Upgrading with cash from the US
 

I'm flying on the SK904 (EWR-ARN) on July 18th. Don't have enough points to upgrade from my V-class reservation to C-class, so I'm considering paying cash instead. I read in an old post that they had upped the price for that from $450 to $750. Can anyone confirm that that's true?

If so, that's almost as much as the price difference between my current ticket and the restricted C tickets available on flysas.com. Do you know if I can change my V ticket to restricted C by paying the difference?

Thanks!

Unfortunately you will not be able to buy up in advance. On the other hand never hurts to call, but keep expectations low.
I feel with you as V must be pretty damn expensive for the date?

I paid $1,300 for V flying out and K returning (on August 3rd). Yeah, pretty steep - about 30% more than last summer (I assume due to fuel prices).

Has anyone succeeded in changing a reservation to a higher fare class by paying the difference? You'd think it would be in SK's interest to allow that without penalties.

Have you considered calling SAS and ask? Probably the fastest and most reliable way to find out.

This is from expertflyer, for fare basis VHUSSCE (only V fare currently in the system):

UPON PAYMENT OF USD 300.00 CHANGE FEE FULL VALUE MAY BE APPLIED TOWARD PURCHASE OF NEW TICKET PRICED AT HIGHER CURRENT FARES LEVELS

May or may not be relevant to you...

1. There's no way you can pay the one way upgrade fee in advance and get this confirmed. Period.
These upgrades are for sale at check in only, if available.
2. You can on tickets bought here in the US (and some other markets), change for a fee and get seats confirmed in advance. You then have to pay the change fee (2-300 USD) AND the fare difference (probably 3-4000 USD at least).

I didn't know they had jacked the upgrade at check in prices up that much. A 80% price increase is crazy in my book...:rolleyes: (I thought only UA had the guts to make this kind of price increase)

Can anyone confirm if these prices are current?

Thanks for the replies!

Given the change fee, I'm probably better off trying for a cash standby upgrade. Any insight into what the latest price is would be much appreciated!

There is a campaign running right now on ALL SAS operated nonstop flights to and from United States. It will run July and August and allows upgrade for cash with the following prices:

M->Y: $350
Y->C: $400
M->C: $700

I saw this on a printed paper at ARN check in (when upgrading for points).

The staff said it was new and was introduced to please US passengers (and I assume make some extra money). While she didn't confirm it in speaking it seemed like they are told to prioritize upgrades for cash before upgrades for points.

This confirms what I saw back in February except the prices are not higher. The price for M > C is lower. Has anybody upgraded for $ lately?

I can check, but that will be in August.

I think the new part is that it is valid from Sweden and Denmark as well.

I know it has been available from US for a while (and there the lounge lady confirmed that they give priority to cash upgrades as they are confirmed at check-in while point upgrades must be done in the lounge).

The price for M->C may have been $750 as I wrote down the figures 15 minutes later, but I think it was $700.

I just got my upgrade, so I can confirm that it's $700 M to C (M to Y is $350). Lounge access is included, even if you're not *G.

Thanks again for all the help!