Upgrades
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Upgrades
I'm flying to SJO in November and booked the economy standard ticket (not the cheapest light nor the more expensive flex). My outbound flight is via CDG with Air France and inbound flight with KLM via AMS.
I read from the web that KLM doesn't necessarily offer upgrades on their mobile app nor website, even if available. Is this true, do I have to call them or ask for upgrade possibilities at the check-in counter? If not, is there any good estimates when the upgrades are released for sale?
I read from the web that KLM doesn't necessarily offer upgrades on their mobile app nor website, even if available. Is this true, do I have to call them or ask for upgrade possibilities at the check-in counter? If not, is there any good estimates when the upgrades are released for sale?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 25,133
Paid upgrades are visible at OLCI, if available. If you don't see a proposal in the app (= possibility to select a seat in the upper class for a fee), you can ask at the airport.
#3
Original Poster




Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 4
Thanks for a fast reply - so KLM/AIF don't offer (paid) upgrades prior the online check-in opens?
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 25,133
#5
Moderator: Aegean Miles+Bonus




Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: AMS / ATH
Programs: AFKL Plat, A3 Gold
Posts: 8,247
Well, you can always upfare. Meaning that you "change" your ticket to the same date/flights in a higher class of service. You'll then also get the additional miles. But the cost would, of course be the same as if you had straight up purchased the business class fare.
Just for reference - I flew AF to SJO a few months ago and the upgrade offer (From premium Economy to Business) was over 1000 euro one-way. This may be different for you, but it does not have to. Last minute upgrades are not always cheaper than just purchasing a higher cabin fare.
Just for reference - I flew AF to SJO a few months ago and the upgrade offer (From premium Economy to Business) was over 1000 euro one-way. This may be different for you, but it does not have to. Last minute upgrades are not always cheaper than just purchasing a higher cabin fare.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold; LH Senator
Posts: 30,603
You can click on that, rather than waiting for AFKL to proactively reach out to you and actively offer you an upgrade
#8




Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: AF/KL FB Platinum, DL Diamond, Hertz PC, Bonvoy Gold Elite; Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,170
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Paris, France
Programs: AF/KL Flying Blue Ultimate/Platinum for life/Club2000, Accor ALL Diamond
Posts: 25,133
#10
Moderator: Aegean Miles+Bonus




Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: AMS / ATH
Programs: AFKL Plat, A3 Gold
Posts: 8,247
There are two buttons nowadays. One for the mileage upgrade (Which tells you to call in), and one to upgrade by means of payment. The latter gets stuck on a "One moment please, we're retrieving your details..." message for me, so not sure how that is supposed to work. It may just be a regular upgrade (Rebook into another class).
Last edited by Xandrios; Oct 17, 2023 at 2:49 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold; LH Senator
Posts: 30,603
It works for me....
One thing to consider - if you booked at klm.be to avoid the ticketing fee, then it might require that you consult the booking from the klm.be website
One thing to consider - if you booked at klm.be to avoid the ticketing fee, then it might require that you consult the booking from the klm.be website
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Netherlands
Programs: KL Platinum; A3 Gold; LH Senator
Posts: 30,603
Maybe I should also point out that if you bought the ticket from a third party, you probably need to enquire with your chosen agent about arranging the upgrade, rather than approaching the airline directly. Such tickets are still the property of the agent and the airline should be reluctant about making a change that would require ticket re-issuance, as I believe this would.
#14
Join Date: Oct 2022
Programs: FB Plat, IB Oro, Accor Gold
Posts: 42
There are two buttons nowadays. One for the mileage upgrade (Which tells you to call in), and one to upgrade by means of payment. The latter gets stuck on a "One moment please, we're retrieving your details..." message for me, so not sure how that is supposed to work. It may just be a regular upgrade (Rebook into another class).


#15
Moderator: Aegean Miles+Bonus




Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: AMS / ATH
Programs: AFKL Plat, A3 Gold
Posts: 8,247
Yes, the one I posted is for a flight more than a month away. The button shows up on all klm websites for me, however it only works on the klm website that matches the country where the ticket was purchased.



