V-Flyer

Does anybody know or have experience of the availability of lower priced upgrades closer to the date of travel.

i.e. The Flying Club said that they 'may' release mileage upgrade tickets 2/3 days before travel, or is it worth waiting untill check in.

We are travelling in PE and there are currently 12 seats available in Upper Class.

What is the likelihood?

I would appreciate your feedback.

Thanks, Matt

Hi Matt and welcome.

It is certainly worth looking on the website and asking at check-in but there are no guarentees that any upgrades will be available.

Just because there is space in UC does not atomatically mean that any upgrades will be offered.

It will also depend on where you are flying to and the date.

And the price will be the price. It could go down but it could also go up so if you see one offered and are happy with the price then go with it as the offer could be gone the next time you look.

Will have another look at the prices. Thanks for you response.

pleasure

let us know how you get on

Unless you can get an upgrade at the time of booking nothing much will open until 2-3 days before your flight.
The critical period is the last 24 hours when most of the revenue passengers will have bought so they know what is available.
Best way - unless you like being on hold - is to check the website regularly and try and book the flight you want using miles only. If it offers you a seat then you know there are seats available and grab the phone asap. (for some odd reason they will not allow you to put in for upgrade online unlike the US airlines).
You can also, of course, check at the airport but don't be fooled if they say 'check in the lounge' or 'check at the gate' - nothing will happen. At the airport in LONDON your last chance for miles upgrade is at check-in desk. Lounge will not do this and gate will only upgrade for money (no miles at the gate).

However, my experience outside the UK is they can arrange miles upgrades in the lounge and at the gate. I think it is because UK is the main hub and just so busy.

JCBR wrote: At the airport in LONDON your last chance for miles upgrade is at check-in desk. Lounge will not do this and gate will only upgrade for money (no miles at the gate).

In the LHR CH last year they were quite willing to do me a miles upgrade as long as I handed over a wodge of cash first to move my ticket to an upgradeable class.

Paul

As of mid July 2010 CH is no longer 'allowed' to arrange upgrades or even change your assigned seat !
They told me there was a conflict ie poer struggle between them and the gate agents over who had control over seating !
CH can not do much now except give you a nice meal.
That seems to be London only so far.

pjh wrote:

JCBR wrote: At the airport in LONDON your last chance for miles upgrade is at check-in desk. Lounge will not do this and gate will only upgrade for money (no miles at the gate).

In the LHR CH last year they were quite willing to do me a miles upgrade as long as I handed over a wodge of cash first to move my ticket to an upgradeable class.

Paul

Yes, any upgrades can be done in the CH, no problem.

JCBR wrote:As of mid July 2010 CH is no longer 'allowed' to arrange upgrades or even change your assigned seat !

Ah, ok, my experience was Easter 2009...