Last Minute Upgrade to PE

Hi,

We're flying out on 14th July on VS029 to BGI. Checking the load, there are at least 9 S seats available. Every year, we call the day before and usually do some kind of deal. We now have quite a few miles stacked up and wondered if it was possible to again pay an upgrade to PE or use miles, or perhaps pay and use miles to get UC?

Also, when we fly back on JulY 31st, there are seats in PE. Who could I contact the day before departure to see if a deal can be done? UK or Caribbean? Thanks

[Neil]

You can certainly give VS a call and see what the cost to upgrade is, or you can also have a look using the manage my booking on the VS site, as it should show an upgrade price in there also.

With regards to upgrading with miles, before the flight, it will all depend on what fare code you are currently booked in, as only certain fare codes are eligible to be upgraded with miles. You can always upgrade to the correct fare level, then use miles.

That might be slightly different at the airport, when the rules sometimes go out of the window. If they need to move some pax from Y and you are offering miles, then there is a chance they might let you do so without changing fare code. Also, there are usually pay on the day upgrade specials on offer at the airport, with Y to PE sometimes around the £199 per person level, but of course the risk with waiting is that there might not be any PE seats left.

For your return, I would personally suggest you sort it out in advance or wait until the airport, as really the only option you have is to call the reservations number, which could be costly.

Thanks Neil.

Unfortunately we always book the flights through Virgin Holidays so our seat grade won't allow us to check the upgrade price in advance. I've tried calling VH before to check upgrade prices and they quote silly money....

Is it still the case that these seats are available to purchase 24 hours before the flight? Thanks

We did a VH to BGI in May and I tried to upgrade to PE out the outbound flight (already had it on the return) when we checked in (the day before at LGW). There were 2 seats left and we were told they can't do it till the day of flight and its a first come first served basis.

We opted for extra leg room seats instead and decided that when we went to collect the boarding passes the next morning if the seats were available then we'd do it. When we got there at 6am they had already been taken but least we had guaranteed the extra leg room seats.

If you have your heart set on it I'd do it now and not wait but that's just me.

[Neil]

Yes, so your only option to upgrade before the airport is direct with VH, or then try your luck at the airport, but I imagine it highly unlikely you will be able to use your miles.

Neil

... or then try your luck at the airport, but I imagine it highly unlikely you will be able to use your miles.

If you have booked with VH, your ticket will be in V or O class. If you want to use miles at the airport, you will need to upgrade to L or higher, then you can use your miles to go to PE for 10,000 or UC for 30,000 - all assuming they have availability. Have a look at the Fare Codes section in the Toolbox section.

I have done this on a couple of occasions as well as the £199 last minute deal at the airport as suggested by Neil. If there is a short queue at the Ticketing Desk (which is rare), thats the best place to discuss your options and pay in one visit. If you do an upgrade deal somewhere else, you still have to go to Ticketing to pay.

Good luck

Martin

[Neil]

... or then try your luck at the airport, but I imagine it highly unlikely you will be able to use your miles.

If you have booked with VH, your ticket will be in V or O class. If you want to use miles at the airport, you will need to upgrade to L or higher, then you can use your miles to go to PE for 10,000 or UC for 30,000 - all assuming they have availability. Have a look at the Fare Codes section in the Toolbox section.

Not necessarily. It has been known for the offer of miles alone to upgrade to be accepted, especially if they are oversold in one cabin and are going to have to move people anyway. The phrase "all bets are off" is usually used on here to describe the chances of either paid or miles uprades on the day at the airport.