The "How to upgrade on *A carriers" thread
 

Thought it may be of use to have in one place the various ways of upgrading on *A.

By *A airline (ie carrier)
- types of upgrade (ie Econ->Econ+, Econ-Biz, Biz-First)
- miles
- upgrade vouchers
- freebies due to status
- op ups
- one off specials (eg UK vouchers)
- anything I've missed????

Unless otherwise specified, upgrades are subject to availability.


*A - wide specials

*A-wide upgrades

From 17 July 2006, UA included. url=http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,51503,00.html?navSource=SidebarPromo&linkTi tle=Introducing+New+Star+Alliance+Upgrade+Awards&p os=1&date=2006/07/18&time=9]UA web link[/url]. Note UA isnt rolling out to all other participating airlines just yet - eg no SQ.

From 17 May 2006, OZ TG and TP included

From 2 August 2005, using Miles and More miles on NH, SQ

From 1 Aug 05, using NH miles on LH, LO, OS, SQ

Miles & More *A Upgrades
For NH, OZ, SQ, TG & TP the following booking classes are eligible for an upgrade YB in economy, CDJ in business (& Z for NH only). Mileage amount is same as mileage required to upgrade LH/LO/LX/OS/UA/OU/JP.


Adria

JP upgrades possible are econ->business

Miles ???

Vouchers ???

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


Air Canada

AC upgrades possible are econ->business.

Miles No opportunity to use miles to upgrade on AC (not even AC Aeroplan).

Vouchers AC Aeroplan upgrade vouchers may be used for certain fares which vary by route. Top tiers (Super Elite and Elite) may also have any fare upgrades depending on option chosen at (re)qualifying. Upgrades from full econ fares may be confirmable at ticketing or at 7/4 days depending on status.

Freebies for status ???

Op ups Regularly given to status members [editing note - what status, Aeroplan or *G or ...??] but application has been uneven. Some recent improvement reported.


Air New Zealand

NZ upgrades possible are econ->econ plus (74R and 777 only), econ plus->biz (74R and 777 only), econ->biz (767, A320 and 747 pre-refurbishment) and econ->premier business (74R and 777 only). The 747 a/c are in the process of being refurbished. Until this is complete there is the opportunity to have the old first seats with business service, when travelling in business class. These seats cannot be preallocated but are automatically assigned based on status (unless business load is light and first cabin not used).

Miles Only NZ Airpoints may be used to upgrade on NZ. Points are a per segment cost. From 1 October 2005 there is a new chart for upgrading with the new longhaul product [insert link here].

Vouchers NZ Airpoints Elite members get 1 or 2 upgrade vouchers valid for 1 year upon (re)qualification. Non-transferable. May be limited to domestic or certain routes? AKL-LHR and vv counts as 2 sectors (so twice the number of vouchers required). On the new longhaul product, econ->econ plus or econ plus->premium business requires 1 voucher, but econ->premier business requires 2 vouchers. No other vouchers usable on NZ.

Freebies for status *G have first access to forward seating. Other than old first class seats in business class, exit rows and bulkhead no difference in seating or service.

Op ups Very rare on NZ.


ANA

NH upgrades possible are intl econ->biz / biz->first, dom econ->SuperSeat

Miles Only NH miles may be used to upgrade on NH, and only from M and higher fare classes if ticket issued in US. For tickets purchased elsewhere (or is this Japan only???) H and W fares are also upgradeable, T fares are not upgradeable. Stopovers of more than 24 hours require each sector to be upgraded separately.

From 2 August 2005, Miles and More miles may also be used to upgrade on NH.

Vouchers NH vouchers may be used to upgrade (only from M and higher fare classes). 2 for intl, 1 for dom - both per sector. Vouchers provided upon (re)qualification depending on status.

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


Asiana

OZ upgrades possible are econ->biz.

Miles Only OZ miles may be used to upgrade on OZ. There is a 10% discount for multiple redemptions.

Vouchers None.

Freebies for status OZ top tier (Platinum) members get automatic standby upgrade.

Op ups ???


Austrian

OS upgrades possible are econ->business.

Miles and More information and links based on the new rules from 1 August 2004.

