Upgrading KLM AMS-JFK flight from economy to business
Jul 29, 2018, 4:52 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 137
Upgrading KLM AMS-JFK flight from economy to business
I'm flying from AMS-JFK in a few days (it's a return leg) and was thinking of paying to upgrade my seat to business. I was wondering what the best way is of securing a relatively low-cost upgrade? Many years ago when I flew from AMS I remember they offered a ~260 EUR upgrade when I checked the kiosk at the airport. Is the best way of getting a similarly-priced upgrade to go through the kiosk, to check in online the night before, or just ask at the counter at the airport? Thanks in advance for the help!
Jul 29, 2018, 6:21 am
#2
Moderator: Aegean Miles+Bonus
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: AMS / ATH
Programs: AFKL Plat, A3 Gold
Posts: 7,339
These upgrades at check in are in no way guaranteed, as they are not always available. On some routes more of these upgrades are available than on others, and even your upgrade-history takes a role in whether you will be eligible for an offer.
These offers, if available, show up during online check in..as well as at the airport. Sometimes they do not show up as an offer, but the system simply allows to select a seat in the business cabin (and then shows the fee to change to that seat).
Besides these check-in offers you could go through the regular process of upgrading (with cash or miles), but you are almost guaranteed that the price will be much higher than a few hundred euro that way.
These offers, if available, show up during online check in..as well as at the airport. Sometimes they do not show up as an offer, but the system simply allows to select a seat in the business cabin (and then shows the fee to change to that seat).
Besides these check-in offers you could go through the regular process of upgrading (with cash or miles), but you are almost guaranteed that the price will be much higher than a few hundred euro that way.
Jul 29, 2018, 12:32 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2016
Programs: FB Gold, BA Silver, HH Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott Plat Premier
Posts: 71
The nearer it gets to the flight chances are the less availability there will be as other passengers may have upgraded via cash or miles in that period.
Jul 29, 2018, 12:45 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 137
I would say it vastly reduces your chances and is certainly a gamble, it could pay off however if there is good availability. Online check in is the best way 30 hours before your flight, that is when I see most offers.
The nearer it gets to the flight chances are the less availability there will be as other passengers may have upgraded via cash or miles in that period.
The nearer it gets to the flight chances are the less availability there will be as other passengers may have upgraded via cash or miles in that period.
Jul 29, 2018, 2:02 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 189
I suggest as well to start the check in process right away as soon as it opens. Take a look at the seat selection as described above. For me this is the most frequent way to get an upgrade. I think the price you mentioned is not realistic anymore. Depending on the loads it should be not less than around 370 euro..
Jul 29, 2018, 4:05 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 757
As others mention, I’d check in as early as possible.
But don’t be surprised to get high prices offered. Last time I checked in for a KL AMS-JFK flight, the price was 1.299 euro for one leg.
In the past the price was always more than 600 euro for me so I’ll hope you’ll be lucky to get a better price.
But don’t be surprised to get high prices offered. Last time I checked in for a KL AMS-JFK flight, the price was 1.299 euro for one leg.
In the past the price was always more than 600 euro for me so I’ll hope you’ll be lucky to get a better price.
Aug 1, 2018, 6:40 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 137
Thanks everyone for the responses. I’ve now checked in and there is a business upgrade offer for 549 EUR for the AMS-JFK leg. Would you say this is a good bargain, or would I get an even better price by checking at the airport tomorrow?
Aug 1, 2018, 6:47 am
#12
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 757
It’s the best upgrade offer I have heard of since the new upgrading system.
Aug 1, 2018, 6:50 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 137
Aug 1, 2018, 6:59 am
#14
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 757
KLM wants to seduce frequent flyers to buy full fare J tickets. In order to achieve that, they offer frequent Y flyers a one-off offer for a relatively low price to try out their J class. I believe this is such offer.
I think you are a traveler that travels semi frequently, like silver status in FB. Am I right?
Aug 1, 2018, 7:16 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 137
Since June, upgrade rates are sky high, both in terms of miles and cash.
KLM wants to seduce frequent flyers to buy full fare J tickets. In order to achieve that, they offer frequent Y flyers a one-off offer for a relatively low price to try out their J class. I believe this is such offer.
I think you are a traveler that travels semi frequently, like silver status in FB. Am I right?