Tips to get upgraded in Aer Lingus?

Wanderer2010 · 08-08-2017 7:02pm #1

For long flights with Aer Lingus, has anyone ever got bumped up to Business Class by simply asking at check in if there were any free seats? I know they do a bid system to ask people to bid on an upgrade but I would like to know if people have any particular tips on the best routes to get upgraded, the best time, how to ask etc. Is there an art to it or is it pure luck?

Car99 · 08-08-2017 7:07pm

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

For long flights with Aer Lingus, has anyone ever got bumped up to Business Class by simply asking at check in if there were any free seats? I know they do a bid system to ask people to bid on an upgrade but I would like to know if people have any particular tips on the best routes to get upgraded, the best time, how to ask etc. Is there an art to it or is it pure luck?

Money talks , slip the the check in person €100 in your ticket pouch as you hand it to them while requesting the upgrade and arrive early when there is no queue. Works everytime.

cml387 · 08-08-2017 7:12pm

Car99 wrote: »

Money talks , slip the the check in person €100 in your ticket pouch as you hand it to them while requesting the upgrade and arrive early when there is no queue. Works everytime.

Possibly also add "You're a lovely girl" with a knowing wink.

killbillvol2 · 08-08-2017 7:14pm

cml387 wrote: »

Possibly also add "You're a lovely girl" with a knowing wink.

And maybe a playful slap on the arse.

California Dreamer · 08-08-2017 7:52pm

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

For long flights with Aer Lingus, has anyone ever got bumped up to Business Class by simply asking at check in if there were any free seats? I know they do a bid system to ask people to bid on an upgrade but I would like to know if people have any particular tips on the best routes to get upgraded, the best time, how to ask etc. Is there an art to it or is it pure luck?

Those days are all but gone.

First there is the bid to upgrade, then there is the frequent fliers. You would need to be a top tier flyer to get the free upgrade, then there is economy ticket. If it was a last minute fully flexible ticket you might have a chance.

After that it comes down the the value of your ticket and how much you paid. But if you paid less than 500 for a return flight severely restricted ticket you will be lucky to get on the flight.

Assuming all of that is not necessary, turning up in a nice shirt, casual trousers, shaven and groomed, then you might have the slimmest chance!!! :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Cloudio9 · 08-08-2017 8:22pm

There are no tips, it's not going to happen op.

When I was gold circle platinum and elite I used to get upgraded frequently particularly during summer months. Nearly half the time so it was a real downer when I didn't get it.

It could happen at checkin, or in the lounge or sometimes when boarding.

One time when I was elite I asked could I cash in points for an upgrade in the
Lounge. She paged me a few minutes later with the upgrade and said don't worry about the points

goingnowhere · 08-08-2017 9:26pm

There is no trick really, but its very rare

So the rules (yes there actually is an official set of rules for operational upgrade)

* Show up early, be polite, shirt, jacket and proper shoes
* Have status
* Get to know the staff, its only a small group of staff who work the check in and lounge (its a single group)

There aren't many people in that department to start

I've been quite successful over the years, even on cheap tickets. Two of us together on separate tickets got the upgrade, other two didn't, purely on status.

EI runs a very busy economy load so there is always a chance

Bid to upgrade has to be confirmed a few days in advance, so if something goes wrong on the day, e.g they put on the HGW -300 with the 4 fewer seats

There is a theory that EI never overbooks, but will book to a certain point that there is a seat for everyone, just some are now in business and sort it out a checkin

Collie D · 08-08-2017 11:32pm

goingnowhere wrote: »

There is a theory that EI never overbooks, but will book to a certain point that there is a seat for everyone, just some are now in business and sort it out a checkin

Not sure if you mean just on transatlantic flights but I can tell you from experience that's not true on European flights

fullstop · 08-08-2017 11:43pm

Cloudio9 wrote: »

One time when I was elite I asked could I cash in points for an upgrade in the
Lounge. She paged me a few minutes later with the upgrade and said don't worry about the points

Tried this one with Etihad...cost me 40,000 miles but man was it worth it for the experience on A380

Irishweather · 09-08-2017 12:36am

You're going to have to just pay the money i'm afraid. Your not going to get Business Class for free.

Irishweather · 09-08-2017 12:38am

Car99 wrote: »

Money talks , slip the the check in person €100 in your ticket pouch as you hand it to them while requesting the upgrade and arrive early when there is no queue. Works everytime.

Honestly don't see that working.