Miles Miles and More miles may be used to upgrade on OS

• Only valid on flights operated by LH/LO/OS with LH/LO/OS flight numbers.
• Valid in all booking classes other than S & W (intercontinental flights) and L & T (European flights).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One Upgrade is always only valid for the flight segment covered by one flight coupon of a ticket.
• Waiting list reservations are also possible when booking a paperless Upgrade (eUpgrade).

Vouchers Miles and More SEN upgrade vouchers can be used to upgrade on OS.

• Only valid on flights operated by LH/LO/OS with LH/LO/OS flight numbers.
• Valid in all booking classes other than S & W (intercontinental flights) and L & T (European flights).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One eVoucher is valid for the one european flight segment, two eVouchers are valid for one intercontinental segment.
• Waiting list reservations are also possible when booking a paperless Upgrade (eUpgrade).

Vouchers ???

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


Blue 1

KF upgrades possible are ???

Miles ???

Vouchers ???

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


BMI

BD upgrades possible are - short haul econ->biz, long haul econ->new econ. Officially, there is no way to upgrade from The New Economy to The Business other than an op-up (or, of course, hard cash).

Miles No upgrades possible using just miles, however BD Diamond Club cash and miles may be used to effectively upgrade on BD. Miles are not earnt on the paid portion of the fare.

Vouchers BD Diamond Club Gold cardholders receive 4 Gold upgrade vouchers on qualification or renewal, which can be used for a standby upgrade from Economy on BD metal. Note that this is a one-class upgrade, so long-haul passengers go to The New Economy, not The Business. There have been reports of upgrades from The New Economy to The Business, but this is not official.

Freebies for status *G get the seat next to them blocked when they check in (subject to availability). BD Diamond Club Gold cardholders making redemption bookings on BD metal (in Economy) get a free, confirmed at time of booking (subject to availability), one-class upgrade for the cardholder and one companion.

Op ups Variable, but generally pretty rare on short-haul, due to convertible seats. I don't know about long-haul.


Croatia

OU upgrades possible are econ->business.

Miles ???

Vouchers ???

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


LOT

LO upgrades possible are ??

Miles and More information and links based on the new rules from 1 August 2004.

Miles Miles and More miles may be used to upgrade on LO

• Only valid on flights operated by LH/LO/OS with LH/LO/OS flight numbers.
• Valid in all booking classes other than S & W (intercontinental flights) and L & T (European flights).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One Upgrade is always only valid for the flight segment covered by one flight coupon of a ticket.
• Waiting list reservations are also possible when booking a paperless Upgrade (eUpgrade).

Vouchers Miles and More SEN upgrade vouchers can be used to upgrade on LO.

• Only valid on flights operated by LH/LO/OS with LH/LO/OS flight numbers.
• Valid in all booking classes other than S & W (intercontinental flights) and L & T (European flights).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One eVoucher is valid for the one european flight segment, two eVouchers are valid for one intercontinental segment.
• Waiting list reservations are also possible when booking a paperless Upgrade (eUpgrade).

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


Lufthansa

LH upgrades possible are econ->biz, biz->first. Note no first on domestic or intra-Europe routes.

Miles and More information and links based on the new rules from 1 August 2004.

Miles Miles and More miles may be used to upgrade on LH

• Only valid on flights operated by LH/LO/OS with LH/LO/OS flight numbers.
• Valid in all booking classes other than S & W (intercontinental flights) and L & T (European flights).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One Upgrade is always only valid for the flight segment covered by one flight coupon of a ticket.
• Waiting list reservations are also possible when booking a paperless Upgrade (eUpgrade).

UA Mileage Plus miles may be used to upgrade on LH.

• Only valid on flights operated by LH with LH flight numbers.
• Not valid on RTW fares.
• Upgrade awards can be used with booking classes C (Business to First ), Y & B (Full fares Coach to Business), M & H (Selected fares Coach to Business)
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One Upgrade is always only valid for the flight segment covered by one flight coupon of a ticket.

Vouchers Miles and More SEN upgrade vouchers can be used to upgrade on LH.

