Upgrading to UC from PE on an S fare code

Morning all,

I have a quick question regarding upgrades... My company, now tightening its belts, while still giving us the freedom to choose airlines, we must now only travel business if the flight is overnight or over 10 hours.

Anyway, my outgoing flight is business and the return is Premium Econ. I have a ton of airmiles, so thought I might as well try and use these to upgrade the return leg. I called FC and she said there was availability, took some details, then said she can't do it because it's a restricted ticket. When I stated that it should be a flexible ticket, she then said "oh, well it won't let me do it - I think they can only do it at the airport on the day".

That just seems a bit odd (and annoying, since there is reward availability for once). The fare code is showing as S. Does anyone know what the deal is here?

[Neil]

Whilst I aren't 100% up to speed on this, I believe there are different types of S class fare. If you buy one through the VS website it would be a fully published fare, which would be able for upgrade with miles in advance.

I imagine if you were booked by a travel agent/corporate travel through your work, then it could be some sort of discounted S fare, which is why you aren't able to upgrade with miles currently.

Neil

ah yes, I've heard of these 'special' S fares. It does seem odd though that they will/may allow the upgrade on the day at the airport. You'd think it would be a case of either you can or can't upgrade.

ah yes, I've heard of these 'special' S fares. It does seem odd though that they will/may allow the upgrade on the day at the airport. You'd think it would be a case of either you can or can't upgrade.

The general thinking is that at the airport the rules can (and are) changed depending on e.g. final loads etc

My understanding is that , whilst there are several 'S' fares , the difference is primarily the advance purchase period. Once it is booked it is an 'S' abd is eligable for upgrade (S is not a fully flex ticket though - you will need to pay a fee if you change it.)
You will also probably have to pay some extra taxes/fees is you upgrade depending on departure point.

In these situations try calling back a few times until you hear an answer you like then grab it !!

As for airport flex - you are at the mercy of the check-in agent at that point. You may also find by then that all the UC seats have gone. All check-in agents are not equal - choose carefully !

[Decker]

Your company likely has a "route deal" where they get J's for what we mortals pay for S's . This then as has been mentioned becomes a "non-published fare" so it not upgradeable as per normal. As has been said once at the airport all bets are off and flexibility ensues.

You will also probably have to pay some extra taxes/fees is you upgrade depending on departure point.

There certainly won't be any extra UK APD to pay as the rate is the same in UC as it is for PE.

The VS Fuel surcharge is a different matter though ...

As I understand it, the issue here is that there needs to be open seating in UC in a G fare code for you to upgrade with miles. The same availability applies to full reward flights. They progressively convert more UC seats to G as the flight day approaches. Doing a load check via expertflyer.com should should you how many UC seats are open, despite not showing the G fare class. If it shows lots of availability they're very likely to open more at airport checkin.

As an added bonus hassle, you'll have to contact FC to get miles credit for the pair for S fare because once they switch your ticket to G they lose track of that responsibility themselves.

[Decker]

From the OP

I called FC and she said there was availability, took some details, then said she can't do it because it's a restricted ticket.