Tasnim

Hi all, a long shot I know but I am flying this week to Taiwan with China Airlines then on to Australia, just wondering if there is any corporate code or similar I could add to my booking for a possible upgrade or lounge access in Taiwan?

Many thanks!

steveholt

That's not how upgrades or lounge access work, unfortunately.

Tasnim

Thanks, anything I can do in advance?

guv1976

Acquire a credit card that includes free Priority Pass lounge membership. There are several such cards issued in the U.S.; not sure about the U.K., where your FT profile indicates you are based

Edited to add: And a belated welcome to FlyerTalk!

Tasnim

Thanks so much, any hints on a getting an upgrade?

guv1976

Nope. Some airlines will offer upgrades for cash close to departure time; I don't know whether China Airlines is one of them.

Adam1222

If there were some secret hints to getting free upgrades on long haul flights, the secrets wouldn't last very long.
The best way to get an upgrade is to buy one.

chgoeditor

Unfortunately, most of the suggestions you'll read in articles -- tell the gate agent you're on your honeymoon, dress neatly, bring a gift -- are bogus. Not sure about China Airlines, but most airlines have long lists of elite fliers (their most loyal customers) who are waiting for an upgrade and don't get them, so gate agents aren't going to risk getting fired by breaking company policy to upgrade someone who hasn't earned the right.

If you want to get upgraded, have already bought your ticket and don't have status with the airline, you will almost certainly have to pay money for an upgrade. There really aren't any secret workarounds. In very limited circumstances, passengers on oversold flights might be offered the opportunity to get rebooked on a later flight in a premium cabin, but even that is pretty infrequent.

Tasnim

Thanks for all the help, just got to slum it in economy I guess, bit hard to say on honeymoon when travelling with 3 children lol!

Adam1222

I think if traveling with 4 people, even a cheap upgrade is highly highly unlikely

Tasnim

I will wear my short skirt just in case, lol!