• Only valid on flights operated by LH/LO/OS with LH/LO/OS flight numbers.
• Valid in all booking classes other than S & W (intercontinental flights) and L & T (European flights).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One eVoucher is valid for the one european flight segment, two eVouchers are valid for one intercontinental segment.
• Waiting list reservations are also possible when booking a paperless Upgrade (eUpgrade).

UA Mileage Plus SWUs can be used to upgrade.

• This upgrade may be used on a standby basis, subject to availability, on the day of travel on any eligible LH flight.
• Valid in all booking classes except when booked in LH booking classes X, I, O, R, N, W and E.
• This upgrade requires a 14-day advanced notification to MP in order to print and mail the certificate for presentation to LH on the day of departure.

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


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SAS

SK upgrades possible are - short haul econ flex->biz, long haul econ->econ extra / econ extra->biz / econ->biz. Econ flex is higher fare classes which include a meal service, cannot upgrade from econ (without meal service) to biz.

Miles Only SK Eurobonus points may be used to upgrade on SK.

Vouchers From 1 Nov 04 it is only possible to upgrade with an Eurobonus upgrade voucher from economy flex to business class within Europe.

Freebies for status None?

Op ups ??


Singapore Airlines

SQ upgrades possible are econ->biz, biz->first. Note some routes have no first class (and SIN-KUL route has economy and first, no business).

Miles SQ Kris Flyer miles may be used to upgrade on SQ.

• Tickets booked in V, Q, G or N Class are not eligible for upgrade award redemption.
• Each additional stopover is available for 10K KF Miles.
• The original ticket must have been issued before the upgrade reservation is made.

DL Sky Miles may be used to upgrade.

• Round trip upgrades are available on certain routes from full fare.
• Award is also good for one free connecting round-trip one-class upgrade on DL from US/Bermuda/Canada/Caribbean/Mexico via SQs gateways in North America.

Round Trip Upgrade Award with SM miles
How to redeem an award

From 2 August 2005, Miles and More miles may also be used to upgrade on SQ.

From 1 August 2005, NH miles may also be used to upgrade on SQ.

Vouchers None.

Freebies for status None.

Op ups Very rare on SQ. Some FTers have reported success with cash upgrades on check-in.


Spanair

JK upgrades possible are econ->biz. Note JK doesnt fly any long haul.

Miles Only JK miles may be used to upgrade on JK.

Vouchers ???

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


Thai

TG upgrades possible are econ->biz, biz->first. First is not offered on all flights.

Miles TG Royal Orchid Plus miles may be used to upgrade on TG.

Vouchers One round-trip complimentary upgrade to the next class of service using a paid ticket on qualifying and requalifying for TG ROP Gold.

Freebies for status ???

Op ups Posted somewhere in the TG forum, check-in agents are authorised to op-up TG ROP Gold econ->biz when flights are more than 90% full in econ. TG ROP Silver and Star Gold members are have been known to receive op-ups econ->biz in that order when flights are full in econ.


United

Links to Ozstamps UA booking codes thread (including info on UA upgrades) here and xpacific's black art of gifting UA e-upgrades thread.

UA upgrades possible are econ->biz, biz->first, econ->first (on 2-class a/c).

Miles UA Mileage Plus miles may be used to upgrade on UA.

• For travel within North America, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America (= Region 1) upgrade awards can be used with booking classes C & D (Business to First) & Y, B, M, H, Q, V, W, S, K, L and T (Coach to First if no Business available, otherwise Business). For travel outside of Region 1, upgrade awards can be used with booking classes C, D (Business to First) & Y, B, M and H (Coach to Business).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued.
• When MP award travel originates in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe or Latin America and entails routing via the U.S., two awards are required: one to/from the U.S., and another between the U.S. and your final destination.

Upgrade Award Rules
Upgrade Award Chart

Miles and More miles may be used to upgrade on UA.

• Only valid on flights operated by UA with UA flight numbers.
• Upgrade must be booked at least seven working days in advance and can be booked only in particular booking classes and, on US domestic flights, on selected routes.
• The original ticket must have been issued before the upgrade reservation is made; all of the flight's routes must be confirmed.
• One Upgrade is always only valid for the flight segment covered by one flight coupon of a ticket.
• It is not possible to upgrade to a waiting list.

