Paid Upgrades on NW flying to/from Hawaiʻi
Jun 4, 2007, 12:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Blue, EI Silver, Honours Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,209
Paid Upgrades on NW flying to/from Hawaiʻi
Hello, Im looking for a little help...
Pretty soon (21 Jun) I wll be taking a fligth HNL-MSP-EWR, and I would be interested in upgrading to WBC/First on the 333. The problem lies in my status, or lack thereof!
Is this a route where NW are likely to offer an Upgrade for purchase? I am traveling on a Q fare basis, if that makes any difference. I would guess I might be able to u/g at the kiosks or at the desk? And is there any indication of how much this might cost?
Forgive me if this is an rater basic question, but I am not accustomed to flying in the States, being from Europe!
Thanks, in advance
Brian.
Pretty soon (21 Jun) I wll be taking a fligth HNL-MSP-EWR, and I would be interested in upgrading to WBC/First on the 333. The problem lies in my status, or lack thereof!
Is this a route where NW are likely to offer an Upgrade for purchase? I am traveling on a Q fare basis, if that makes any difference. I would guess I might be able to u/g at the kiosks or at the desk? And is there any indication of how much this might cost?
Forgive me if this is an rater basic question, but I am not accustomed to flying in the States, being from Europe!
Thanks, in advance
Brian.
Jun 4, 2007, 1:11 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SRQ
Posts: 2,168
Status really doesn't help. You'll need an upgradable ticket and that is a B fare or higher.... and IF you can find space you'll need to use your miles to upgrade.
Other than buying a WBC ticket - that is about it... sorry to be the bearer bad news....
Other than buying a WBC ticket - that is about it... sorry to be the bearer bad news....
Jun 4, 2007, 1:13 pm
#3
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Of course, YMMV.
Jun 4, 2007, 1:24 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SRQ
Posts: 2,168
Really -- so it is not like TATL TPAC ? - My bad. How much do they sell them for, and what fare basis do you need to have?
Jun 4, 2007, 1:45 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: NW Silver Elite
Posts: 247
The 330's are the trans-atlantic birds so the seat will be WBC but the service will be domestic first class. I have seen up's sold for a few hundred $ when available.
Jun 4, 2007, 2:52 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DCA
Posts: 3,395
The HNL-MSP segment won't be a problem. It should be 350 dollars assuming there are seats upfront. MSP-EWR will be more difficult, as inside the continental US upgrades are seldom available for purchase (doesn't hurt to ask though).
Jun 4, 2007, 9:42 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: DAL
Programs: DL Silver, HH diamond, Midwest Miles (RIP), NWA WP (RIP)
Posts: 530
Do they let you use miles at all for an upgrade like that outside of at the time of purchase? I thought OLCI and at the gate were only paid upgrades. IIRC the HNL-MSP leg is 350 and HNL-west coast is 250.
I'm hoping for one on the 17th! Got 2 standard first awards on MKE-MSP-HNL, but only one on the return so the other one has a perkpass economy
at least I have the exit. If only it were oversold!
Here's the answer from the WIKI...for more info, check it out on the top of the forum page!
" Using Miles to Upgrade All Hawaii Flights:
Domestic mileage upgrades to Hawai'i pull from "R" class, meaning they're a little harder to come by since the implementation of "R" class. There are no automatic or free upgrades to elites on any of the Hawai'i routes with the exception of Hawai'i residents. Mileage upgrades are 17,500 miles from discounted Coach each way and vary in price on the day of departure. Read below for more info.
Here's a few tips on upgrading to Hawai`i on a domestic flight:
* There is now only one way to check "R" class availability to see if there are upgradeable seats on your flight to Hawai`i. You will need to use www.nwa.com. Check the "WorldPerks Mileage Upgrade" option on the homepage. Enter in your flight data and select your flights as if you were booking your ticket. If the flight is displayed as First and the fare basis code is NOT a Y-26/27 type fare, then there is upgradeable First Class availability (R class) on that flight. "R" Class availability goes fast, so call ASAP. Check daily as seats may/will open up closer to departure.
* If you haven't already purchased your ticket. Use the "WorldPerks Mileage Upgrade" option mentioned above to purchase your ticket from nwa.com. You can choose which segments you wish to upgrade with miles and process your transaction without having to speak to an agent.
* If all else fails, day of departure upgrades are available for purchase at the airport. These upgrades cost anywhere from $250-$350 depending on destination/departure cities and are first come, first served (read: don't wait till you get to the gate, ask the frontline agents if any are available). If there are a number of people who wish to be upgrade, please note that there may be a waitlist for a day of departure upgrade.
* There are very rarely any operational upgrades given on Hawai'i routes and if you do get one, consider yourself very lucky.
* Mileage upgrades are not available at the airport. "
I'm hoping for one on the 17th! Got 2 standard first awards on MKE-MSP-HNL, but only one on the return so the other one has a perkpass economy
at least I have the exit. If only it were oversold!Here's the answer from the WIKI...for more info, check it out on the top of the forum page!
