Best Way To Get An Upgrade ?

Hi all.

I am off on honeymoon in under 3 weeks and I checked expertflyer and although PE (where we are booked) is almost full outbound/inbound, UC is almost empty.

I have emailed Virgin very nicely and asked if there is any chance as it is a Honeymoon and got a standard worded response back.

Does anyone have any top tips ? ?

Or anyone work on the inside who can assist, as it is a special trip?

Woz

Unfortunately, best way to guarantee an upgrade is with Visa, Mastercard, Amex etc or cash.

If P/E is 'almost' full, why would they bother upgrading anyone.

Sorry

David

[Darren Wheeler]

Sorry, best was is pay for it with money or miles.

http://www.v-flyer.com/faq.asp#33

When i say almost, outbound it is full. Oh well, worth a shot. Thought someone might be able to help as its a honeymoon.

Didn't expect so much negativity so quickly and UC is something I could never afford normally.

Thanks anyway...

Woz

[Neil]

quote:Originally posted by woz099
Didn't expect so much negativity so quickly and UC is something I could never afford normally.


It's not negativity, it's just people being realistic. VS, and all airlines, don't do op-ups unless they really have to, there is no benefit for them to do so. If and when they are necessary, there is usually a set procedure of who gets moved first, and it is normally always the airlines most frequent fliers, so on Virgin, gold card holders who are flying in PE. I can't honestly remember reading anywhere about a couple who have been given an upgrade to a major carriers business class product because it is their honeymoon.

I understand your situation, and you may get lucky, but I wouldn't hold your breath as the only real way to get upgrades is to pay for them (with miles or cash).

The only time I've been upgraded to Upper was on my honeymoon. It was done on the plane and the only way they would have known is through the Virgin Holidays booking. It was a very nice surprise, but I certainly wouldn't have asked for it, or expected special treatment.

On my honeymoon I got a sticker giving me access to the priority security line, and given bulkhead seats without asking for them specifically. (The new other half was not so lucky lol), but that was six years ago.

I have to agree with other posters in that in todays climate you would be unbelievably lucky to get moved forwards for free

Hope the wedding goes well though

There are a number of issues operationally that I would suggest you go on board with the full expectation of travelling in PE.

Mostly the CC and Groundstaff do not read the notes on a booking. I had a guaranteed upgraded logged on my booking, due to some poor service flying out of SFO. Both the outbound and inbound agent at checkin did not check for it.

Also, recently a significant birthday was not even acknowledged, let alone an upgrade, and I am a frequent traveller with Virgin.

I think upgrades typically are more frequent if you have close friends or family that work for the airline.

Lastly, the aircraft to BGI may be a LGW one (Not sure) which means that UC seats are very limited.

In over 60 flights since July 2006, I only got 1 Op-Up to UC , when PE and Economy was oversold and everyone checked in. I used to ask to be put on the upgrade list, but mostly my flights in the last few years in my cabin are not full, so there is no point in asking.

I hope you have a good wedding, and a great honeymoon.

quote:Originally posted by woz099
Didn't expect so much negativity so quickly and UC is something I could never afford normally.


Hope it didn't come across as too negative (but sounds like it did[:I]) just trying to be realistic. If you get an upgrade enjoy, but if it was me, I wouldn't hold up to much hope.

... nothing wrong with premium though. Enjoy your flight, whatever class you fly in - and of course enjoy your honeymoon [y]

David

[Nottingham Nick]

quote:Originally posted by woz099
Didn't expect so much negativity so quickly...

I agree with Neil. It isn't negativity.

There isn't a magic formula. Anecdotal and actual evidence suggests that sometimes VS look favourably on honeymooners- especially those booked though VH, but given the percentage of passengers on the LGW routes for whom the trip is a 'special one', it would be impossible to help everyone.

If you go to the airport expecting, or even really hoping, for a free upgrade then this will inevitably start your trip of with disappointment when it doesn't materialise.