Vouchers UA Mileage Plus SWU voucher may be used to upgrade.

• This upgrade may be used for travel in or between North America, Hawaii, Caribbean and Central America (Region 1) or South America, Europe, North or South Asia, Japan, Australia (Region 2). Stopovers are not permitted.
• This upgrade may be used on UA Business booking classes C & D and on UA Coach booking classes Y, B, E, M, U, H, Q, V & W; for travel in Region 1 also in S, T, K & L.
• This upgrade may be requested after ticket is issued in the purchased fare.

Miles and More SEN voucher may be used to upgrade.

• Only valid on a standby basis on flights operated by UA with UA flight numbers.
• Valid booking classes for intercontinental flights (2 eVouchers) are C & D (Business to First) and Y, B, M & H (Coach to Business) for travel on flights within region 1 (1 eVoucher) all but not G.

UA Mileage Plus Regional Upgrade voucher may be used to upgrade.

• This upgrade may be use for travel within Region 1. Stopovers are not permitted.
• This upgrade may be used on UA Business booking classes C & D and on UA Coach booking classes Y, B, E, M, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, K & L.
• This upgrade may be requested after ticket is issued in the purchased fare.

UA Mileage Plus 500 Miler Upgrade voucher may be used to upgrade.

• This upgrade may be use for travel within Region 1. Stopovers are not permitted.
• This upgrade may be used on UA Business booking classes C & D and on UA Coach booking classes Y, B, E, M, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, K & L.
• Upgrade processing: 1K: 100 hours; Premier Executive: 72 hours; Premier: 48 hours; all others: 24 hours before scheduled flight departure.

Freebies for status UA Mileage Plus *G (no longer includes other *G) will be seated in econ plus (more legroom, same service) if booked in econ, subject to availability. Note you can also pay for econ plus access through an annual pass.

Op ups Common on certain flights (eg some transatlantic). Processed in order of status - UA M+ top elites then *G. Link to UA op-up master thread

US Airways

US upgrades possible are intl econ->biz, dom econ->first. A330 transatlantic also has first seating with biz service.

Miles Only US Dividend miles may be used to upgrade on US.

Vouchers US Dividend Miles top tier (Chairman's Preferred) members complimentary vouchers may be used to upgrade one-way trans-atlantic, for themselves and/or a companion (separate vouchers). The upgrades are only valid for tickets purchased in Y, B, M, H, K, Q, and V classes of service. Tickets purchased in Y or B class may be upgraded any time in advance. Tickets purchased in M, H, K, Q, and V may be upgraded no earlier than 7 days prior to departure.

Freebies for status US Dividend Miles Preferred (Elite) members receive unlimited upgrades on every flight except for Transatlantic flights. Based on the Preferred Level, free upgrades clear at 7 days, 3 days, and 1 day prior to flight. Preferred members traveling in full fare (Y, B, or U) may upgrade any time in advance. All Preferred members may also request an upgrade for one companion travelling on the same flight.

Op ups are rare due to the freebies.


Varig

RG upgrades possible are ??

Miles RG Smiles miles may be used to upgrade on RG.

Vouchers ???

Freebies for status ???

Op ups ???


*A Upgrade Awards
Thanks to Patron for providing news here that from mid-2005 *A Upgrade Awards will be possible - roll out phased across *A FFPs. I will update this thread once more details are known.


<Updates>
Thanks to stut, kempis, AJLondon, Patron, Savage25, BlondeBomber, schoflyer, the lurker, Gold Circle, wingnut, StSebastian, Ozstamps, WindFlyer, Chiangi, TallBloke, xpacific, jacob_m and everyone else who has contributed. Any errors in editing are mine.

Please correct me or help fill in the many gaps. Updated to post #76. :)
Work in progress

Some info for bmi:

Types of upgrade: on short-haul, Economy to Business. On long-haul, Economy to The New Economy. Officially, there is no way to upgrade from The New Economy to The Business other than an op-up (or, of course, hard cash).

Miles: Diamond Club members cannot upgrade using miles. However, they can redeem using cash and miles, in all classes, in all *A carriers.

