Howdy

I am booked in B class on a KL flight from LAX-AMS-ATH on 2/15 and I called the OPSC to see if a World Business Class upgrade was available. Nada. I checked the KVS Availability Tool and there are several seats available in WBC on that flight for all segments. When do you suppose (if ever) KL will release these seats in their version of the "R" bucket? The OPSC Customer Service Agent could not give a guess.

To upgrade a B fare you need availability in the D bucket on KLM (KVS tool shows this). While there are 7 seats in WBC right now, there are no D seats available for your flight just yet. Basically call every day, KL is bound to release some if they dont sell anymore.

Merci beaucoups! I am getting quite an education in the airline industry simply by monitering the flyertalk forums. Thank you for your help.

please keep us posted on how things work out...i fly KL a lot and am always curious to see how the current upgrading mood is

Will do. I'm calling the OPSC International Rewards desk 2x a day.

I am so new to all the lingo....what is the "KVS tool"?

Where can I find a summary of all the fare codes?

From the "search this forum" box, type in KVS and you will see threads on KVS - one has directions on how to request access. You then do a download and install on your PC. It is a tool which allows you to see the number of seats in each fare bucket.

There are two versions: one free - more limited only one reservation system and a second one - with more accesss to more systems - requires a donation be mailed to the creator of the tool (he is in Canada).

First you email and requested access to the free version - then KVS mails you back a free license code.
If you mail a contribution (he says average contribution has been $30) you get an upgraded license code - which gives full access to about six reservations systems - one of which shows the number of "R" class on CO which is the upgrade availability code. (Although the license is only for 6 months).

Not really access to reservation systems - but when you type in to/from airline (in some cases) and time - you get the full range of fare buckets.

So theoretically, it's a $60 fee to use the KVS tool...

I have the free version...but I haven't decided if it's worth the $30; if it's $60 and I have to renew then it may change my mind...

- HF

I don't recall seeing anything about 6 months. I did the $30 and have been pleased ("R" buckets on CO being the reason). FWIW, I cashed in some Mypoints for 2 $25 web certs & used $30 of that.

It is worth the money if you want to see CO "R", NW "I", or KL "D". There are probably a lot others that I don't use, but to be able to see these is worth it to me.

Ed

Does NW generally have more availability than KL for OnePass elites to upgrade to WBC from B fares to Europe? I've only tried once on each carrier DTW - AMS, IAD - AMS; I'm CO Gold) - both times I was successful about a week out by calling the international desk every day.

you know this is a great question...i myself am trying to plan multiple trips to europe using either KL or NW and upgrading with miles...as of now i'm leaning towards NW because B fares earn 150% eqm...but i like KL metal flights MUCH more than NW, anyone have better luck with either NW or KL?

Bumping this thread 'cause I have the same question: anyone else have experience trying to upgrade on KL with OP miles? I just tried to snag one for EWR-AMS on 4/25 and AMS-JFK on 5/1 - CO says there are no upgrades currently available on either date. J looks particularly wide open on the return - are my chances at an upgrade good?

Another comment: I was really surprised to hear that there are no upgrade fees if using CO miles on KLM! It's just 20K miles each way, without the ridiculous $450 surcharge for upgrading discounted tickets. Kinda makes me wonder why I should bother with flying CO to Europe - BC ain't that much better on it.

Thanks, I was looking for this resource!