Excessive Upgrade Cost / Load Check VS046

Hello,

Hoping someone can help!

I'm currently booked on VS046 back from JFK on 5th April.

I called the FC today to get a price to upgrade the return from PE to UC. I was told they have availability in all classes still but the upgrade cost would be £5000 for the 2 of us. That's just from a K to Z.

Does this sound right?

Anyone able to do a quick load check for me too?

The guy was awful - very common calling me "mate" etc and I didn't have the greatest confidence in what he was saying.

Before I call back, I'd like some v-flyer ammo from the experts!

Pls help!

Luke

I also hate over familiar phone staff - I don't even like them using my first name without asking. We are not mates - we are customers.

Charging GBP2500 seems a lot - it sounds like he is re-pricing the whole itinery (and not in Z) and not doing what you asked. You want to pay up from K to Z giving a Z round trip. You can buy a Z round trip for less than 2k so you ought to call back. I have found that each time you call you often get a difference answer. You need to think in terms of about 1k each though - just warn you.

I also hate over familiar phone staff - I don't even like them using my first name without asking. We are not mates - we are customers.

Charging GBP2500 seems a lot - it sounds like he is re-pricing the whole itinery (and not in Z) and not doing what you asked. You want to pay up from K to Z giving a Z round trip. You can buy a Z round trip for less than 2k so you ought to call back. I have found that each time you call you often get a difference answer. You need to think in terms of about 1k each though - just warn you.

Thanks JCBR, yes the original upgrade cost in "my booking" was c.£1k each for the return but it disappeared so I called (assuming they had sold out of that fare bucket).

The guy I was transferred to was on the premier team too, really not helpful, i've had better service ordering a pizza! Think the Swansea guys are much better but lack the knowledge.

To get an idea of a 'z' fare do a dummy booking.

The difference between that and your 'k' will give you an indication of the difference - as change fees will also apply.

As for calling you 'mate' that is unacceptable and you should have challenged him there and then.

To get an idea of a 'z' fare do a dummy booking.

The difference between that and your 'k' will give you an indication of the difference - as change fees will also apply.

As for calling you 'mate' that is unacceptable and you should have challenged him there and then.

Thanks Tonty, I definitely will challenge them next time if 'mate' is used! I was caught off guard today!

I had already completed a dummy booking and the total return in UC is £2200 PP, change fees are £120 pp.

I really do think this guy didn't know what he was talking about. Even when I asked 3 times that it was £5000 MORE than what I had already paid for UC out and PE back.

Hmmm....

[Neil]

Just call the UC line direct and speak to someone different.

I think we might be able to see your problem!
05APR-TUE-
VS 046 J4 D4 R7 Z0 W4 S7 K4 Y7 B7 L7 M7 Q7 X7 N7 O7
JFK LHR 1930 0750+1 0 74N

No Z class available

I think we might be able to see your problem!
05APR-TUE-
VS 046 J4 D4 R7 Z0 W4 S7 K4 Y7 B7 L7 M7 Q7 X7 N7 O7
JFK LHR 1930 0750+1 0 74N

No Z class available

Thanks for your help on this one.

I did call back today and spoke with someone else whom confirmed it would be £5620 to uprade!

Oh well....now i'll have to pray for birthday magic

[Neil]

TBH - I think PE from NYC is more than okay. It is such a short flight, that you really don't get the full benefits of UC and especially the flat bed.

Oh well....now i'll have to pray for birthday magic

Or just ask at check-in on the day whether there are any upgrades available for purchase.

Just had the same experience - quoted £4300 to upgrade both ways from premium to upper, but a new fare, booking today in upper is only £2400 ?| ?| ?|

Will wait until check-in.

David ?|

If you're in K in PE, you could pay to change dates to where there is Z availability. Changing dates would surely be less expensive than 5k-1k which is the approx diff you are looking at for upgrading to UC. Or upgrade to S class, change dates to find G class availability and use miles to get UC? 30k pp per sector.

Don't fret too much - PE is excellent. It is what used to pass for business 15 years ago and still passes as domestic first class in the USA.
For 6 hours it is not worth paying for UC good though it is.

Don't fret too much - PE is excellent. It is what used to pass for business 15 years ago and still passes as domestic first class in the USA.
For 6 hours it is not worth paying for UC good though it is.

Tell that to the Civil Service B)

Just had the same experience - quoted £4300 to upgrade both ways from premium to upper, but a new fare, booking today in upper is only £2400 ?| ?| ?|

Will wait until check-in.

David ?|

Yes planning to try on the day and see what happens!

There are no Z fares left so the FC line said it was because I am currently on a PE flexible and UC flexible, so big cost to amend to flexible - oh well!!