Vouchers: Diamond Club Gold cardholders receive 4 Gold upgrade vouchers on qualification or renewal, which can be used for a standby upgrade from Economy on BD metal. Note that this is a one-class upgrade, so long-haul passengers go to The New Economy, not The Business. There have been reports of upgrades from The New Economy to The Business, but this is not official.

Freebies for status: *G get the seat next to them blocked when they check in (subject to availability). Diamond Club Gold cardholders making redemption bookings on BD metal (in Economy) get a free, standby, one-class upgrade for the cardholder and one companion.

Op ups: Variable. I have a 50% success rate on LHR-CDG and 0 on LHR-AMS. Generally pretty rare on short-haul, due to convertible seats. I don't know about long-haul.

For SAS EuroBonus

Short haul
Upgrade from economy to business class within Europe:10.000 points

Long haul
Upgrade from economy to economy extra 10.000 points
Upgrade from economy extra to business class 20.000 points
Upgrade from economy to business class 30.000 points

Some additional info:

Each voucher is good for one flight number journey, except NZ1/2 between AKL and LHR requires 2 vouchers, also TG 911/910 and 917/916 between LHR and BKK requires 2 vouchers.

Also for these * UK vouchers: only Y,M,B,H class is upgraded to Business. (Also S class for SK.) TG H class is excluded. Business C,D classes are upgraded to first class. bmi transatlantic economy Y,M,B,H class is upgraded to the new economy and bmi transatlantic U,L class is upgraded to the business.

Worldwide Airport Standby Upgrade Certificate
 

Worldwide Airport Standby Upgrade Certificate

• 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 TG911/910/917916 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.

Worldwide Airport Standby Upgrade Certificate
FAQ

Thanks all. Updated to here.

Lh//lo/os
 

LH/LO/OS (valid from August 1st 2004 onwards)

Possibilities:

1. M&M miles

• Only valid on flights operated by LH/LO/OS with LH/LO/OS flight numbers.
• Valid in all booking classes other than S & W (intercontinental flights) and L & T (European flights).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One Upgrade is always only valid for the flight segment covered by one flight coupon of a ticket.
• Waiting list reservations are also possible when booking a paperless Upgrade (eUpgrade).

Upgrades for M&M miles

2. MP miles

• Only valid on flights operated by LH with LH flight numbers.
• Upgrade awards can be used with booking classes C (Business to First ), Y & B (Full fares Coach to Business), M & H (Selected fares Coach to Business)
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One Upgrade is always only valid for the flight segment covered by one flight coupon of a ticket.

Upgrades for MP miles

3. M&M Senator Upgrade Voucher (eVoucher)

• Only valid on flights operated by LH/LO/OS with LH/LO/OS flight numbers.
• Valid in all booking classes other than S & W (intercontinental flights) and L & T (European flights).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued; all of the segments for which you request an Upgrade must be first confirmed in their paid booking class.
• One eVoucher is valid for the one european flight segment, two eVouchers are valid for one intercontinental segment.
• Waiting list reservations are also possible when booking a paperless Upgrade (eUpgrade).

4. MP SWU

• This upgrade may be used on a standby basis, subject to availability, on the day of travel on any eligible LH flight.
• Valid in all booking classes except when booked in LH booking classes X, I, O, R, N and E.
• This upgrade requires a 14-day advanced notification to MP in order to print and mail the certificate for presentation to LH on the day of departure.

Confirmed Systemwide Upgrades

Free Upgrades for M&M Senator status
Two Upgrade Vouchers (eVouchers) for (re-)qualification (= every two years)

Senator Upgrade Voucher

Thanks Patron. OP updated.

Great thread! ^

updates for Thai:

TG upgrades possible are econ>biz, biz>first. First is not offered on all flights.

Miles: TG Royal Orchid Plus miles may be used to upgrade on TG.

Vouchers: One round-trip complimentary upgrade to the next class of service using a paid ticket on qualifying and requalifying for ROP Gold.

Freebies for status ???

Op ups: Posted somewhere in the TG forum, check-in agents are authorised to op-up ROP Gold from econ to biz when flights are more than 90% full in econ. ROP Silver and Star Gold members are have been known to receive op-ups from econ to biz in that order when flights are full in econ.

