Got offered upgrade - help needed

Hi Folks,

We fly out on VS075 on Friday 17th June. Yesterday we received a call from Virgin offering an upgrade to Premium both ways for £298 each.

Finances aren't as good as normal as my mother in Law has just passed away and left no money what so ever for her funeral. Normally we wouldn't hesitate to 'treat ourselves'

We are going out for my husband's 40th and if I thought that PE might be reasonably quiet I might upgrade.

Here's my question:

1. Is the upgrade worth it and is that a cheap price we are being offered?

2. How busy is the flight both in economy and PE?

Any help you can give would be great.

I am not surprised that you've been offered a good deal (and it is a good deal for both ways), looking at the seat map shows PE very empty and Y middling full (you're on a A333):

£298 (per person) return is a very good price for an upgrade to PE.

Hi Kat

This review will give you some insight into the PE cabin on the new 333.

As others have said, its a great price, but given your current constraints, only you can decide if its good value. Its a long flight and on the overnight coming back especially PE will be more comfortable. But how much worrying would you do about the money?

Regards
R3dV

Thanks everyone for your replies!

As it's that empty what's the chances of them upgrading us free on check in? We have already booked and paid for extra leg room seats and they know that we are flying out for my hubby's 40th Birthday?

I imagine they are nil but thought I'd ask anyway!

[Neil]

You are correct - almost nil. They will only ever upgrade people free of charge, if *they* really need to, because one cabin is over sold and they need to move people to get everyone on board.

Even then, it will be done in a strict order, with flying club status (gold) getting priority and then the fare code also comes in to play.

That's a fantastic price for an upgrade both ways. Often upgrades are £259-£299 one way on the day, if not more!

If you can, go for it!

I dont think you will get much cheaper if you wait until the airport, thats £150 each way and I thinks thats about as low as they go. Of course by waiting you can just upgrade one way.

as you have the extra leg room you are half way there .for the outbound flight its a tough call, for the overnight home I would definitely prefer PE.

at the end of the day its your call, is 150 each, each way (or 600 total) worth 9 hours of comfort and a bit better food and earlier disembarkation or could you spend it better over the 2 weeks holiday ?????

Finally sympathies for your loss.

it will be done in a strict order, with flying club status (gold) getting priority and then the fare code also comes in to play.

That's the theory anyway...

I'm actually quite surprised that you're getting called offering upgrades - didn't realise that VS worked that way. Other than that, can only echo previous comments that it sounds like a good price in absolute terms... best I've ever seen is £199 one way (at the airport)

it will be done in a strict order, with flying club status (gold) getting priority and then the fare code also comes in to play.

That's the theory anyway...

Hhhmmm, yes, the times we have been upgraded (Virgin Y to J, BA Y to J and UA J to F (twice)) has all been about being "the right people in the right place at the right time" (no status and on cheap fares) - just luck....

We have just received an e-mail offering the £298 PE fare upgrade, trouble is I have already paid for PE on one leg anyway....just my luck

Wonder if I give them a call they will let me have the outbound leg for £150 upgrade

thelaceys

The PE upgrade from £298 is part of the current sale offers

Gutted that's what I am n(

Rang Virgin and told them I had an e-mail from them offering the £298 PE upgrade, but I have already paid for the return leg in PE anyway. How much would it be to upgrade the outbound bearing in mind the e-mail?

They want £302.50 each for one way. The operator said that if I had booked economy both ways she could have done the e-mail offer as there is lots of availability on our flight.

That's what you get for paying extra in the first place, how I wish I could look into the future

thelaceys

I too was called by VA yesterday, offering an identical deal on VS073/4- 14/6, 01/07. I am tempted, but what puts me off, is the fact that we always end up flying on G-VGAL, or G-VROS, which so desperately need a refurb. I think i will chance my arm, and wait to see if they're offering upgrades at MCO for $199. No guarantee, i know, but i think P.E is definitely more appreciated on the way home.

Gutted that's what I am n(

Rang Virgin and told them I had an e-mail from them offering the £298 PE upgrade, but I have already paid for the return leg in PE anyway. How much would it be to upgrade the outbound bearing in mind the e-mail?

They want £302.50 each for one way. The operator said that if I had booked economy both ways she could have done the e-mail offer as there is lots of availability on our flight.

That's what you get for paying extra in the first place, how I wish I could look into the future

thelaceys

IMO that's really mean of them.