Question regarding upgrading to business class
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
Question regarding upgrading to business class
My gf sprained her ankle 2-3 months ago and just had the cast removed yesterday. We are flying to Hong Kong from Toronto in 2 days for her sister's wedding but she is very worried that she will be very uncomfortable sitting in economy class for a long period of time. Called cathay and asked if we can move her to one of the seats in front of the plane and near the door but they said no.
Now I am not asking if it is possible for an free upgrade as i know its solely based on luck but is it possible to ask the lady at the ticket counter whether my girlfriend can get upgraded to business class for a reduced cost due to unforeseen circumstances? If he/she says yes then do you guys know how much will it cost me to upgrade her to business class?
Just as an FYI we bought the two tickets through her dad as his employers has certain perks like discounted plane tickets and as a result. Not sure if this matters as well but her dad has an Asia Miles card and travels almost twice a year between toronto and hong kong.
Now I am not asking if it is possible for an free upgrade as i know its solely based on luck but is it possible to ask the lady at the ticket counter whether my girlfriend can get upgraded to business class for a reduced cost due to unforeseen circumstances? If he/she says yes then do you guys know how much will it cost me to upgrade her to business class?
Just as an FYI we bought the two tickets through her dad as his employers has certain perks like discounted plane tickets and as a result. Not sure if this matters as well but her dad has an Asia Miles card and travels almost twice a year between toronto and hong kong.
#4
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX Diamond (OW Emerald), former SQ Krisflyer Gold
Posts: 2,527
If you've not yet started the journey, it might make more sense to pay for an upgrade to Premium Economy. There's quite a bit more legroom compared to normal Economy and it would make a difference.
#5
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 7,708
Now I am not asking if it is possible for an free upgrade as i know its solely based on luck but is it possible to ask the lady at the ticket counter whether my girlfriend can get upgraded to business class for a reduced cost due to unforeseen circumstances? If he/she says yes then do you guys know how much will it cost me to upgrade her to business class?
Just as an FYI we bought the two tickets through her dad as his employers has certain perks like discounted plane tickets and as a result. Not sure if this matters as well but her dad has an Asia Miles card and travels almost twice a year between toronto and hong kong.
Just as an FYI we bought the two tickets through her dad as his employers has certain perks like discounted plane tickets and as a result. Not sure if this matters as well but her dad has an Asia Miles card and travels almost twice a year between toronto and hong kong.
"No" and "No" (to the two questions in the first paragraph). The cost of going to biz class is the fare difference, you're not going to be given a break due to a sprained ankle.
And no, unfortunately the things you point out in the second paragraph don't matter either.
#6
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Japan
Programs: NH Diamond, JL JGC Diamond, BA Gold Guest List(Gold for life), CX Diamond
Posts: 1,580
Safety requirements for occupying an Extra-legroom Seat.
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...oomseat#Safety
I don't know wheter he ankle situation satisfies this requirement and others, or not.
* Be able to promptly reach, lift and throw open the exit door in an emergency;
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...oomseat#Safety
I don't know wheter he ankle situation satisfies this requirement and others, or not.
* Be able to promptly reach, lift and throw open the exit door in an emergency;
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: AA Lifetime PLT , BA Silver , BD RIP , HH Gold, SPG / Marriott PLT , EF Subscriber
Posts: 6,702
Strange the OP did not know if his GF sprained her ankle 8 or 13 weeks ago? I would Hazzard a Guess that "The Sprained Ankle" Apologue is in the Top 5 Upgrade requests at check-in. Also could not Frequent Flyer Daddy transfer some of his Miles into her Family Group and get her an upgrade.
Last edited by UncleDude; Jun 18, 2012 at 4:54 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 91
Safety requirements for occupying an Extra-legroom Seat.
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...oomseat#Safety
I don't know wheter he ankle situation satisfies this requirement and others, or not.
* Be able to promptly reach, lift and throw open the exit door in an emergency;
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...oomseat#Safety
I don't know wheter he ankle situation satisfies this requirement and others, or not.
* Be able to promptly reach, lift and throw open the exit door in an emergency;
Last edited by comcats; Jun 18, 2012 at 4:53 am Reason: Realised that she had her ankle cast removed already
#9
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: MPC,CA,MU,AF
Posts: 8,171
Safety requirements for occupying an Extra-legroom Seat.
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...oomseat#Safety
I don't know wheter he ankle situation satisfies this requirement and others, or not.
* Be able to promptly reach, lift and throw open the exit door in an emergency;
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...oomseat#Safety
I don't know wheter he ankle situation satisfies this requirement and others, or not.
* Be able to promptly reach, lift and throw open the exit door in an emergency;
#10
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,800
If it wasn't that high demand then perhaps the easy way out is to find a row of three for your GF for any time the seat belt sign isn't on. No chance now.
And yes you and your GF are gonna be hemmed in like sardines. Feeling the impulse to kill your sister in law-to be now for scheduling a wedding smack in the middle of peak travel season?
#11
Ambassador, Hong Kong and Macau
Join Date: May 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: Non-top tier Asia Miles member
Posts: 19,800
OP mentioned he bought a contract discount fare.
#12
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX Diamond / SQ Gold / Bonvoy Platinum / Hyatt Globalist / Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,098
apart from Premium Economy (if it's on your flight), what about purchasing a second seat (using that contract/discount fare) for medical reasons?
https://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en..._services_fees
Extra Seat For Personal Comfort or Medical Reason
The additional charge for a 2nd seat requested by a passenger must not be less than the applicable fare paid by the passenger for the 1st seat.
my guess is that purchasing a second seat would be cheaper than upgrading to business class.
https://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en..._services_fees
Extra Seat For Personal Comfort or Medical Reason
The additional charge for a 2nd seat requested by a passenger must not be less than the applicable fare paid by the passenger for the 1st seat.
my guess is that purchasing a second seat would be cheaper than upgrading to business class.
#13
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX, UA, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Starwood
Posts: 7,708
Although I'm not familiar, indeed it could be possible! In that case there isn't much the op-up can do. However, from the OP's tone I don't think paying the full fare difference is something on the table, regardless.
#14
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX Diamond (OW Emerald), former SQ Krisflyer Gold
Posts: 2,527
#15
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: CX Diamond / SQ Gold / Bonvoy Platinum / Hyatt Globalist / Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,098
As far as I know (me being no orthopaedic surgeon ), ankle "sprains" usually heal in a few weeks? A sprain lasting "2-3 months" sounds like something more serious.
And since the injury is an "ankle sprain", my assumption is that she probably doesn't need to stretch her legs fully straight?