" Using Miles to Upgrade All Hawaii Flights:
Domestic mileage upgrades to Hawai'i pull from "R" class, meaning they're a little harder to come by since the implementation of "R" class. There are no automatic or free upgrades to elites on any of the Hawai'i routes with the exception of Hawai'i residents. Mileage upgrades are 17,500 miles from discounted Coach each way and vary in price on the day of departure. Read below for more info.
Here's a few tips on upgrading to Hawai`i on a domestic flight:
* There is now only one way to check "R" class availability to see if there are upgradeable seats on your flight to Hawai`i. You will need to use www.nwa.com. Check the "WorldPerks Mileage Upgrade" option on the homepage. Enter in your flight data and select your flights as if you were booking your ticket. If the flight is displayed as First and the fare basis code is NOT a Y-26/27 type fare, then there is upgradeable First Class availability (R class) on that flight. "R" Class availability goes fast, so call ASAP. Check daily as seats may/will open up closer to departure.
* If you haven't already purchased your ticket. Use the "WorldPerks Mileage Upgrade" option mentioned above to purchase your ticket from nwa.com. You can choose which segments you wish to upgrade with miles and process your transaction without having to speak to an agent.
* If all else fails, day of departure upgrades are available for purchase at the airport. These upgrades cost anywhere from $250-$350 depending on destination/departure cities and are first come, first served (read: don't wait till you get to the gate, ask the frontline agents if any are available). If there are a number of people who wish to be upgrade, please note that there may be a waitlist for a day of departure upgrade.
* There are very rarely any operational upgrades given on Hawai'i routes and if you do get one, consider yourself very lucky.
* Mileage upgrades are not available at the airport. "
Last edited by mkenwayx; Jun 4, 2007 at 9:51 pm Reason: found the WIKI!!! Never saw it before...nice work!
Jun 4, 2007, 10:44 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,826
If you're looking to purchase a DoD upgrade (can't be done online, AFAIK), do it immediately when you get to the airport, especially in HNL. The frontline agents will be able to snag the seats faster than if you tried to do it at the gate.
Jun 5, 2007, 11:55 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Be prepared to spend $$$ for the upgrade, all my attempts using just miles have failed (so my success rate is in fact zero). I'd be willing to pay maybe $100 plus miles for it, but the upgradeable fares I've come across for my days of travel have always been $200-300 more than the cheapest fare. Guess I'll just have to save up the 150,000 miles for roundtrip first class non-saver award to finally get into first on a A330.
Good luck to you though!
Good luck to you though!
Jun 5, 2007, 3:22 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1K, AA ExecPlat
Posts: 820
I was traveling HNL-SEA last week and it seemed there was at least one person who upgraded using miles, but whether it was at the gate or elsewhere, I don't really know.
On my flight they were selling upgrades into first for $250, and the cabin went out full. I was lucky enough to get an op-up because someone else had also been assigned to my seat and being a platinum they upgraded me into the last available first class seat.
On my flight they were selling upgrades into first for $250, and the cabin went out full. I was lucky enough to get an op-up because someone else had also been assigned to my seat and being a platinum they upgraded me into the last available first class seat.
Jun 5, 2007, 9:04 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,201
Mileage Upgrade Worked at the Gate
[QUOTE=slippahs;7850732]As you found in the Wiki, which was stripped from a post I made in the past, mileage upgrades can't be processed at the gate.
My son (a silver at the time) had a military person upgraded at the gate LAX/HNL using his 17,500 miles. I was proud of him!
My son (a silver at the time) had a military person upgraded at the gate LAX/HNL using his 17,500 miles. I was proud of him!
Jun 5, 2007, 11:04 pm
#12
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Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
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I stand corrected. The HNL WC ladies have told me that it's a no-go for mileage upgrades at the gate.
That might then just be the policy in HNL.
That might then just be the policy in HNL.
Jun 6, 2007, 6:06 am
#13
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MEL
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Oct 8, 2007, 3:34 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BOS
Posts: 3,534
What is the earliest time that you can request a day of departure upgrade for cash? At the time of check-in at the airport or is it ever offered via OLCI? Can you call in to request it?
The reason I ask is whether it's worth making a trip out to the airport on a return from HNL if your flight isn't until evening.
The reason I ask is whether it's worth making a trip out to the airport on a return from HNL if your flight isn't until evening.
Last edited by Lurker1999; Oct 8, 2007 at 4:23 pm Reason: typo
Oct 8, 2007, 4:02 pm
#15
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Posts: 15,826
What is the earliest time that you can request a day of departure upgrade for cash? At the time of check-in at the airport or is it ever offered via OLCI? Can you call in to request it?
The reason I ask is whether it;s worth making a trip out to the airport on a return from HNL if your flight isn't until evening.
The reason I ask is whether it;s worth making a trip out to the airport on a return from HNL if your flight isn't until evening.