At-the-airport Upgrade Specials (prices from Shanghai)

[preiffer]

An often asked question - "how much to upgrade at the airport?". So, while it *entirely* depends on the route and how busy the flight is, here's at lease one idea for one-way from Shanghai to China.

Rather interestingly, this was on the counter at the Upper Class check-in, so I guess it's aimed towards gold card holders who aren't travelling in J.

So...

Economy > Premium = £240
Premium > Upper = £960
Exit Row = £40 (no different to paying in advance, according to the website)
Extra Legroom Seat = £20 (no different to paying in advance, according to the website)

All one-way, of course. Not sure if you would earn on these "specials" either, but I would imagine so.

VS251 Airport upgrade specials price list

The Economy - PE price isn't bad value on a 12 hour sector.

I always find the PE to UC offers a bit strange as if you were willing to spend that kind of money - GBP1k extra - you probably would not be holding a PE ticket for that sector.
I wonder what the take up is ?

[mitchja]

The Economy - PE price isn't bad value on a 12 hour sector.

Indeed. Just booked a VS Y flight to ORD and it's asking for £320 for a one-way upgrade to W in advance.

Just waiting for it to come down :w

I always find the PE to UC offers a bit strange as if you were willing to spend that kind of money - GBP1k extra - you probably would not be holding a PE ticket for that sector.
I wonder what the take up is ?

Yes, I think that's a good point. I've been offered ~£600 upgrades from PE to UC at the airport returning from the US, and I've always wondered who would just blow that kind of money there and then.

Do we know for sure whether you get miles and TPs for the flown class in this situation?

I thought you were over here in SF Mr P?

IMO it's amazing how impulse driven folks can be to spend money on the spot, which they would never part with in planning mode.

Beautiful day to be in SF, FWIW

[preiffer]

I thought you were over here in SF Mr P?

I am next week

I recently upgraded a DXB - LHR flight from Economy to Premium at the airport for the advertised rate of AED800 (c. GBP140) and the miles credited as if booked in W. The Premium to Upper rate was somewhat less enticing (can't remember the exact figure though unfortunately)!
^)

First post -- brilliant informative site! ----I do this route regularly, have often upgraded at the airport both ends, sometimes for a little less than this, rarely advertised at LHR but NEVER not been available, advantage is sometimes offered a free upgrade before I request upgrade costs --- always get the full [upgraded] miles and points allowance but this normally requires a phone call