Free Upgrades?
Apr 10, 2016, 12:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,768
Free Upgrades?
I was flying home from YYZ to YYC the other day, and I checked in around 16 hours prior to departure. I don't remember if I was in the cheapest, or 2nd cheapest fare class, but when I went to check in and select seats, I noticed I was already in a Plus seat. I did not pay for this, however I did use a Plus upgrade certificate on the other trip (YYC to YYZ) - not sure if that has anything to do with it. Wondering if this is new - is WS system offering upgrades now? I am Gold (earned, not matched), for many years - but not sure if that matters.
Apr 11, 2016, 8:15 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,768
May 1, 2016, 4:32 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: WS Platinum, former AC E35K
Posts: 6,335
I had a similar experience the other day going YEG-YVR. Can't remember if I was on an Econo or Flex fare, but at check in I was given 1D. Flight was only about 2/3 full. Hoping for a similar experience YVR-YOW in a couple of weeks. ^
May 5, 2016, 7:45 pm
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,136
May 13, 2016, 7:13 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: YYG
Programs: airlines and hotels and rental cars - oh my!
Posts: 2,995
May 13, 2016, 7:44 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Maybe it's to make up for all the complaints about the certs expiring before people could use them?
May 17, 2016, 10:53 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: YXE
Programs: WS Gold, SPG Plat, Nexus, HDC Gold, CCarlson Gold, HHonors Diamond,
Posts: 130
I love the "surprise" automatic upgrades, great new feature.
Does the system make allowances for upgrades where more than one person travelling on a booking, but not all are Gold members?
Also, has anyone ever got an upgrade on a Hawaii or TATL flight?
When I flew to OGG with WS it was on the leased Thomas Cook planes so there was no Plus section, but am flying to LGW this week and 6 days out there are still 17 Plus seats showing available.
Does the system make allowances for upgrades where more than one person travelling on a booking, but not all are Gold members?
Also, has anyone ever got an upgrade on a Hawaii or TATL flight?
When I flew to OGG with WS it was on the leased Thomas Cook planes so there was no Plus section, but am flying to LGW this week and 6 days out there are still 17 Plus seats showing available.
May 17, 2016, 11:51 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,768
If you are looking on the "select seats" map - just know that it isn't always accurate as to what is available. Best to have an employee check for you. I wouldnt expect this. On my last 30 flights over the past 2-3 months, I have only been upgraded automatically once. However, get on OLCI 24 hours prior, and pay for the LGW upgrade. So worth it on a 767!