How to get a free upgrade. - Page 1 - The Pie & Piston Archive (2024)

Sunday 29th April 2007

Hi all,

Does anyone have any advice regarding a free upgrade when flying to go on honeymoon? We have only booked economy cos business class was £3000 extra but like you see in the movies everyone always gets a free upgrade when on honeymoon. Has this ever happened to anyone and whats the best way to go about it.

I'm not holding my breath but its got to be worth a shot.

Thanks

Slash

Sunday 29th April 2007

I got married 6 weeks ago. After plenty of research on the same topic I concluded there wasn't much hope. Best advice is dress smart and turn up early. If flying Virgin (as we did) you can pay an extra £50-£100 a seat to get the seats by the doors (more legroom); if flying BA be charming and ask to have a SFU (Suitable For Upgrade) marker put against your names. This lets gate staff know quickly who they can bump up if the flight is overbooked. Other advice is join the airline's frequent flyer club.

Best of luck, and congratulations

Sunday 29th April 2007

It's not easy - as posted above.

Best bet is to let everyone know you're on honeymoon (flash that untarnished ring about) without being over the top.

Sunday 29th April 2007

our parents phoned American Airlines and bought us a champagne breakfast on the flight, was very nice and also let them know it was our honeymoon - so we got 'special' treatment...

but upgrades to first / bc are rarer now than when i used to fly a lot

Edited by tvrforever on Sunday 29th April 22:11

Sunday 29th April 2007

I know its a special time but there are hundred of couples flying on their hineymon every day from LHR!

Airlines now only upgrade if they have to, operational reasons. Then it will be all the Gold Card holders, for that Airline that get first dibbs, then silver then whom ever elso has joined their club.

Just getting an upgrade now doesnt really happen. Sorry

Sunday 29th April 2007

Extra 300 Driver said:

Actually it does happen. We got upgraded to club on 3 of the 4 legs to Australia and back on our HM. Problem at the moment is that flights really are very busy and they really often don't have the space. Having status with the airline helps a lot, no doubt about it but also jut knowing who to ask.

If all easle fails wait until you are on the plane, everything has settled down and then try and ask the cabn services manager. They can often accommodate.

Sunday 29th April 2007

OK, I an far from an expert in this, but...

Go to the business class check-in. Yes, it is a gamble, but they have the keys to the promised land. Just ask them outright. Tell them why you are traveling, and ask if they can help you out.

I think it is your best chance.

Sunday 29th April 2007

Extra 300 Driver said:

Just getting an upgrade now doesnt really happen. Sorry

Not really true. In the big alert last year, BA screwed up my club class to NY. I turned up at Heathrow and pointed out that I would miss my connection to San Diego, and so they sent me first class to LA instead.

I think that that was around an £11,000 ticket that they gave me gratis, which was very nice.

Sunday 29th April 2007

slashmb said:

Does anyone have any advice regarding a free upgrade...Slash

Plenty of advice here:
www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=625473

Sunday 29th April 2007

Monday 30th April 2007

puggit said:

(flash that untarnished ring about)

Just don't expect the same treatment after the honeymoon.

Monday 30th April 2007

slashmb said:

How to get a free upgrade

Give 'em a stern look and say you want an upgade or you'll get the bomb out your underpants...

Might work....

Monday 30th April 2007

Monday 30th April 2007

TBH (and no offence either, i would be trying the same thing in your place) but the airline is unlikely to upgrade a Honeymoon couple from economy on a Long haul, especially if the major leg is a regular business route.

Their prime concern will be to keep repeat customers (regular business passangers) in the business class seats. As a regular ( ) business traveller over long haul, i dont think i would particularly want a loved up honeymoon couple doing the mile high club whilst i am trying to get some shut eye before rocking up for a week of working hell)

However, try all the tips listed earlier, and like i say, if i were in your shoes, i would still be trying!!

Another one may be to ask at check in as if on a whim "how much to upgrade, because we are on our honeymoon ..." then wince a little and say something like "ohh well ... we cant afford" look sad and be quiet and polite afterwards

good luck! (& congratulations)

Monday 30th April 2007

Mark,
I enjoyed some of this when I got married. The mother-in-law phoned the airline a few weeks before departure, and asked if she could organise a bottle of champers for us on the plane. The airline said that it did a "Honeymoon package" which was a nice dinner and the champers....all for £250 each! She declined, but they must have kept a note. When we checked in, I asked for a window seat, and was told that we probably won't be sitting next to each other. We were "you're joking" and "we're well early" that kinda thing (not shouting you understand) The leady then asked if I had jeans on... "No", what the hell has that got to do with it? She said that she was upgrading us to business class....which was nice.
However, upon boarding the plane, we were told that business class was full. Great, talk about dangle the carrott. "So, we're moved you up to First Class, seats 1 & 2"!!
What a result. The plane was a brand new (first time it was carrying passengers) 777, and it was the bo!!ox. Champers all the way, with a cake presented and everyone clapping. A bit embarrasing, but very, very nice. The flight was to Dubai, then onto Singapore....it was cattle class on the way back!

You can only ask mate! Good luck with everything.

Monday 30th April 2007

chilli said:

The flight was to Dubai, then onto Singapore....it was cattle class on the way back!

Emirates from LHR to Singa ... if you are in the back of the bus that realy is Cattle Class too !!! have been there too!! did you get the added luxury of a 1 1/2 hour stop-over in Colombo too?

Top effort on 1st class out there though !!!

Monday 30th April 2007

julianhj said:

Fixed

Monday 30th April 2007

chilli said:

You lucky people! Fair play!

Monday 30th April 2007

XJSJohn said:

We had an hour stop in Ho Chi Man city (SP??) but I slept through the whole thing...descent, waiting and take off. Very unusal for me, but hey, when you're lying flat on a comfy leather "bed" I'm not surprised!

Cheers.

Monday 30th April 2007

Carfiend said:

Oh, thanks for that.

But really, anyone on here prepared to admit to it? I can't think of a more unpleasant location!