Air Canada

AC upgrades possible are on certain fares which vary by route.

Miles AC Aeroplan miles may NOT be used to upgrade on AC.

Vouchers

Freebies for status: Up to 8 system wides given to top tier (Super Elite members) on requalifying or qualifying (can choose different packages, one with 4 restricted fare system wides 2 any fare system wides).

2 restricted fare system wides every 15K Qualifying miles except 2 any fare system wides @45, 75 & 120K qualifying miles

confirmable at ticketing Y domestic, Y/M other routes, 7 days other fares; use restricted fare systemwide on A,M,U,Y fares N. America plus B,H other routes; any fare systemwide on A,B,G,H,I,L,M,Q,R,U,V,Y fares
==================================
Elites choose 4 restricted fare systemwide and 4 restricted fare North American or 2 any fare systemwide, 2 restricted fare systemwide and 2 restricted fare North American on requalifying or qualifying

2 restricted fare system wides every 15K Qualifying miles except 2 any fare system wides @45, 75 & 120K qualifying miles (same as Super Elite)

confirmable at ticketing Y domestic, Y/M other routes; 4 days other fares;

use restricted fare systemwide on A,M,U,Y fares N. America plus B,H other routes; any fare systemwide on A,B,G,H,I,L,M,Q,R,U,V,Y fares; restricte fare NA upgrade on A,M,U,Y fares

Op ups: regularly given to status members but application has been uneven. Some recent improvement reported.

Upgrade possibilities on UA
 

UA

Possibilities:
1. MP miles

• For travel within North America, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America (= Region 1) upgrade awards can be used with booking classes C & D (Business to First) & Y, B, M, H, Q, V, W, S, K, L and T (Coach to First if no Business available, otherwise Business). For travel outside of Region 1, upgrade awards can be used with booking classes C, D (Business to First) & Y, B, M and H (Coach to Business).
• Ticket must be issued in the paid class of service before an upgrade is issued.
• When MP award travel originates in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe or Latin America and entails routing via the U.S., two awards are required: one to/from the U.S., and another between the U.S. and your final destination.

Upgrade Award Rules
Upgrade Award Chart

2. M&M miles

• Only valid on flights operated by UA with UA flight numbers.
• Upgrade must be booked at least seven working days in advance and can be booked only in particular booking classes and, on US domestic flights, on selected routes.
• The original ticket must have been issued before the upgrade reservation is made; all of the flight's routes must be confirmed.
• One Upgrade is always only valid for the flight segment covered by one flight coupon of a ticket.
• It is not possible to upgrade to a waiting list.

Upgrades for M&M miles

3. MP SWU

• This upgrade may be used for travel in or between North America, Hawaii, Caribbean and Central America (Region 1) or South America, Europe, North or South Asia, Japan, Australia (Region 2). Stopovers are not permitted.
• This upgrade may be used on UA Business booking classes C & D and on UA Coach booking classes Y, B, E, M, U, H, Q, V & W; for travel in Region 1 also in S, T, K & L.
• This upgrade may be requested after ticket is issued in the purchased fare.

Confirmed Systemwide Upgrades

4. M&M Senator Upgrade Voucher (eVoucher)

• Only valid on a standby basis on flights operated by UA with UA flight numbers.
• Valid booking classes for intercontinental flights (2 eVouchers) are C & D (Business to First) and Y, B, M & H (Coach to Business) for travel on flights within region 1 (1 eVoucher) all but not G.

5. MP Regional Upgrade

• This upgrade may be use for travel within Region 1. Stopovers are not permitted.
• This upgrade may be used on UA Business booking classes C & D and on UA Coach booking classes Y, B, E, M, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, K & L.
• This upgrade may be requested after ticket is issued in the purchased fare.

Confirmed Regional Upgrades

6. MP 500 miles upgrade

• This upgrade may be use for travel within Region 1. Stopovers are not permitted.
• This upgrade may be used on UA Business booking classes C & D and on UA Coach booking classes Y, B, E, M, U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, K & L.
• Upgrade processing: 1K: 100 hours; Premier Executive: 72 hours; Premier: 48 hours; all others: 24 hours before scheduled flight departure.

