Getting an Upgrade with BA

Im flying to Cape Town and back with BA in December and im not
looking foward to 12 hours in cattle class[V]

Does anybody have any tips on getting an upgrade? [y]

Thanks

Use your BA miles or £ otherwise if you are a BA Prem or Gold you may stand a chance if Y is oversold.

[preiffer]

Originally posted by Glider Pilot
Does anybody have any tips on getting an upgrade? [y]

Yup - Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or Maestro : all tried and tested, all work. [y]

I should re-phrase my question. Anybody know how to get a free
upgrade?!

Any responses that are free and work will get a few beers comeing
their way at the PCP ...so get thinking

[preiffer]

How quickly can you get married to a member of the flight deck? [:w]

A free upgrade with BA ?? No such thing these days I am afraid unless, as I said, you are a Prem or Gold. The other upgrades are like rocking horse droppings and if you have paid a full fare and turn up - maybe - just maybe the check in agent can do it for you - but I think it highly unlikely unless you have status.

Good luck tho .....

We have only had one free upgrade with BA (WT to Club World - we skipped right over WT+...).

We had no status with BA, just happened to be the right people, in the right place, at the right time, for a flight that was oversold in Economy (but had room in Club...).

We were flying Denver to London during peak ski season. We were checking in fairly late (about an hour and and a quarter before departure) - through no fault of our own (mix up with Hertz when returning the hire car...). Husband and I (late-ish 20s) and wearing jeans and ski jacket. Were waiting in a fairly short line to check-in, supervisor was walking around, I smiled, she came up to us and asked me a question or two. She disappeared back behind the desk and when we checked in we were upgraded... [8D]

BA are INCREDIBLY unlikely to upgrade anyone unless they need to. IF your flight is oversold and you check-in towards the end of check-in (when they are beginning to think that they have no more economy seats and need to put someone in Club)... IF you are polite, nice and engaging... you MAY be lucky. But I wouldn't count on it... [:#]

So prepare yourself for the worst. If all else fails you might be able to upgrade for cash onboard (but you would probably be looking at £750/£1000+ for an upgrade from WT-CW for that one-way trip...).

Boo

[HighFlyer]

Originally posted by Boo Boo
IF your flight is oversold and you check-in towards the end of check-in (when they are beginning to think that they have no more economy seats and need to put someone in Club)... IF you are polite, nice and engaging... you MAY be lucky. But I wouldn't count on it...

Do remember that if you (anyone, not just the OP) use this course of action, that you are also increasing your chances of being denied boarding. Its a gamble, and like all good games, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Airlines do not have to upgrade you if you arrive late.

Thanks,
Sarah

I have only ever had one upgrade on BA Y-J (at the time there was no W) and that was because I had a friend who was BA CSD.We have never had a sniff of an upgrade checking in with 3 gold cards.You should have bought some JJ talc from Tesco;):D

[Scrooge]

Originally posted by Boo Boo


BA are INCREDIBLY unlikely to upgrade anyone unless they need to. IF your flight is oversold and you check-in towards the end of check-in (when they are beginning to think that they have no more economy seats and need to put someone in Club)... IF you are polite, nice and engaging... you MAY be lucky. But I wouldn't count on it... [:#]

So prepare yourself for the worst. If all else fails you might be able to upgrade for cash onboard (but you would probably be looking at £750/£1000+ for an upgrade from WT-CW for that one-way trip...).

Boo

We had pretty much the same thing happen to us in '06, we were in WT+ and there was a sign offering upgrades to CW for $750.We asked about the chances of purchasing two upgrades (credit card in hand) the agent was very nice but sadly explained that they had just sold the last one, I thanked him for looking, a few key strokes later and we are handed our boarding passes...being the nerd that I am I see that my favourite seat numbers 14 E and F are printed, the agent just smiles and says "have a good flight" [y] I offer to pay, he refuses, I try to tip, he refuses, I give him my business card and tell him to call/email if he ever needs a room...2 years no call...

It pays to be polite to the check in agent at all times, they arehuman beings and will respond to kindness more than anger, however we were very very lucky, that is the only up grade I have ever gotten on BA [:#]

Very true.

Personally i would not use it as a strategy. It has happened to us twice (once on BA and once on VS - that time upgraded from Economy to Upper), but not by design! We always try to check-in 3 hours before departure...

If you truly want an upgrade, then the only way to have a realistic chance of getting it is to pay for it (preferably at time of booking - when there is definitely availability).

Boo

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Do remember that if you (anyone, not just the OP) use this course of action, that you are also increasing your chances of being denied boarding. Its a gamble, and like all good games, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Airlines do not have to upgrade you if you arrive late.

Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by HighFlyer
Do remember that if you (anyone, not just the OP) use this course of action, that you are also increasing your chances of being denied boarding. Its a gamble, and like all good games, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Airlines do not have to upgrade you if you arrive late.
Thanks,
Sarah

I echo what Sarah points out on this one .... in this day and age if you turn up late you are more likely to get a meal voucher and a ticket on a later flight rather than an upgrade.

