Upgrading to Business Class
Dec 15, 2009 | 1:55 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3
Upgrading to Business Class
I've accumulated a substantial number of miles (over 70,000) these past two years flying round trip Tel Aviv/New York, and I'm trying to figure out what it takes to upgrade an Economy ticket to Business class.
As best as I can figure out (the Continental site is difficult to decrypt), I need 30,000 miles for each direction to upgrade. Am I missing something here? Can I buy a (relatively) cheap economy ticket and upgrade it to Business class which costs at least twice as much, with just 30,000 miles, when to get a regular economy ticket free would require many, many more miles?
If anybody has any experience at this, I would appreciate an answer. As I say, the Continental site is not very clear about this.
As best as I can figure out (the Continental site is difficult to decrypt), I need 30,000 miles for each direction to upgrade. Am I missing something here? Can I buy a (relatively) cheap economy ticket and upgrade it to Business class which costs at least twice as much, with just 30,000 miles, when to get a regular economy ticket free would require many, many more miles?
If anybody has any experience at this, I would appreciate an answer. As I say, the Continental site is not very clear about this.
Dec 15, 2009 | 2:02 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: PWP Postmaster General, :rolleyes: Sapphire, UA GS, and Marriott Plat
Posts: 10,665
Welcome to FT, xelaw! ^^
I assume you are talking about upgrades on EWR-TLV. If this is the case, all but the two most expensive economy fare classes will require a co-pay in addition to the miles.
Check out the Interactive Reward Chart and click on the tab that says "Upgrade Rewards" for co-pay details. You will notice that the lower fare classes (WESTNL) have a higher co-pay than the higher fare classes (M, H, K.)
You can also check out the FAQ here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/7374772-post32.html
Hope this helps!
I assume you are talking about upgrades on EWR-TLV. If this is the case, all but the two most expensive economy fare classes will require a co-pay in addition to the miles.
Check out the Interactive Reward Chart and click on the tab that says "Upgrade Rewards" for co-pay details. You will notice that the lower fare classes (WESTNL) have a higher co-pay than the higher fare classes (M, H, K.)
You can also check out the FAQ here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/7374772-post32.html
Hope this helps!
Dec 15, 2009 | 2:37 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: No longer loyal "over-entitled" 1K
Posts: 3,825
Also, keep in mind that 30,000 miles you are quoting is for one-way upgrade.
In order to upgrade both EWR-TLV and TLV-EWR flights, you'd need 60,000 miles on top of (most likely) $1,000 co-pay for most deeply discounted economy fares.
In order to upgrade both EWR-TLV and TLV-EWR flights, you'd need 60,000 miles on top of (most likely) $1,000 co-pay for most deeply discounted economy fares.
Dec 15, 2009 | 6:20 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3
I'm beginning to understand
FT Lueker, kkJay77, thanks for your quick replies.
I'm beginning to see their system now: the less you pay for the ticket, the more you pay for the upgrade. Now I have to figure out if I can find an advantage somewhere; probably not. I realize round trip is 60,000 miles.
Thanks again.
I'm beginning to see their system now: the less you pay for the ticket, the more you pay for the upgrade. Now I have to figure out if I can find an advantage somewhere; probably not. I realize round trip is 60,000 miles.
Thanks again.
Dec 15, 2009 | 9:35 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K 1MMer & LT UC (when flying UA); Hyatt Credit Cardist; HHonors Gold; Marriott Gold via UA 1K
Posts: 7,145
I just booked a flight to TLV for February. When I did the cost comparison, a B fare was only slightly more expensive than the cheapest Y fare + co-pays, and a B fare earns me 150% RDM's + EQM's. I was also able to confirm all 4 upgrades at the time of booking.
I would suggest that you play around with different fare classes + co-pays. You do not state your status level, but you might actually be better off buying a B fare if you can confirm the upgrades at the time of booking. If not, the cheapest fare + co-pay probably makes more sense, since the co-pay will be refunded if your upgrade does not clear.
I would suggest that you play around with different fare classes + co-pays. You do not state your status level, but you might actually be better off buying a B fare if you can confirm the upgrades at the time of booking. If not, the cheapest fare + co-pay probably makes more sense, since the co-pay will be refunded if your upgrade does not clear.
Dec 15, 2009 | 11:11 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 3
SS255, thanks for the advice. I've just been playing around with fare prices and co-pays and different classes. Actualy a B fare appeals to me because it's unrestricted so I can change my dates if I have to, and doesn't require a co-pay for upgrade. It comes out slightly more than L fare with a co-pay, but it gives me a flexibility that I might need.