Fred Swanson · 09-08-2017 4:45pm

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Wanderer2010 · 09-08-2017 4:49pm

Thanks for the replies so far. Has anyone actually managed to have their bid for Business Class accepted and if so how much extra did you offer?

killbillvol2 · 09-08-2017 4:59pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

Do the great unwashed who do not wear Armani suits and shoes not travel in business? Is there a dress code?

I was bumped to business before and I was not dressed in any business related garb.

Agreed. Clothes have nothing to do with it. I was bumped to first class twice by Emirates and I was dressed for comfort.

goingnowhere · 09-08-2017 5:00pm

Aer Lingus does have a policy, I've been told this by senior check in staff.

I always travel smart, so proper shoes, ironed shirt, jacket and that is sufficient to get past the requirements

VeVeX · 09-08-2017 5:23pm

goingnowhere wrote: »

Aer Lingus does have a policy, I've been told this by senior check in staff.

I always travel smart, so proper shoes, ironed shirt, jacket and that is sufficient to get past the requirements

I’ve heard quite the opposite from senior check in staff in Aer lingus, They told me for upgrade purposes its best to travel in a sleeveless vest, Bermuda shorts, bum bag around the waist and sandals with socks.

Fred Swanson · 09-08-2017 5:24pm

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VG31 · 09-08-2017 5:30pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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Surely they mean a dress code for upgrades. If you paid full price for business class you can dress as you want!

duskyjoe · 09-08-2017 5:41pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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It's the colour of their money not the colour of their shirt the company wants to see.

L1011 · 09-08-2017 5:41pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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Nothing. Really the dress code adhering upgradees are likely to be the best dressed due to the normal attire of your average tech worker

ironclaw · 09-08-2017 8:07pm

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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I refuse to fly in business attire. Who wants to spend 13 hours on a plane in a shirt and trousers? First and Business, I'm always in shorts and a tshirt with a hoodie. The richest of the rich don't fly commercial anyway so any illusions of grandeur or prestige are misplaced.

Irishweather · 09-08-2017 8:10pm

There is no Dress Code, people wear pajamas in Business Class.

judeboy101 · 09-08-2017 8:11pm

Have the missus bring a wedding dress and ask the staff to take special care of it, its worked twice for us.

Fred Swanson · 09-08-2017 8:21pm

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Deagol · 09-08-2017 9:45pm

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies so far. Has anyone actually managed to have their bid for Business Class accepted and if so how much extra did you offer?

Got business back from Boston-SNN in April for €320 bid (minimum I could bid). Was full with only one seat spare (they always keep one back for flexible fare business, in this case not need).

Deagol · 09-08-2017 9:49pm

goingnowhere wrote: »

Aer Lingus does have a policy, I've been told this by senior check in staff.

I always travel smart, so proper shoes, ironed shirt, jacket and that is sufficient to get past the requirements

Senior staff have told me in the past couple of years that they are extremely restricted on upgrading people. Last I talked to someone a few weeks ago - basically Aer Club Platinum is the very minimum requirement. They have been warned that any staff caught upgrading family/friends is liable for severe disciplinary procedures. Now, whether that actually happens is a different matter of course - who's actually going to complain ?

goingnowhere · 09-08-2017 9:59pm

Thats what I've been told as well, only if there is an operational need and then pick the highest status holder checked in.

Deagol · 09-08-2017 10:25pm

goingnowhere wrote: »

Thats what I've been told as well, only if there is an operational need and then pick the highest status holder checked in.

Unfortunately it's not limited to EI either. Have been told by BA staff that upgrades are rarer than hens teeth and pretty much only for Gold or above, all upgrades are monitored and must be signed off by senior staff.

SAS similar story, got upgraded because of who I work for 3 years ago twice in a few weeks. Asked why no more upgrades last year and was told they just don't do that anymore

nsa0bupkd3948x · 09-08-2017 10:31pm

I believe BA upgrade people based on status but keep track of who has been upgraded. So if you're upgraded once you're less likely to be upgraded again. The idea being to give as many people a 'taste of the good life' to try get them hooked so they pay for business in future.

Any time I've been upgraded it has been based on my status. Thankfully the airline had no dress code or they'd have taken the upgrade back from me!

duskyjoe · 09-08-2017 11:58pm

Money talks- b/s walks- close the thread

Fred Swanson · 10-08-2017 12:04am

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Tips to get upgraded in Aer Lingus?

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