500 miles upgrade

SQ upgrade possibilities
 

Possibilities:

1. KF miles

• Tickets booked in V, Q, G or N Class are not eligible for upgrade award redemption.
• Each additional stopover is available for 10K KF Miles.
• The original ticket must have been issued before the upgrade reservation is made.

One-Way Upgrade Award with KF miles

2. SM miles

• Round trip upgrades are available on certain routes from full fare.
• Award is also good for one free connecting round-trip one-class upgrade on DL from US/Bermuda/Canada/Caribbean/Mexico via SQs gateways in North America.

Round Trip Upgrade Award with SM miles
How to redeem an award

Just a clarification the bmi 'miles and cash' scheme...

It's not really an upgrade. You can't actually upgrade a ticket with miles at all.

However, you could claim that it is an effective upgrade.

For example:

A MAN-BGI r/t award costs 50000 miles in Y and 75000 in C.

If you want to do cash and miles, it costs 25000 + £170 in Y and 37500 + £255 in C.

What is argued, is that, effectively, the £255 'upgrades' your Y redemption ticket to C. Or, put another way, the 37500 miles upgrade your £255 Y 'fare' to a C fare.

Thought it may be of use to have in one place the various ways of upgrading on *A.

ANA

NH upgrades possible are...
Intl:upgrades possible are econ->biz, biz->first
Dom:econ->SuperSeat
New Rule that went into effect is that upgrades are possible from only M and higher fare classes (Both Miles and certs).

Miles NH miles may be used to upgrade on NH. Stopovers of more than 24 hours are not permitted on upgrades via mileage unless you upgrade each sector separately. Ex. Y-C upgrade: SFO-xNRT-BKK=30,000 SFO-NRT-BKK=42,500
International upgrade chart: http://www.anaskyweb.com/us/e/amc/gu...muryou_in.html

Vouchers Intl requires 2 upgrade certs, Domestic 1 upgrade cert. Upgrades using certs is by sector only. SFO-NRT-BKK requires 4 certs!

Freebies for status
Bronze (30K): 2 upgrade certs
Platinum (50K) 6 upgrade certs
Diamond (100K) 8 upgrade certs, 2 X 1 night hotel vouchers, Duty free voucher (10,000 yen)


Op ups ???

Thanks for the info ^ ^ - only a few more *A carriers to go! :)

OPs now updated to here.

US Airways
 

All members may upgrade any flight using miles.

Upgrades within North America:

Preferred (Elite) members receive unlimited upgrades on every flight except for Transatlantic flights. Based on the Preferred Level, free upgrades clear at 7 days, 3 days, and 1 day prior to flight. Preferred members traveling in full fare (Y, B, or U) may upgrade any time in advance. All Preferred members may also request an upgrade for one companion travelling on the same flight.

Transatlantic Upgrades:

Top tier (Chairman's Preferred) Elite members receive two one-way transatlantic upgrades for their own use, plus two additional one-way upgrades valid for a companion. The upgrades are only valid for tickets purchased in Y, B, M, H, K, Q, and V classes of service. Tickets purchased in Y or B class may be upgraded any time in advance. Tickets purchased in M, H, K, Q, and V may be upgraded no earlier than 7 days prior to departure.

OPs now updated to here.

Still looking for info on Asiana, Spanair, Varig. Plus one or two gaps/questions.

CORRECTION: the BD*G redemptions get a one class upgrade confirmed at time of booking, subject to availability.


Asiana
OZ upgrades possible are:OZ Miles only

Miles:Also, when using miles for two or more redemptions, there's a 10% discount

Vouchers ???What??? :rolleyes:


Freebies for status ???Platinum members (lifetime*G higher-level) get automatic standby upgrade
Status lasts 3 years and requalification levels are VERY low
Also, you get a nice leather travel wallet with your Diamond (*G ordinary level) card.
Membership cards have no expiry date on them - strange but true. This could be the best perk going!

Wonderful thread, thanks to all contributors. Unfortunately there is not much more to add from my limited knowledge.

Thanks - updated to here.

No expiry date on OZ *G card eh? I should take a look at BlondeBomber's chart for what it takes to get one.

Upgrading on SK
Can only be done using EuroBonus points and not points/miles from another FF program.

