Upgrading with VS

Hi,

Trying to get my head around the various ticket codes

If I book directly with VS on release, what fare codes am I likely to get for economy (maybe Prem Econ inbound) paying just money (don't possess any miles)

I just want to know how likely it would be to be offered upgrades without having to jump through hoops (main reason for not booking with third party)

I hope this makes sense and Thank you again for all your help with my incessant ramblings

[Neil]

The day flight is released it will only be the higher fare codes released, however leave it a day or two and all fare codes will then be released.

If you book online you will either be able to select the lowest fare code or highest in each cabin, which are:

Economy
Y - Highest
O - Lowest

PE
W - Highest
K - Lowest

I don't really understand your comment 'without having to jump through hoops). If you don't have any miles, then really fare code is irrelevant to you in the main, you will just be able to pay the difference between the cheapest economy and the cheapest PE fare to upgrade. The best time to do this would be when a sale is on, but there is no guarantee that your dates would be included or even if any PE seats would still be available when your dates are included.

just to add...

you'll find VS's list of codes eligible for upgrade (assuming availability of upgrades in the desired cabin) here...

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/fl ... ights.html

once you've got a ticket with the potential to upgrade, it is all about availability, so if you want UC you'll need to check daily (or more often) for Gs and then call FC to grab them before they vanish

if you can't find an ugrade before day of travel and a load check shows unsold seats it's always worth arriving at the airport early and trying at the ticket desk as at this point VS seems more flexible about taking miles (and extra fees) in exchange for enpty seats

upgrade availability varies with route, season and timing, i've expect much more luck on DXB than MCO for instance

once you've got a ticket with the potential to upgrade, it is all about availability, so if you want UC you'll need to check daily (or more often) for Gs and then call FC to grab them before they vanish

but I though the OP said they have no miles....so cash is the only upgrade currency and then can't it be done at any time, as long as a seat is available and the customer is willing to pay the difference between the fare code they originally booked into and the fare code of the available seat?

Indeed for a cash upgrade there just needs to be tickets on sale in the relevant cabin and for a purchaser to be wiling to pay the price difference and change fees etc

Totally different from miles upgrades.

Thank you very much everyone, it makes sense now, hard currency is easier than miles (Which I don't have anyway) to upgrade (can this be done through manage my booking?)

Neil, my comment about jumping through hoops just meant that as I understand it, if you want to upgrade through say VH, you have to ring them for a price but there's no guarantee that you would be able to get the same price as is shown on the website (usually more expensive) and I would guess that they would also be harder to come by, have I got this right or is it complete you know what?

Eta

How do you do a "Load check"?

There are sometimes offers to upgrade in manage your bookings. You could always give them a ring or even ask at the airport.

It is harder but not impossible to book travel agency bookings but as you say you have to go through the agent who then deals with VS.

If you want to upgrade with cash, you may be best off just paying for the cabin you want from the outset.

Upgrading at a later date isn't normally any cheaper - you'll just be charged the difference between what you paid and the fare for the higher cabin.

Paying upfront, if you can, guarantees peace of mind as you won't run the risk of the price going up or the cabin you want selling out.

As someone said up thread, you might want to wait for a sale - they seem to come round pretty regularly and you might save some cash. There's really no need to book the day flights go on sale.

I have found in the past when not using miles that the cheapest PE is about the same price as an upgradeable economy.
It does mean no flexibility but it works for me. I tend to plan a long way ahead and commit early.
Dick D

Hi a question.
Booked through third party travel agent as a package with request for Virgin flights.
when confirmation came through seats were econ O seats now unable too upgrade until 3 months before departure (Oct LGW-CUN) so will I be able to upgrade to PE for cash (only joined flying club recently no miles yet)? And ball park figure on cost?
Thanx

but I though the OP said they have no miles....so cash is the only upgrade currency and then can't it be done at any time, as long as a seat is available and the customer is willing to pay the difference between the fare code they originally booked into and the fare code of the available seat?

oops, missed that!

Hi a question.
Booked through third party travel agent as a package with request for Virgin flights.
when confirmation came through seats were econ O seats now unable too upgrade until 3 months before departure (Oct LGW-CUN) so will I be able to upgrade to PE for cash (only joined flying club recently no miles yet)? And ball park figure on cost?
Thanx

Yes - subject to availability.

As it's a package you will have to contact the agent for a price. Generally VS will only touch a TA booking withinh 24 hours of the flight.

Price will depend on the actual fare you paid and the PE price at the time you upgrade. Remember the lower fares might have advanced purchase restrictions eg 28 days before the flight so may not be available so that pushes the price up