best way to Japan in "F" class ?
 

Might have be going to Japan in a few weeks, probably on paid business class ticket from east coast. I know the flight is very long, so it would be nice to upgrade to first class.

What are my options ? I am 50k tier on UA and US, and 25k tier on DL.

I would prefer to not surrender mileage, but I am thinking that only DL offers upgrade (systemwides) that go beyond the US domestic boarders.

(thinking outload): Can a friend give me a UA 1k international upgrade cert ?

Any thoughts appreciated. First time to the orient.

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Some travel agencies do a lot of businesses with specific airlines that the airlines give free upgrades to full-fares (coach to business and business to first). Out of curiosity, I called an agent near my house and asked them for upgrades. They had no idea what I was talking about, but after one of the agents called an NWA rep, I was in luck.

- Pat

On the coupon connection there are people offering "gifts" of UA System Wide Upgrades which would allow you to upgrade (if upgrade is available) from C to F.

One way to get a guaranteed upgrade is to fly Malaysian Airlines. If you buy full C they upgrade to F, your domestic leg would be in F because of the international C (assuming 2 class aircraft)

I have flown them and they are very nice in F as long as you don't get row 4!

Good Luck

Is this for real? Have you received such upgrades? Is this a regular thing on Malaysian? Do they have some rules as far as such upgrades go? I mean is it guranteed that upon purchasing a full fare "C" I'll get an upgrade to "F"?

Malaysian, huh ?

I assume they fly West Coast to Malyasia, and stop for fuel in Japan ? Can you advise what their US Gateway is, and who they "partner" with (UA, US, DL, AA ??)

Thanks.


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You can earn mileage on either DL or NW by flying Malaysia Air (150% in F, 125% in C).

From the east coast, they fly non-stop from EWR to Dubai (DXB), with continuing service to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) on Tue, Fri and Sun. From LAX, they do offer non-stop service to NRT on Mon, Thu and Sat.

IMHO, it doesn't sound like they rate very highly on the convenience scale.

While it is far from the most convenient option, it is correct that Malaysian has a free upgrade program, rather along the lines of ConnectFirst by Northwest.

If you purchase a full-fare business class ticket, you are seated in First Class. Also, I think if you buy a full-fare eco class ticket, you will be seated in business class. I'm not completely sure about the latter.

Up until very recently Malaysian ran many, many ads in New York Times Magazine et al advertising this promo.

Yes, I have flown them and gotten the upgrade. It is as straightforward as outlined. Buy the C fare and if F is available (no capacity controls as far as I can tell) it is yours. I agree their schedule may not be the most convenient but it is a free upgrade and I frankly believe their F service is better than any U.S. carrier I have flown (AA, UA and NW).

What if you purchase a first class fare? Where will you be seated then? In the cockpit or on the wing? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

And as far as cheap premium flights go then I don't think anything can beat MS. Their fare in 1st between Australia and US via SIN and CAI is under $2500. So, their fare to Japan is even cheaper. And they fly to both NYC and LAX. Not bad service either bar the alcohol.