Spanair Plus
Upgrades can be done using Plus points.

Peninsula-Peninsula 600 points
Peninsula-Balearic Islands 600 points
Peninsula - Europe 1000 points
Peninsula - Canaries 1000 points
Canarias - Europe 2000 points

Note that JK doesnt fly any long haul flights.

This is a superb thread.

Patron & Kawoh, I'd like to suggest this is "stickied", as I for one will certainly be using it every time I book when choosing between different * carriers on the same route.

Kiwi Flyer:

bmi you might like to clarify that the "miles plus cash" award option does not earn any miles on the cash element of the fare...

UA operational upgrades: I have a lot of success with these on transatlantic routes. Pick a flight that you think will be full (first flight out UK-US, last flight out US-UK, weekend fligths etc). Op-ups are normally processed in order of status. As most 1Ks have already upgraded through other means (and quite a few 1Ps too), 1Ps and *Gs are top of the pile. I'm *G (not UA) and of my last 5 xatlantic flights, 2 have been upgraded with SWUs, 1 as bump compensation (but would have got an op-up if I'd not volunteered) and 2 have been op-up (ex LHR ready for me at check-in, at EWR paged in RCC).

US only has two classes of service -- F/Y domestic/north america, C/Y trans-atlantic (A330 trans-atl has old F/C/Y seating, but only two classes of actual service).

As for op-ups, they're extremely rare domestically/north america because of the unlimited upgrades for status flyers. (They'd have to have an oversold flight in Y without enough status members to fill F.) They might come up a few times on trans-atlantic flights but I've never had one happen on any of my flights. I'd guess that they would be for US status members, but I have no idea.

That's all I can help with.

I agree that it was an excellent idea to open a “How to upgrade on *A” master-thread. But as the OP tend to drive those of us who are detail-oriented quite crazy, I wait to make this thread sticky until Kiwi Flyer has updated his OP. To give you an example: stut (2 times), GoldCircle & yourself provided input for upgrade possibilities on BD. And this is what we have right now:
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!

Besides that, what’s the connection that a *G card holder gets the seat next to them blocked when they check in (subject to availability) to “how to upgrade on BD”?

You're the boss, Patron, but I imagine this thread will be one of those which is forever been updated, as FFP policies change and people's practical experiences are reported...


Can see your point, but I from a personal point of view a seat block is the next best thing to an upgrade so is relevant to the thread, if only tangentially...

A lot of info on upgrading United flights (and what will do it) is in this thread:

Click for a detailed compilation - listing and outlining all known UA revenue/award/upgrade booking codes "A - Z" (and details and validity of many UA Upgrade Certificates) and how to (mostly!) access and view them on: www.ual.com

Great thread, Kiwi Flyer. ^

Just a quick comment on UA at this time:

You could change that to econ->biz, biz->first, econ->first (on 2-class a/c)

At this time there is actually no distinction between E+ and E- for upgrade purposes. Additionally, there is no mechanism for going from E- to E+ (the latter is given to all MP and *A elites and pax on Y or B fares), although there are some rumours that this may change.

In short, E+ and E- are not separate classes of service, simply different seating areas--more legroom being the differentiator.

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.

Who to use? UA or LH?
 

I am travelling from BHX to LAS via Germany soon, and my choice seems to be between UA and LH for the transatlantic sector.

I have some UK *A upgrade vouchers, and I am a BD Gold *A member.

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?

What would you guys do?

Not strictly true, need to add:

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

I just called the ANA Platinum desk. They said that this "new" rule applies only to tickets issued in the USA. Thus, if tickets are purchased outside the US H and W fares seem to be upgradeable. The "Group" fares ticketed in T are not however.

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.

Thanks for answering my queries!

I'll repost the question as a new thread so that it gets a wider audience.

Mark

As posted above there is NO difference to UA between E and E+. You do NOT get "upgraded" to E+ ... UA does NOT regard that as a separate cabin "class" of service. As a Star Gold you are AUTOMATICALLY entitled to it.

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.

Thanks everyone for the corrections and additional info :)

I have now updated to here.

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

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.

Bump and some minor updates.

The UK Air NZ flight has a cash upgrade:

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