Upgrade and seat questions

I should be doing some work but something keeps pulling me back to websites associated with my upcoming jaunt to various US cities, otherwise known as my summer hols.

Having just given up holding on the VS phoneline I thought I'd ask you guys a question about upgrading from Economy to PE as you all know everything! I am travelling solo to Las Vegas on an x code ticket purchased some time ago using miles plus money. I see from this site that I can't use miles to upgrade to PE on an x but can I purchase an upgrade and any idea what it would cost? The flight load shows very few economy seats available but there are 9+ premium. I'm not convinced about doing this and would be willing to take my chances at the airport if that meant a cheaper option.

Second question is one of personal opinion I suspect - please don't laugh as I'm a detail person! I've pre selected a window seat as far forward in the economy cabin that the selection will currently allow - think row 30 something but maybe 40 something. I like looking at the world passing by below. I've only ever taken the drinks as offered by the cabin crew, never asked for another... in fact it wasn't until I started reading here that I realised that people do indeed imbibe more than the initial G&T and glass of wine (I remember the days of brandy or Baileys(sp) in economy! Anyway the thought of a few more G&Ts to help the time pass on the 10+ hour flight with a poor entertainment system is appealing. So how do I get these - do I call the FA or should I change my seat selection to an aisle seat so that I can pop to the galley without disturbing whoever gets seated next to me. I'm certainly not speaking about drinking loads but I don't want to be a bother to the FA or those seated by me. Views?

[buns]

Hi annekr

My advice would be to get onto FC and enquire now about the cost of upgrading - Las Vegas is always a popular flight and leaving things to the airport may be far more expensive as VS will be looking for top dollar on the day.

Lines are bound to be busy today as BA ticket holders try to alter their immediate plans :w but by going through your FC Number is the best option.

As to seating, although I do favour the window when travelling with Mrs buns, by being on the aisle you "do have control" I once remember having to sit for hours in a window seat as the person in the aisle slept from the moment he boarded v( .

buns

I think the disturbing the person on the aisle issue is oft overblown.

As long as you are not up and down every five minutes going to the loo, getting something out of the overhead locker etc then most reasonable people will be ok. You can also ease this if you say 'i'm just going to get a drink, want me to get you one?' and not do it when they are eating etc.

Yes you could use the button but whilst the walk to the galley is not a long one your legs might just appreciate being able to move for a period !

As Mr Buns says persist with calling VS - but try at a quieter time (if you can) so mid morning / afternoon and later in the evening rather than first thing, lunch time and getting home from work time.

Enjoy!

Oh how long you in Chicago for? Been before? Let me know and I'll make some suggestions on things to do

Thanks everyone. It's just the excitement building that is puting me into planning too much mode. Tontybear - we'll be 4 nights in Chicago including July 4th. Haven't been there before so any tips welcome. We're staying 2 nights at the new Palomar then 2 nights at the James. There'll be the last minute shopping to be done but I also want to do the architectural boat trip. Might do the House of Blues gospel brunch on 4th July. Trying not to plan too much (other than my drink trips on flight to Vegas LOL)

make sure you get your drinks trips in early, as quite often on the Vegas flights if its busy with stag groups, they close the bar after a few hours into the flight.

Haven't been there before so any tips welcome.

Arrange a tour with the City Greeter service - http://www.chicagogreeter.com/ - our guide took us through office buildings to see wonderful art deco detail. We'd never have dared go in those buildings ourselves. She also introduced us to the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank -see what a million dollars looks like and have a picture taken.

Go up the Hancock Tower, and see the Chicago Cultural Centre. Navy Pier, Lincoln Park and the Zoo. Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) sculpture and Millenium Park.

Many places to eat and drink. (BTW, many other more upscale choices are available...) Breakfast at Lou Mitchells, brunch at RJ Grunts, feast on a pizza pie at somewhere like Gino's East or a great mexican meal at Adobo (up by Second City) or numerous steak houses and to round off the day in a real, no natural light, American Bar try the original Billy Goat Tavern on North Michigan.

Hope this helps...

Paul

I second the citygreeter, we did an architecture tour with an ex-pat which was brilliant.

As you're going on the 4th July, there will probably a fireworks display in Millenium Park.

Also, try and take in a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field.