It seems harsh, but the only way to guarantee an upgrade, is to get the plastic out. [;)]

Nick

[mcmbenjamin]

Stay on top of it! If you want an upgrade, then you need to keep on calling and checking the website. Upgrades to UCS are very hard to get ex-LGW due to the reduced size of the cabin. I would suggest getting to the airport early and asking at checking plus the ticketing desk about the upgrade.

All that said, PE is very nice. Maybe save the miles for free or upgraded flights later on in the marriage. Possible a surprise weekend to NYC, etc. Score some brownie points later on!

I am sure you two will have a fab time away!

quote:Originally posted by woz099
Didn't expect so much negativity so quickly and UC is something I could never afford normally.





It is not negativity - many on here work and save very hard to be able to afford their flights whether they be Econ, PE or Upper and no doubt feel a bit slighted when they witness a 'free' upgrade. I am sure you fit into the category that is not to think you will get one but if you are THAT extremely lucky rare op up - then accept graciously and enjoy quietly. [y]

All the best for your wedding and honeymoon.

Regards,

Hackneyguy

[Decker]

Well it's not like 300,000+ people a year get married in the UK... oh wait...

quote:Originally posted by woz099
Didn't expect so much negativity so quickly and UC is something I could never afford normally.


LOL and welcome to V-Flyer, the land of realism and not negativity (though obviously it seems that way sometimes) - realism that is that airlines just don't do this unlike the general perception that honeymooners are all upgraded like fairy magic! Consider also that there may be several honeymooners among the 400 odd passengers on your flight, since you're going to a destination not unknown for that as well as the other reasons people have said.

Whatever class you are in, enjoy your time!

[HighFlyer]

Woz, this isnt aimed at you personally, but why do so many people spend a small fortune on a wedding and then fly themselves away in Economy on honeymoon and hope/ask for an upgrade? For such a 'special occasion' surely treating yourself and your new husband/wife is worth more than the posh flowers, chocolate fountain or four bridesmaids on the day? I know what I'd rather spend my hard-earned on and I am surprised that more couples do not think the same?

Thanks,
Sarah

[Neil]

That is actually a really good point, Sarah, and a rule we certainly followed.

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer
Woz, this isnt aimed at you personally, but why do so many people spend a small fortune on a wedding and then fly themselves away in Economy on honeymoon and hope/ask for an upgrade? For such a 'special occasion' surely treating yourself and your new husband/wife is worth more than the posh flowers, chocolate fountain or four bridesmaids on the day? I know what I'd rather spend my hard-earned on and I am surprised that more couples do not think the same?



It all comes down to personal preference Sarah doesn't it. Some people may be of the view that they would prefer to spend their hard earned cash on things that last a while (for example a car or a childs education) rather than spend it on something that only last a certain period of time. If someone offered me a Ferrari or a life traveling F for the one trip a year I make, I know which I would choice (although it would be a very hard choice).

A good family friend always states he would prefer to drive an Aston than spend his money on going out to michelin stared restaurants for food, which at the end of the day, ends up in the exact same place as the tesco value food...down the toilet!

With regards to weddings, I believe some people prefer to spend the money on the actual ceremony which they can experience and share with friends and family. Having not been through a wedding (yet) I cant really comment though.

As couple me and the GF try to do everything that we aspire to, which is may be our downful [:I].

Back OT. To the OP, as many others have said there is certainly no hard and fast rule at all. Sometimes knowing staffers can help (I saw a guy being moved to Club Europe on my flight to AMS last month as he knew the purser). As many others point out, often its if the flight is overbooked. A work colleague who was flying back from visiting her bf in BOS, recently got a double upgrade from Y to J and she has no status whatsoever with VS.

[Decker]

So you didn't have four bridesmaids? Or the chocolate fountain? [;)]

quote:Originally posted by willd
[quote]Originally posted by HighFlyer


A good family friend always states he would prefer to drive an Aston than spend his money on going out to michelin stared restaurants for food, which at the end of the day, ends up in the exact same place as the tesco value food...down the toilet!




One could also say the same about driving an Aston Martin or a Fiesta - both end up on the scrap heap. Where as memories last a life time . . . . [y]

[RichardMannion]

I'd agree that the likelyhood of an upgrade is remote, particularly given the relatively small number of UC seats on the aircraft.

