Changing fare class to be eligible for upgrade?
Sep 4, 2019, 9:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 1
Changing fare class to be eligible for upgrade?
I have some Asia Miles that I would like to use to upgrade from Premium Economy --> Business class on a long haul flight coming up. On the way there, the flight I'm looking at has an R class ticket (eligible for upgrade), but the way back is E class (not eligible). Is there a way to pay the premium to get an R class fare, or do I have to book a different flight entirely?
Sep 4, 2019, 10:07 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,010
I have some Asia Miles that I would like to use to upgrade from Premium Economy --> Business class on a long haul flight coming up. On the way there, the flight I'm looking at has an R class ticket (eligible for upgrade), but the way back is E class (not eligible). Is there a way to pay the premium to get an R class fare, or do I have to book a different flight entirely?
Upgrades are never guaranteed, so it may be a waste of money
Sep 5, 2019, 12:01 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Vancouver, Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong
Programs: CX-DM, Marriott Gold, Fairmont Premier
Posts: 335
I've done this.
But I used KVS Tools to tell me whether or not there's an upgrade available first. When it showed me CS1, I called Marco Polo to see if there was indeed an upgrade available. Sometimes what appears in KVS might no be an upgrade redemption but it could be a full redemption or companion.
Once MP confirmed it was an upgrade redemption, she helped me to change my fare from E to W and then proceeded to issue me the upgrade.
But I used KVS Tools to tell me whether or not there's an upgrade available first. When it showed me CS1, I called Marco Polo to see if there was indeed an upgrade available. Sometimes what appears in KVS might no be an upgrade redemption but it could be a full redemption or companion.
Once MP confirmed it was an upgrade redemption, she helped me to change my fare from E to W and then proceeded to issue me the upgrade.
Sep 5, 2019, 8:32 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: CX MPC DM
Posts: 416
If you're working with a travel agent with a good relationship with CX, they can phone ahead to inquire about upgrade confirmation before processing the E->R ticket upgrade. If not and you don't have any MPC status you might encounter a long wait. Is your upgrade confirmed on the departing leg?