There is so much that goes on in the background with shifting around of loads on very full flights right up until the time everyone is boarding, from experience a lot (if any) of the last minute upgrading goes on as you pass through the gate rather than check-in. BA are also usually pretty good at looking after the important passengers ie their frequent flyers (Gold & Silvers) rather than those pitching up at the check-in hinting at a free upgrade. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule.

Cheers

Mark

It is a risky strategy (and as I said, I wouldn't use it), but it is probably just about the only way for a non-status passenger to get upgraded... (either that, or the check-in person or gate agent taking a very sudden and strong fancy to you... [:X] ).

Like anything with a big reward, it tends to require a big risk... and certainly checking-in after published check-in close time would be dumb... (also it doesn't work to OLCI and THEN check-in at the airport late... because they have already technically checked you in...). So you could risk being put into a middle seat somewhere or being bumped off of the flight altogether. Choosing a GOOD economy using OLCI tends to be the best way to proceed.

Of course, hinting at or asking for an upgrade (unless, like Scrooge, you are trying to buy one) is probably the best way to get yourself not upgraded...

Boo

Originally posted by HighFlyer

Originally posted by Boo Boo
IF your flight is oversold and you check-in towards the end of check-in (when they are beginning to think that they have no more economy seats and need to put someone in Club)... IF you are polite, nice and engaging... you MAY be lucky. But I wouldn't count on it...

Do remember that if you (anyone, not just the OP) use this course of action, that you are also increasing your chances of being denied boarding. Its a gamble, and like all good games, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Airlines do not have to upgrade you if you arrive late.


Thanks,
Sarah

An interesting point here; what is the definition of "late"? If I walk into the terminal 60 minutes before check-in closes say, and then have to stand in a queue for 90 minutes surely I'm not late? Is late timed as when you arrive at the queue for check-in, as I have no idea whether there'll be a short queue or a queue out onto the pavement? At exactly what point am I deemed to be late (especially if I'm having to stand in a line and wait)???

[Neil]

Originally posted by vizbiz
An interesting point here; what is the definition of "late"? If I walk into the terminal 60 minutes before check-in closes say, and then have to stand in a queue for 90 minutes surely I'm not late? Is late timed as when you arrive at the queue for check-in, as I have no idea whether there'll be a short queue or a queue out onto the pavement? At exactly what point am I deemed to be late (especially if I'm having to stand in a line and wait)???

Most airlines will have a member of staff going up and down the queue making a call for any remaining pax for a certain flight that is closing to make themselves known etc and they will then get moved to the front of the queue or to another desk. This is especially likely in situations where there is an abnormally large queue. I would also assume that you would have some sort of obligation to make yourself know to a member of staff and explain your situation rather just standing there knowing you are running out of time.

Neil

Originally posted by Neil
Most airlines will have a member of staff going up and down the queue making a call for any remaining pax for a certain flight that is closing to make themselves known etc and they will then get moved to the front of the queue or to another desk. This is especially likely in situations where there is an abnormally large queue. I would also assume that you would have some sort of obligation to make yourself know to a member of staff and explain your situation rather just standing there knowing you are running out of time.

Neil

Wouldn't this apply more to flights where check-in desks are shared (i.e. 5 flights with 1 airline from a group of desks) or does this apply to situations where 1 flight uses a group of desks?

[Neil]

Originally posted by VS075

Wouldn't this apply more to flights where check-in desks are shared (i.e. 5 flights with 1 airline from a group of desks) or does this apply to situations where 1 flight uses a group of desks?

Yes, but at check in for BA (and VS) you just join 1 queue and use the next free desk for all flights, very few airlines now have a 1 desk for a specific flight rule.

[Darren Wheeler]

I think BA do if T4 is busy. The boards flash the flight number and the desks you use, it certainly did in 2004 when I last used BA. But when you have 70+ desks you need a system of some kind.

A very good friend of mine is currently balancing a full time job with BA as a check in girl whilst studying her legal practice course. She has worked for BA since 18 and every holiday whilst at uni. We were discussing free upgrades etc the other day and she said the following:

1. NEVER ask for an upgrade- even if done as a joke. Normally a note is written straight on the booking saying do not upgrade at gate.

2. More chance of upgrade if flying on your own

3. FC status does not matter as its down to each check in girl if they do it or not.

4. Polite people will be upgraded more often than not.

5. Often helps if the check in girl finds you attractive.

6. Be dressed well- never going to get upgraded if scruffy.

7. Families are NEVER upgraded.


My friend did comment that she will normally upgrade elderly couples who are on a trip of a lifetime or exceptionally polite, well dressed people who are traveling on their own. Lagos, Orlando, Tampa and Kingston flights hardly ever see upgrades being given out.

Originally posted by willd
A very good friend of mine is currently balancing a full time job with BA as a check in girl whilst studying her legal practice course. She has worked for BA since 18 and every holiday whilst at uni. We were discussing free upgrades etc the other day and she said the following:

1. NEVER ask for an upgrade- even if done as a joke. Normally a note is written straight on the booking saying do not upgrade at gate.

