Upgrade at Departure Gate?
 

I don't have ff miles but I'm travelling from Charlotte, NC to San Francisco and am probably taking a UA/USAirways Airbus 320 non-stop. I'm going f class on the connection from San Francisco to Beijing, but am really wondering if I can purchase an upgrade at the departure gate or check-in in Charlotte? Is this a reasonable idea or am I dreaming? I don't fly very often...last time was last summer to London with my family, but I usually take a flight out of the country. Anything I can do to help myself other than hoping for a purchase opportunity?

Thanks...

betsy

Since US will sell FC seats at the gate, you should inquire out at the counter near the gate whether they will be doing so on this flight. The cost is $100-150 depending on the length of the flight and the seats will be sold on a space available basis.
However, now the bad news. It is very unusual for there to be unspoken for FC seats on the Transcons.

Thanks, monitor, I was afraid you were going to say that. What about those airline consolidators that advertise cheaper first and biz seats? Is that rediculous? I'm pretty sure it is. Guess I just really need to keep my feet up because I have a heart condition and we'll be flying out later the same day for the long haul to Beijing. Guess that's tough.

I just flew PHL CLT and CLT MIA today. Both ways now had FC available for sale. 50 bucks a pop. They call it "firstup" i think. I was surprised, as this is a heavy buz traveler routes for US. If you try taking offtime flights you will greatly improve your odds I feel.

Since you're already flying SFO-Beijing in F, have you checked the F fare all the way from CLT? The way airline pricing is set these days, it may actually be cheaper to fly F CLT-Beijing than just the SFO-Beijing leg.

Hi, problem with that idea is we are using a "package tour" from SFO to PEK, so it's a special price and no one from China Advocates (the tour company) wants to help us with the transcontinental flights! Gotta do those ourselves.

Hi, problem with that idea is we are using a "package tour" from SFO to PEK, so it's a special price and no one from China Advocates (the tour company) wants to help us with the transcontinental flights! Gotta do those ourselves.

Is $3400 a bad price for f class from CLT to SFO for two? Would it be smarter and not such a gamble to just book economy and go for the possible upgrade at the desk? I can get round-trip at a cost of @ $750 for two right now. You're all probably thinking "why not just save lots of money and fly economy?" Deal is, I'm going to be taking the longer flight later the same day from SFO to PEK and really need to keep my legs up. Plus, I wouldn't mind getting a little sleep and pampering along the way.

Don't count on the upgrade. I have 1K status and don't make it sometimes.

If it is important to you, spend the $.

One other option that hasn't been mentioned yet is to take a flight with a connection instead of a transcon. There are two advantages to this. First, you get to get off and walk around halfway through your flight. Moderate walking is even better than keeping your feet up. Second, your chances for an upgrade are better on mid-cons than transcons.

If this doesn't work for you, I would suggest looking at mileage upgrades (buy the miles if you have to). You don't want to start out a trip like this with a health problem.

If you are going to fly the USAirways on the A320, they do not have footrests. The only thing you get is a bigger seat, a meal (if you can call it that) and free alcohol.

I would call up the airline in advance, and ask if you can reserve the bulkhead seat. The bulkhead can act as an de facto footrest (especially if you aren't too tall). Another trick to have a backpack/carryon that you can bring down from the overhead compartment after takeoff to use as a footrest. You might not be able to totally stretch out your legs, but you should be able to keep them elevated.

If you want to keep your feet elevated, I think the economy bulkhead row is better option than a non-bulkhead domestic first class which won't have footrests.