Fare Codes

Want to book an economy flight to US later this year. Still unsure yet if I will use miles to upgrade at a later date.
Been reading the VS web site and it says you need a Y,B or L code fare in order to do this (which I understand).
However, looking at booking on-line, how do you know what code you are getting it seems to only give you two options "lowest" or "flexible".
Am I correct in thinking if I book a "lowest" I will probably get another code which I cannot upgrade.

[Nottingham Nick]

It is a major gripe that we have on here about online booking on the VS website, that you are not able to choose your fare code. You are right - the cheaper classes will not be upgradeable with miles.

The best thing to do is book through the Flying Club on the phone and your can discuss what you intend to do with the agent.

There is no longer an online booking bonus or discount, so you aren't missing out by making a phone booking.

Nick

[mcmbenjamin]

Originally posted by Stevieboy

Am I correct in thinking if I book a "lowest" I will probably get another code which I cannot upgrade.

You are correct. There is not longer an online booking bonus so I suggest that you call the VS call center who will be able to tell you the booking class when you book.

Y B L are upgradable ex-UK

Remember N fares only earn 50 percent miles but the other economy fares earn 100 percent.

[mitchja]

Steve

Yes the 'lowest' fares are unlikey to be miles upgradable.

You can see what fare code you have booked in the second to last stage of the online booking system on the VS web site. It's shown after you have entered your credit card details. Dont panic though, as you then have to click one final time on this page to confirm the booking before it goes though. Just go back a couple of stages if it's not the correct fare code.

Regards

[mcmbenjamin]

Oh no, NN bet me by a minute 25 seconds

Also many people (myself included) book that lowest fare at the time but then upgrade the economy fare class to an upgradable one then use mile for the rest. Could save money if the upgrade does not work out.

Book an X return
Call later on and see that there are G (UC reward) seat
Upgrade your X ticket to a B or Y (or Y, L or B you UK peeps)
Upgrade the economy ticket with 30K o/w or 60K rtn

Cheers Nick,

Two other questions, once I have booked my Y,B or L fare can I ring up and request an upgrade using my miles (subject to availability I know) at any time and even at the airport before I check in?

Secondly when booking will FC be able to give me an idea if the flight I'm booking is open for an upgrade?

-Steve

[mcmbenjamin]

You could try a dumbie booking on VS.com to see if there are UC seats. Also FC would be able to tell you if there are reward seat avail and if there are not remember to call back closer to the flight date as there maybe more seats opened.

[mitchja]

I would advise doing the miles upgrade as soon as you can as reward avialability doesn't hang around for long these days.

Yes FC will be able to tell you if there's any reward availability too.

Regards