The PE product isn't that bad. Get seats upstairs (assuming an LGW config) and get to the airport early to try and grab the bulkhead seats. You could also try your luck with buying CH access; order a bottle of bubbly for the flight.

Have a great day.

Well said Sarah

I am amazed at how much people spend on their weddings and feel the need to invite 300 guests, give them all goody bags, free bar, hand written place mats and have a horse drawn coach for the mother in laws to arrive in. I exaggerate but you get my drift yet they will skimp on the honeymoon and thyen expect an upgrade from the airline and hotel.

It's not a criticism of you Woz but its all down to personal choice and what people spend their on.

That said the VS PE prioduct is pretty damm good and many posters on here have said that they often prefer it over flying UC.

But I hope your wedding goes well and you have a good trip and congrats to you and the future Mr/Mrs Woz !

quote:Originally posted by hackneyguy
quote:Originally posted by willd

A good family friend always states he would prefer to drive an Aston than spend his money on going out to michelin stared restaurants for food, which at the end of the day, ends up in the exact same place as the tesco value food...down the toilet!




One could also say the same about driving an Aston Martin or a Fiesta - both end up on the scrap heap. Where as memories last a life time . . . . [y]


[y] I will use that one on him next time.

It all comes down to how much value you place on each particular memory doesn't it really and the length of time you want that dream to last and the priorities in your life at that time. At the moment we have decided we would prefer to spend our hard earned cash on things around the house (eg: new bed, new kitchen floor etc) rather than a J class flight.

[RichardMannion]

quote:Originally posted by willd
quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer
Woz, this isnt aimed at you personally, but why do so many people spend a small fortune on a wedding and then fly themselves away in Economy on honeymoon and hope/ask for an upgrade? For such a 'special occasion' surely treating yourself and your new husband/wife is worth more than the posh flowers, chocolate fountain or four bridesmaids on the day? I know what I'd rather spend my hard-earned on and I am surprised that more couples do not think the same?



It all comes down to personal preference Sarah doesn't it. Some people may be of the view that they would prefer to spend their hard earned cash on things that last a while (for example a car or a childs education) rather than spend it on something that only last a certain period of time. If someone offered me a Ferrari or a life traveling F for the one trip a year I make, I know which I would choice (although it would be a very hard choice).

A good family friend always states he would prefer to drive an Aston than spend his money on going out to michelin stared restaurants for food, which at the end of the day, ends up in the exact same place as the tesco value food...down the toilet!

With regards to weddings, I believe some people prefer to spend the money on the actual ceremony which they can experience and share with friends and family. Having not been through a wedding (yet) I cant really comment though.

As couple me and the GF try to do everything that we aspire to, which is may be our downful [:I].

Back OT. To the OP, as many others have said there is certainly no hard and fast rule at all. Sometimes knowing staffers can help (I saw a guy being moved to Club Europe on my flight to AMS last month as he knew the purser). As many others point out, often its if the flight is overbooked. A work colleague who was flying back from visiting her bf in BOS, recently got a double upgrade from Y to J and she has no status whatsoever with VS.


I think the point Sarah is trying to make, is that people spend all that money on the kind of items that she mentioned, and then expect the airline to give them a free upgrade 'because it's their honeymoon'. Is the wedding venue giving you anything for free because its your wedding? Err No, if anything they are jacking the price through the roof.

If you want to fly out in Upper, then pay/use miles for Upper. I have seen some almighty tantrums and sob stories at check-in for why they should get an upgrade; and the honeymoon excuse is a personal pet hate. Now if you are a regualr customer that spends a lot of revenue with the airline, I could potentially see some merit but in any instance that kind of individual is likely to understand/appreciate the need to actually pay what is due in the first place. Reminds me of the tossers at MAN airport we encountered a couple of years ago at baggage reclaim that were loudly whinging that the airline didn't upgrade them from PE to Upper 'even though the seats were empty'.

quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion



Oh what a fab image !

Any chance of a larger version or transcript of the text?