Cheaper to cash upgrade closer to departure date?

I am flying to St Lucia with my girlfriend who will hopefully return as my fiance

We leave on June 15 and currently are flying both ways PE (K class). The trip was booked through Virgin Holidays and although I have 250k airmiles (saving that for the honeymoon) I am thinking of paying the cash extra for an upgrade to UC. Have been quoted about £1400 outbound for both of us. Converting airmiles to holiday vouchers doesn't seem worth it for 20k = £100.

Is it likely that UC upgrades will become cheaper closer to departure date or even at the airport? Not keen to leave it to chance though as am set on the UC surprise now!

Thanks

The upgrade price is what it is until check-in at which point, if there's still availability in UC, they MAY offer a slightly cheaper price at the airport (though not much) or the chance to upgrade with miles subject to you paying the difference between your K fare and the cheapest upgradable PE fare at the time.

It's a big if though - if the flight's on a 747 there are only 14 UC seats on the whole plane and the chances of two still being free on the day are quite low. If it's an A330 there's a better chance.

[buns]

To add to what Gumshoe has already said, Expertflyer is currently showing that the VS89 on the 15th June being operated by a 330 and there is availability in Upper:
Daily
71% / 29m
J9 C9 D9 I9 Z9 W9 S9 K9 Y9 B9 R9 L9 U9 M9 E0 Q0 X0 N0 O0

However a lot can happen between now and then

buns

Only tried once to upgrade at the desk and was quoted £900 for one seat from MCO to upgrade from PE to Upper.
Some people get bargains but there doesn't seem a great deal of logic behind it.
Certainly nothing you could plan for.
Dick D

I rang up a while back to upgrade and the agent told me to try again within 72 hours of the departure time as the fares would "be more reasonable".

I guess that's the point at which they just try and fill the plane?

I to am on a K fare so know it is highly likely there will be a cash element to it, I'm just hoping it's slightly less than the £1200 they quoted me last time.

Welcome to v-flyer! Sounds like a lovely trip, and I'm impressed that you are making honeymoon plans already!

Last time I flew LHR to DXB (booked in O class in economy through work's TA), I was quoted £269 (haggled down to £200) for PE and £700+ to UC. That was on an A330. If an A330 does operate, I suspect your chances might be better than a LGW 747 due to 1) the number of UC seats available and 2) the popularity of the products.

Good luck and do keep us posted with how you get on!

Thanks everyone for your really useful comments. Think I will just play it safe, keep my miles and pay for the upgrade now by cash. Will see what customer services best price is for an engagement trip and plans for a honeymoon with Virgin...

Looking ahead any tips for how best to get reward flights in Upper Class for the honeymoon - probably South Africa/Indian Ocean in September. I understand the Cape Town route is being discontinued so will have to be J/burg I guess. I have 250k miles and companion seats with the Virgin Amex (I think).

Thanks again

Have you upgraded yet?

I'm flying to St Lucia in September and noticed that UC fares have drastically reduced this week for the dates I'm flying. A phone call to the TA resulted in an upgrade from PE to UC return for £800.00.

I snapped the travel agents hand off with that price . I did originally ask 8 weeks ago and was quoted outbound £1,700 and inbound was £1,300 (original PE tickets were K) to upgrade so personally I feel like I've grabbed a bargain.

Good luck with your upgrade quest. I keep doing a little happy dance inside, you'll have to forgive me, first time in UC.