The "How to upgrade on *A carriers" thread
Jul 6, 2004 | 11:54 am
#31
Join Date: May 2003
Location: BHX
Posts: 664
Originally Posted by Patron
For someone who likes to know how to upgrade on a BD operated flight is this explanation misleading: Upgrades on BD are neither possible using any type of FFP miles nor does DC offer upgrade awards!
BD Gold can redeem FFP miles for additional upgrade vouchers for use on BD metal as described in the voucher section of the BD entry
Jul 6, 2004 | 1:08 pm
#32
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: San Rafael, CA
Programs: Life SPG Plat, 7X NH DIA
Posts: 2,840
Originally Posted by Chiangi
About NH, fare class restrictions (M class up) are perhaps for those tickets sold in the U.S. only?
NH applies different restrictions on different markets.
If this thread is catering only to U.S.-based flyers, then it should probably suffice, though, to mention such restrictions.
NH applies different restrictions on different markets.
If this thread is catering only to U.S.-based flyers, then it should probably suffice, though, to mention such restrictions.
Jul 6, 2004 | 3:55 pm
#33
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: port broad reach
Programs: NorthSails | Starboard | ION
Posts: 6,525
Hi MarkUK. Welcome to FT ^
Even though your question is o/t on this thread, as it is a specific question rather than a pooling of info on upgrading on *A, I'll go ahead and answer it.
The latter.
Yes.
I'd suggest that in the future, you start a thread when you have a specific question not totally related to that of the thread
. Again, welcome to FT.
Even though your question is o/t on this thread, as it is a specific question rather than a pooling of info on upgrading on *A, I'll go ahead and answer it.
Originally Posted by MarkUK
Will UA only upgrade to Econ+ when using the voucher, or will they upgrade to business class as I am already entitled to Econ+ because of my BD *A Gold?
If I don't manage to get an upgrade to business (none available) I assume I will be better off on UA in econ+ than on LH in regular economy?
I'd suggest that in the future, you start a thread when you have a specific question not totally related to that of the thread
. Again, welcome to FT.
Jul 7, 2004 | 12:52 pm
#34
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: BD, BA, VS
Posts: 235
Originally Posted by WindFlyer
Hi MarkUK. Welcome to FT ^
Even though your question is o/t on this thread, as it is a specific question rather than a pooling of info on upgrading on *A, I'll go ahead and answer it.
The latter.
Yes.
I'd suggest that in the future, you start a thread when you have a specific question not totally related to that of the thread . Again, welcome to FT.
Even though your question is o/t on this thread, as it is a specific question rather than a pooling of info on upgrading on *A, I'll go ahead and answer it.
The latter.
Yes.
I'd suggest that in the future, you start a thread when you have a specific question not totally related to that of the thread
. Again, welcome to FT.I'll repost the question as a new thread so that it gets a wider audience.
Mark
Jul 9, 2004 | 6:14 pm
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Originally Posted by MarkUK
Should I book UA or LH for the transatlantic sector?
Will UA only upgrade to Econ+ when using the voucher, or will they upgrade to business class as I am already entitled to Econ+ because of my BD *A Gold?
If I don't manage to get an upgrade to business (none available) I assume I will be better off on UA in econ+ than on LH in regular economy?
AFAIK the Star vouchers let you lock in a seat on UA NOW if inventory allows, and the LH system is for day of departure I think, same as for UA 1Ks using SWU.
So .... having a confirmed E+ and waitlist the Star upgrade (if WL are permitted on these) seems a no brainer to me.
See www.seatguru.com for best E+ seats.
Jul 10, 2004 | 1:47 am
#37
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Paris & HK
Programs: UA MM, CX Diamond, LH Senator, BA Gold, Hyatt Courtesy
Posts: 250
Cash Upgrades on Star Alliance
This might merit a new thread.
I'm curious to know which airlines offer cash upgrades at the airport as an alternative to spending miles or certificates.
I've heard UA offering the possibility to upgrade ex-LHR for cash as well as domestically through the easy check in kiosks.
I've also successfully paid for a one class upgrade on several longhaul TG flights ($600 between Thailand and Europe; $150 BKK-HKG) and double upgrades are allowed!
CX also has one cabin cash upgrades between HKG and USA for $1200.
What about LH, SQ, et al?
So if any of you know of certain airports or airlines that do this, please do post. These upgrades are never published anywhere so its word of mouth from the clever travelers that visit this forum! ^
CDG 1K
I'm curious to know which airlines offer cash upgrades at the airport as an alternative to spending miles or certificates.
I've heard UA offering the possibility to upgrade ex-LHR for cash as well as domestically through the easy check in kiosks.
I've also successfully paid for a one class upgrade on several longhaul TG flights ($600 between Thailand and Europe; $150 BKK-HKG) and double upgrades are allowed!
CX also has one cabin cash upgrades between HKG and USA for $1200.
What about LH, SQ, et al?