2. More chance of upgrade if flying on your own

3. FC status does not matter as its down to each check in girl if they do it or not.

4. Polite people will be upgraded more often than not.

5. Often helps if the check in girl finds you attractive.

6. Be dressed well- never going to get upgraded if scruffy.

7. Families are NEVER upgraded.


My friend did comment that she will normally upgrade elderly couples who are on a trip of a lifetime or exceptionally polite, well dressed people who are traveling on their own. Lagos, Orlando, Tampa and Kingston flights hardly ever see upgrades being given out.

Hi Will

I have already posted to this thread however......

Without seeming rude your list reads like something from sites that offer ill informed advice on how to get an upgade.

I can say with great confidence that your point 3 is wrong. Frequent flyer status does have a bearing on upgrades for both BA and VS. Im not saying it makes things a certainty but does have a bearing.

I can also say shes wrong about point 6. I can tell you that from first hand experience. I never travel smart, I travel dressed for comfort for a long haul flight and have been upgraded an several occasions (due to my FC status;))

Im not really sure what is being implied about passengers travelling to the destinations in your last comment, but upgrades are a lot of the time done for operational reasons often to shift passengers from overbooked cabins (of course for many other reasons as well), im sure this would apply to these routes as well.


Cheers
Mark:D

[HighFlyer]

I've also seen and heard families or a couple with a child get upgraded before. Its very rare but it can and does happen.

There are no hard and fast rules to upgrades, but the best chance you have is being a frequent flyer with that airline, or just being at the right place at the right time when they need to shift someone at the last minute.

Thanks,
Sarah

Originally posted by mas66

Hi Will

I have already posted to this thread however......

Without seeming rude your list reads like something from sites that offer ill informed advice on how to get an upgade.

I can say with great confidence that your point 3 is wrong. Frequent flyer status does have a bearing on upgrades for both BA and VS. Im not saying it makes things a certainty but does have a bearing.

I can also say shes wrong about point 6. I can tell you that from first hand experience. I never travel smart, I travel dressed for comfort for a long haul flight and have been upgraded an several occasions (due to my FC status;))

Im not really sure what is being implied about passengers travelling to the destinations in your last comment, but upgrades are a lot of the time done for operational reasons often to shift passengers from overbooked cabins (of course for many other reasons as well), im sure this would apply to these routes as well.

Firstly appreciate your comments Mark, will now try to answer some of them.

My list wasn't taken from any other site. It was a conversation we had yesterday morning as we were discussing our forthcoming trip together. I put it into bullet form as it made it easier for me to discuss them (sorry being a lawyer we like our lists ;-)) Perhaps my list format did not make what I was saying too clear, sorry.

I certainly did not take the list from an "ill informed website" and would like to think that someone who has had two and a half years experience at BA on check in and now in another department is fairly well informed on what her and her immediate friends in the company do re upgrades.

These are my friends views on the matter and the way she operates. It will of course be different for each person.

Re Point Three: She said that to her FC status doesn't matter- it is up to each check in person who gets upgraded and she prefers to offer an upgrade to an elderly couple on a trip of a lifetime or someone who has been particularly pleasant at check in. Sure she does upgrade Exec club members but there is no hard and fast rule, as far as she is concerned, that if its a choice between two people the exec club member has to be given the upgrade. After all not all FC members are all pleasant and nice like us lot on here. Of course it helps but it doesn't mean its granted. Things could well be different at VS and also across the way in T1.

Point Six- is her own personal preference. She said someone who rocks up looking scruffy- note not casual- they wont get the green light from her.

Re families: my use of the word never in caps was probably a bit too strong. She said in her time there she has only ever upgraded one family.

My last comment was not directed at the people flying on those routes (after all the regulars on here know the MCO and TPA routes are the only ones I fly LH). It was just her observations after 2 and half years work there- the flights are always either full or there aren't enough spare seats to allow for a whole family upgrade.

I agree with HF- there is no rule on it. That is my friends personal opinion on the matter- I just felt given the OP it would be useful to have some insider info even if second hand.

Mark,

As a BA premier I agree with most of your observations. I occasionally get upgraded from J to F at checkin and I honestly believe it is because I am smartly dressed and a prem. Most of my upgrades are done whilst in the lounge - I have never asked for one.

However when I was a Blue or Silver member (which is useless for upgrades with BA and much else IMHO) I rarely got an upgrade.

After 40 years of travelling with them and being a EC member for many of those an upgrade is always a nice suprise and something I am almost grateful for getting, but as you said I have never seen a very casualy dressed (ie tracksuit/trainers and esp velour suited !) pax get an opup from J to F so I guess dress does count with BA whereas it may not with VS.

Cheers,

[preiffer]

I guarantee dress counts for virtually nothing on VS...

[Scrooge]

My one and only upgrade with BA I was in jeans, T-Shirt and trainers.

I did ask about an upgrade, however I was waving my amex card at the guy when I did it, he was nice enough to move us up for free.

No status with BA btw.

As far as VS....

Status, status and sleeping with a crew member...the last one is the best way