Op-up based upon fare
 

Asia miles requires a booking class of K or higher to be able to redeem an upgrade to business. Does this also apply to their decision on op-ups? So say if you are booked in L or V, is it true you will not receive an op-up on the day of departure regardless of whether or not Y is oversold and what your status is?

The consensus seems to be that fare class does not matter. I've recently been one of three pax upgraded to first class on CX 838 as a GO. I was travelling on an I class fare, so unless there were only two people on J C and D class fares, it does look like that fare class does not matter. Previously I (and other people on this board) had been upgraded on a U class (redemption) ticket.

Incidentally, there is a field in the system (that even the check-in agent sees) giving the date of last upgrade. Upgrading based on status + tie-breaks using that field would be ideal in my mind.

The consensus here is upgrade based on Tier Level, and then BN number. Of course if CX thinks you got an op-up recently therefore you shouldn't get another one doesn't sound too ideal to me, but whatever.

Do you think that the fact that CX and the check-in agent, saw your last upgrade date/flight that this makes a difference to being oped up or not? e.g. if 2 MPO same tier members require op up and you had BN1 but had an upgrade last flight... this might mean no upgrade?... Hope not! BN and status seem the best option in my mind.

Been upgraded on AM redemption tickets sometimes... so in short no fare class does not matter.

The agent won't necessarily be involved.

And don't get me wrong - I very much enjoyed my CX 838 F upgrade when I was BN 4. But I do think tie-breaks giving priority to a same-tier member who hasn't enjoyed an upgrade for the longest would be a fairer metric than who had the fastest internet access 48 hrs before departure.

Could anyone clarify what BN means? Thanks

Boarding number, or how early you check in (online or at the counter). Since online check-in opens 48 hours before time of departure, the first one to check in then will be BN 1, then BN 2, etc.

I see. Thanks. Does this BN affect your overall flight experience (e.g., op-up? baggage handling?)? Sorry for this silly question...

BN is pretty much a useless number unless for op-up tie-breaking. Otherwise, it helps you in absolutely no other way.

I have some inside information that BN is not the first consideration after tier for determining who is op-up'd.

Any inside information on what is, then?

May you share more?

Well whether they can technically upgrade you will also count... if you have BN1 but travel with a group, or travel with kids etc... and there are only 1 seat left in J... I guess you won't be upgraded... of course this is after tier.

Most of the time your Op-Upgrade is determined by the system. CX Ground staff/Agent doesn't have authorities to upgrade you for free unless receiving instructions from some higher managers. I was upgraded for 3 times during X'mas period last year - so I can tell your upgrade history doesn't really count.