So if any of you know of certain airports or airlines that do this, please do post. These upgrades are never published anywhere so its word of mouth from the clever travelers that visit this forum! ^
CDG 1K
Jul 10, 2004 | 1:36 pm
#38
Original Poster
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
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That would be useful ^ - particularly for the non american carriers. As that info would change a lot more than the "standard" ways of upgrading I'd suggest a separate thread. If anyone wants to get it started I'd be glad to link it in here.
Apparently you can sometimes upgrade with cash on SQ - although I've never managed myself. Will try to find the post.
Apparently you can sometimes upgrade with cash on SQ - although I've never managed myself. Will try to find the post.
Jul 28, 2004 | 5:45 am
#40
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, BLR, LHR, SIN and a few others
Programs: UA 1K 1.01 MM
Posts: 1,245
Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
That would be useful ^ - particularly for the non american carriers. As that info would change a lot more than the "standard" ways of upgrading I'd suggest a separate thread. If anyone wants to get it started I'd be glad to link it in here.
Apparently you can sometimes upgrade with cash on SQ - although I've never managed myself. Will try to find the post.
Apparently you can sometimes upgrade with cash on SQ - although I've never managed myself. Will try to find the post.
http://www.airnz.co.uk/bookingsandof...torupgrade.htm
but at 465 per sector it would work out at 930 LHR-AKL, not reallya good deal.
tht
Jul 28, 2004 | 5:06 pm
#41
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 18,255
Due the vagaries of doing a rather complex recent family trip that went SFO-NRT-PEK-SFO, there were 4 of us mostly in C on UA except on the one ANA sector (NRT-PEK) where 3 of the 4 of us were in C and one was in Y.
This is about a 3 hour flight, so on check-in I asked the clerk what it would take -- in cash or UA miles -- to upgrade the fourth person to C.
The answer was (after a HUGE amount of computation and discussion over the phone) -- UA miles, haha! -- but for money, it would be a mere USD1,450. Needless to say, one of us rode in Y on that flight! Too bad, since that person missed the option of chosing a Japanese meal with a "speciality" entree of pickled tongue from Hokkaido.
This is about a 3 hour flight, so on check-in I asked the clerk what it would take -- in cash or UA miles -- to upgrade the fourth person to C.
The answer was (after a HUGE amount of computation and discussion over the phone) -- UA miles, haha! -- but for money, it would be a mere USD1,450. Needless to say, one of us rode in Y on that flight! Too bad, since that person missed the option of chosing a Japanese meal with a "speciality" entree of pickled tongue from Hokkaido.
Jul 31, 2004 | 11:33 am
#42
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Join Date: May 2000
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Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
*A - wide specials
UK vouchers
- Valid for travel until 2/28/05 (travel completed) on all *A operated flights other than SQ.
- One certificate is required for each *A airline operated flight segment, except two certificates are required for NZ1/2 between LHR-AKL vv and for TG911/910/917/916 between LHR-BKK vv.
- Standby upgrade certificates are available subject to space and meals availability and eligible booking classes. Simply present the certificate at check-in and at the departure gate. Your name will be added to the standby upgrade list. Retain the certificate until boarding at the gate.
- The certificate is non-transferable, except if companion(s) are travelling on the same flight, use a separate certificate, and check-in at the same time.
- Void if bartered or sold. Lost or stolen certificates will not be replaced.
FAQ
Only Y,M,B,H class is upgraded econ->biz - also S on SK but not H on TG. On BD trans-atlantic the upgrade from Y,M,B,H is econ->new econ. On BD transatlantic U,L is new econ->biz. Only C,D class is upgraded biz->first.
.....
Booking in H class on NZ but from LAX-AKL-SYD. Me and companion. I hold the certificates. According to what I can read on the certs, I think I can upgrade the both of us right? And will the upgrade between AKL-SYD be processed the same time the LAX-AKL is or will we have to do this all over again when we get to AKL? My companion holds no status.
Jul 31, 2004 | 1:29 pm
#43
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MY interpretation is since you will be checking through LAX to SYD all at once (I presume) you present coupons for both LAX-AKL and AKL-SYD at check-in in LAX. However the AKL-SYD u/g probably will not be confirmed until you get to AKL depending on availability.
When is your flight AKL-SYD? (There aren't many biz seats and certain flights have a lot of business traffic.)
When is your flight AKL-SYD? (There aren't many biz seats and certain flights have a lot of business traffic.)
Aug 1, 2004 | 2:18 am
#44
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Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
MY interpretation is since you will be checking through LAX to SYD all at once (I presume) you present coupons for both LAX-AKL and AKL-SYD at check-in in LAX. However the AKL-SYD u/g probably will not be confirmed until you get to AKL depending on availability.
When is your flight AKL-SYD? (There aren't many biz seats and certain flights have a lot of business traffic.)
When is your flight AKL-SYD? (There aren't many biz seats and certain flights have a lot of business traffic.)
So do you think my companion can use the vouchers too?
Aug 1, 2004 | 12:00 pm
#45
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Sorry I meant what day of the week and what time of flight? There are quite a few on this route and I'd imagine chances very from none at all to quite reasonable.