Question regarding upgrades using miles
Jan 6, 2004 | 6:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Montreal
Posts: 657
Question regarding upgrades using miles
Hi,
I don't often fly Continental anymore -- though I have plenty of miles stored up from previous travel (and few occasions to use them). I recently found a really good fare for a EWR-HNL trip (nonstop!). The fare would be in S booking code. Is it possible to use miles to upgrade that fare? I have no status with Continental.
Thanks very much for your help.
I don't often fly Continental anymore -- though I have plenty of miles stored up from previous travel (and few occasions to use them). I recently found a really good fare for a EWR-HNL trip (nonstop!). The fare would be in S booking code. Is it possible to use miles to upgrade that fare? I have no status with Continental.
Thanks very much for your help.
Jan 6, 2004 | 6:52 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Between AUS, EWR, and YTO In a little twisty maze of airline seats, all alike.. but I wanna go home with the armadillo
Programs: CO, NW, & UA forum moderator emeritus. Eurobonus Millionaire
Posts: 38,711
Prepare to be disappointed. The details are here. The meat of the rules is this part:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">BusinessFirst Select Economy Fares Upgrade Policy: Members who purchase a B, V, U, Q, I, S, W, T, X or L (or equivalent) fare can pay a non-refundable service fee in addition to the miles in order to upgrade to BusinessFirst. The non-refundable service fee is $300 one way for B, V, and U (or equivalent) fares and $400 one way for Q, I, S, W, T, X and L (or equivalent) fares. Members will only be charged the service fee when the BusinessFirst upgrade has been cleared.</font>
Jan 6, 2004 | 9:37 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Montreal
Posts: 657
Ouch. Now that's a horrible deal. I wonder if anyone does that?
I guess I'll try to find another use for those miles. Thanks very much for your help!
I guess I'll try to find another use for those miles. Thanks very much for your help!
Jan 6, 2004 | 11:20 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DL-PM
Posts: 863
Welcome NewtoCanada to BendingForward.
Jan 7, 2004 | 6:24 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Manasquan, NJ
Posts: 1,413
Oh, but wait, it just gets better! Remember, it's 2004 now:
Effective January 1, 2004, members who purchase a K (or equivalent) fare can pay a $200 non-refundable service fee in addition to the miles in order to upgrade to BusinessFirst. Members traveling to or from Hawaii who purchase an H or K (or equivalent) fare can pay a $200 non-refundable service fee in addition to the miles in order to upgrade to BusinessFirst.
Now, I wonder why they have a non-Y-fare upgrade award at all?
Robin
Effective January 1, 2004, members who purchase a K (or equivalent) fare can pay a $200 non-refundable service fee in addition to the miles in order to upgrade to BusinessFirst. Members traveling to or from Hawaii who purchase an H or K (or equivalent) fare can pay a $200 non-refundable service fee in addition to the miles in order to upgrade to BusinessFirst.
Now, I wonder why they have a non-Y-fare upgrade award at all?
Robin
Jan 7, 2004 | 7:43 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Homosassa, FL & Ringwood, NJ -UA-G(Lifetime); SPG-Plat (Lifetime)
Posts: 6,122
H is still out there without a service fee, but you need to run the numbers to see what the lowest total cost will be. It does happen the H is cheaper than any of the others plus the service fees. Its another stupid time wasting thing that CO forces you to go thru to find the lowest price.
[This message has been edited by Vulcan (edited Jan 07, 2004).]
[This message has been edited by Vulcan (edited Jan 07, 2004).]
Jan 7, 2004 | 8:31 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Montreal
Posts: 657
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Welcome NewtoCanada to BendingForward.</font>
I notice that their rule states that I "can pay" the extra $400 or whatever it is. I'm well aware of that already. Since it's not "must pay," do you think I could just choose not to?