2002
Programs: QF Platinum (OW Emerald); QF Lifestime Silver; BD Diamond Club Gold (*A Gold)
Posts: 4,786
BA FT Board - What to expect?
Hi there
I've been surfing the interweb thing and chanced upon this BA EC FT board.
My questions:
1. I don't have any status with any program. When might I expect my first upgrade?
2. I travel widely in Y class on many airlines. Why should I expect Y on BA to be any different?
3. My favorite airlines are British and Quantas. Will that get me an upgrade?
Thanks for listening.
I've been surfing the interweb thing and chanced upon this BA EC FT board.
My questions:
1. I don't have any status with any program. When might I expect my first upgrade?
2. I travel widely in Y class on many airlines. Why should I expect Y on BA to be any different?
3. My favorite airlines are British and Quantas. Will that get me an upgrade?
Thanks for listening.
Aug 25, 2008, 1:38 pm
#3
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MEL
Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.
Posts: 3,205
1. My top tip would be to arrive at the airport early and wear a suit and tie. If you look smart, you might well get upgraded if the airline has overbooked the flight and by turning up early, you have shown yourself to be helpful to the airline. Do smile at the check in assistant and ask, politely, whether you could be upgraded
2. This is really not important if you follow the advice at 1.
3. There's no harm in mentioning this to the check in assistant too - it can only enhance your chances of an upgrade - but only with British and Quantas, of course.
2. This is really not important if you follow the advice at 1.
3. There's no harm in mentioning this to the check in assistant too - it can only enhance your chances of an upgrade - but only with British and Quantas, of course.
Aug 25, 2008, 1:46 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: UK
Programs: Mucci, BA LTG + GGL, SPG LTP, HHonors Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador
Posts: 12,695
Interesting questions. But most of all, well done to the OP for not asking what seat they should select. Then moaning when they're told they can't select a seat due to the seating policy anyway. Then threatening to sue BA for denying them the right to select a seat and further denying them any compensation for this fact after they e-mailed customer services. Via the wrong link. And since is this the last time they'll ever fly BA as a result, will their 777 have New Club World fitted for when they get their upgrade?
Aug 25, 2008, 1:47 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Edinburgh UK
Programs: BA Silver, HHonours Gold, Mucci of Pucci, Oyster Card, Nectar Card, Father's Day Card
Posts: 9,372
Don't you want to know what the best seat in Y on a 777 is?
Aug 25, 2008, 1:48 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: York
Posts: 37
Hi there
I've been surfing the interweb thing and chanced upon this BA EC FT board.
My questions:
1. I don't have any status with any program. When might I expect my first upgrade?
2. I travel widely in Y class on many airlines. Why should I expect Y on BA to be any different?
3. My favorite airlines are British and Quantas. Will that get me an upgrade?
Thanks for listening.
I've been surfing the interweb thing and chanced upon this BA EC FT board.
My questions:
1. I don't have any status with any program. When might I expect my first upgrade?
2. I travel widely in Y class on many airlines. Why should I expect Y on BA to be any different?
3. My favorite airlines are British and Quantas. Will that get me an upgrade?
Thanks for listening.
1. As noted above, a short and tie, will do the trick or failing that mention your birthday, anniversary, death of close relative, etc. Well, it worked for my Auntie Gertrude.
2. Sadly, they are all carp.
3. Definitely mention British at every opportunity. If you have a broad Texan drawl it'll sound even better.
Be sure to let us know how you get on.
J R Hartley
Aug 25, 2008, 1:51 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MEL
Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.
Posts: 3,205
Another tip is that many airlines in the US give out more upgrades. You will probably improve your chances of an upgrade if the check in assistant thinks you are used to this sort of service, especially if there is a chance you might fly more often with British or Quantas. You might say something like: "my company usually makes us fly with Pan Am or TWA, but I'm trying to persuade them to shift their travel to British or Quantas. If you give me an upgrade, I'm sure it will help persuade them".
That should do the trick.
That should do the trick.
Aug 25, 2008, 1:51 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: BHD/DUB
Programs: BA Gold, TK*G, EI Elite
Posts: 7,622
Aug 25, 2008, 1:58 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MEL
Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.
Posts: 3,205
If all else fails, you could pretend to know people - mention you know Sir Michael Bishop personally and will have to report your experience to him next time you're round for tea.
Aug 25, 2008, 2:01 pm
#12
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: YVR but often E1
Programs: BA Silver, FI, AC
Posts: 1,243
British? British Air? Please call the airline by its correct name: Brit Air. Thank you so much.
Aug 25, 2008, 2:07 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MEL
Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.
Posts: 3,205
Finally, if even name dropping didn't work, then give the check in agent something to think about. Say: "I'll have you know I have flown with British in business class every week for the last three years between Heathrow and Belfast but now I'll seriously consider using Ryanair instead. Just think about that for a while.".
Aug 25, 2008, 2:21 pm
#14
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: MEL
Programs: QF, VA, VN, BA, SQ, KC - all reds and blues.
Posts: 3,205
And even if it doesn't work on the ground, try it on board. As soon as you get on, ask to speak to the head stewardess. Don't be fobbed off - just wait in the doorway area until they get her for you. Then repeat all the top tips I have already suggested. She'll never know that you've already got a no at check in.