Paying for upgrade onboard...
 

Has anyone actually done this on CX? I wasn't sure but I think someone was trying to actually pay for an upgrade on board, he already moved to the seat across the aisle before the doors closed, the ISM was showing something with the iPad...but in the end he was sent back once we were cruising.

[The guy also snuck into an enclosed immigration section reserved for arriving Filipino passengers who cannot use the newly installed e-channel]

I saw someone pay onboard. . They used a handheld cc machine to process the payment.

I think I know OP's Instagram now...:D Nice pic!

Back to topic: I witnessed a guy in Y asking SP on upgrading to J (with PEY cabin) but SP explained only one class was allowed, so the guy did not pursue further.

I've done a points upgrade onboard. The purser used an IPAD and processed it all in the air. Very convenient.

How did you find out??

I'm very curious about this as I thought I read on flyertalk that it wasn't possibe, however have spoken to a former flight crew SP whom told me it was.

I think the after the roll out of the iPad to ISM and SP, it's now possible. I'm just curious what happened because the ISM apologized and sent the guy back (unsure whether its EY or PEY)

I posted about it last Monday night.

I know you can do cash upgrade on-board but Asia Miles, too? Do they have the information of the sub-class booked to determine if the pax is eligible?

Mine was definitely an Asia Miles upgrade and they knew my flight was eligible.

Actually it's more than full fare difference

e.g. I know how much it takes to upgrade Y fare to J fare before flight (e.g. around HK$3,600 for HKG-PEK), but if you upgrade at airport or even onboard, it'll be north of HK$4000

Yikes! Why would people do that? They've missed out on the ground benefits like lounge and extra luggage allowance. Would they even get the tier points and miles for the upgraded cabin?

Probably not common but maybe the person got ill after boarding the plane (hopefully not contagious disease and still decide to travel), like back pain or something and really want a better seat at that point?

On one trip I had a really bad stomach flu on the day I need to travel back home. Luckily, I was in J and had a flat bed and that helped. If I was in Y, I would have asked for a possible upgrade in cash as my mind was like ''I don't care anymore, just want to lie down and get back home ASAP''!