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How do I get a seat upgrade?

  • 05-03-2006 11:43pm
    #1
    Begs
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 120 ✭✭


    I'm heading to oz shortly on a fairly short trip. Any ideas how I can get a seat upgrade?

    Is it totally random how they are given out? I've heard various tales of how you get them including limping up on a set of crutches!!

    Maybe you have a story, any help appreciated!!


Comments

  • #2
    Gandhi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭Gandhi


    I have heard that being well-dressed helps. They are not going to stick you in first class if you look like you live in a cardboard box. I have also heard that if you are on that airline's frequent flier program then that helps too. Also having the balls to flat-out ask for one can do it.

    Good luck, and have a great time in Oz!!!


  • #3
    blahblah06
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,306 ✭✭✭blahblah06


    i got an upgrade going to vegas. you have to be first in line because everyone will ask and make sure you dress well. although if the flights full you just wont get one.


  • #4
    Nina_Angelica
    Closed Accounts Posts: 123 ✭✭Nina_Angelica


    You don't have to be well-dressed to get First Class.

    If you're willing to pay a little extra to get the upgrade all you have to do is ask at the check in desk. (This will vary according to airline, destination I reckon).

    I flew to Toronto from Shannon in First Class (wearing jeans and a hoody I might add) because my luggage was too heavy. My choices were to either fly in Economy and pay €125 for the extra weight OR pay €160 and fly first class. For the extra €35 there's no WAY I was staying in Economy.

    Only once have I flown first class and not had to pay and it was because we were on stand-by and that's just how it worked out (my sister, a travel agent, had us booked a specific way so I couldn't tell you 100%).


  • #5
    Funkstard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,252 ✭✭✭Funkstard


    When I was going to Australia in January there never seemed to be a proper place to ask for it. We were trying to just get window seats, and in Dublin the girl said she could only sort us out for the first leg to Paris, after that she couldn't access the system or something. Then we were booked straight through on the other flights so again, nowhere to ask.


  • #6
    BuffyBot
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,924 ✭✭✭✭BuffyBot


    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054856220&highlight=upgrade

    Read that thread. Generally, blagging upgrades doesn't work. Agents have seen all the tricks, over and over.

    Airlines upgrade passengers because a) they have to, due to overbooking in a particular class, or you pay for an upgrade. For a) it *really* helps to have some frequent flyer status with that airline, or one of it's partners. Try looking for exit row seats if you want more space for "free".


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  • #7
    Joe_Soap
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 110 ✭✭Joe_Soap


    It can depend on which airline you are flying with. If you are flying BA, then nowadays they upgrade the passengers with expensive economy tickets over the frequent fliers who status (Gold, Silver levels). If you can, use online check-in through the airlines website to check-in and reserve your seat before the check-in desk at the airport opens. This way the airline will see who has checked in and can upgrade you before the flight opens. If its a long-haul family destination try reserve a middle seat. The check-in staff are more likely to move you if you are a solo traveller so families can sit together. The whole dress-nice, ask politey slant rarely, if ever, works. The availability of upgrades can depend on if they have enough meals ordered for the business/first cabin. Even if there are seats free, they won't upgrade you if they don't have any extra meals.


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