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#261263 by sarahd
09 Nov 2009, 21:23
Hi
My first post on here :)

Im a flying club member on AG status, 4 tier points away from gold [:D]

Flying to JFK on Thursday on VS3 Q class which looks pretty full

I have been lucky enough to be upgraded once before at LHR when using the check in booths (amazingly from PE reward flight to UC)

As the flight is full I was planning to check in online rather than wait till i get to the airport, but will this reduce any chance of an upgrade?

Any ideas of best way to play this situation.... ???

Thanks
#729486 by Nottingham Nick
09 Nov 2009, 21:28
Welcome to V-Flyer.

This topic is a frequent one. The consensus seems to be that op-ups for full planes are decided before you reach the airport, and OLCI has no effect on this. Some people have reported being op-upped at OLCI.

Good luck - hope you get the beep at the gate, if you don't get it before.

Nick
#729487 by sarahd
09 Nov 2009, 21:31
Thanks for the reply [:D]

I was thinking of using some miles to upgrade but dont think that its possible from my ticket class (and in any case the flight is probably full now)

Also how long does Gold status take to show up as I have a PE to HKG booked in 3 weeks ..... would like to take advantage of the Clubhouse if it comes through in time.
#729488 by Nottingham Nick
09 Nov 2009, 21:36
If you 'claim missing miles' as soon as you land, your points / TPs are credited instantly, and you are shown as Gold on the VS system.

When you go to the Clubhouse as a gold member, you are listed on the TV screens that the agents use at the entrance. They will check you in against your boarding pass, which should also show you are gold from your new membership number.

It has been known for people to use miles to upgrade non-upgradeable fares at the airport. This is never guaranteed, but it doesn't hurt to ask, if you are determined to get into UC.

Nick
#729492 by sarahd
09 Nov 2009, 21:41
Yes I was thinking that surely better to take my miles and upgrade me than upgrade someone else for nothing!

Guess Ill ask then, although I hate to seem on the scrounge.....
#729496 by slinky09
09 Nov 2009, 22:32
quote:Originally posted by cagcowboy
Load for VS3 on Thursday....

J9 D9 R9 Z0 W0 S0 K0 Y0 B0 L0 M0 Q0 X0 N0


That looks, if real, a classic case for VS happy to offload miles from people.
#729500 by sarahd
09 Nov 2009, 22:50
what exactly do the numbers mean??? sorry for my ignorance

better to arrive early to check in then and ask to use miles even tho im not in an upgradeable class??
#729503 by slinky09
09 Nov 2009, 22:58
quote:Originally posted by sarahd
what exactly do the numbers mean??? sorry for my ignorance

better to arrive early to check in then and ask to use miles even tho im not in an upgradeable class??


I am sorry - if the numbers are correct then it means that economy and premium economy (W, S, K) are full, may even be oversold. Consequently, VS may well be needing to upgrade people to Upper Class (which has at least nine empty seats as shown by J D R Z).

VS will preselect people for the upgrade, but often, if you get there first and offer your miles to upgrade, VS will take those in preference and give you the seats. Of course, timing can be all and it can just be pot luck even though ...
#729522 by tontybear
10 Nov 2009, 14:43
I'd still do OLCI for the flight and if there is no option to upgrade offered at that point you can still ask at the airport.

Doing OLCI means you will still be on the fight (even if it is in economy)
#729525 by pjh
10 Nov 2009, 15:26
quote:Originally posted by tontybear
I'd still do OLCI for the flight and if there is no option to upgrade offered at that point you can still ask at the airport.

Doing OLCI means you will still be on the fight (even if it is in economy)


You do get a different class of fight in UC, though [:)]

When we travelled recently we were advised that *not* doing OLCI increased the chances of being selected for being downgrade / denied boarding if the class / flight is oversold.

Paul
#729526 by slinky09
10 Nov 2009, 15:44
I wonder how many people on each flight don't check in online?
Virgin Atlantic

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