Airlines - upgrade to business class

ringo747 · 19 Nov 2009 at 17:42

I'm travelling out on a business trip to USA tomorrow and was wondering what the chances to getting a class upgrade are. I'm not fussed either way except that I would like some power for laptop etc. Now my ticket was booked through a business system and also I have the entry level BA exec card but still not sure of my chances. Asking more out of interest rather than needing advice on how to do it!

J1234 · 19 Nov 2009 at 17:43

Chances are pretty much none, can't see it happening.

ringo747 · 19 Nov 2009 at 17:46

I guessed that really if I'm honest. I think maybe it was a thing of the past. Don't expect BA to give away freebies considering the trouble they are in!

geekyEd · 19 Nov 2009 at 18:11

Are you flying alone wearing a suit? If so it could happen, not likely but not unheard of.

Furton · 19 Nov 2009 at 18:11

Most European airlines don't give free upgrades unless the cabin is oversold. Chances are pretty much none I'd say, enjoy

xGBHxPegasus · 19 Nov 2009 at 18:15

Have only ever been upgraded once and thats only cause my mums friends husband worked high up for Virgin Atlantic. First class wasnt bad tho

slylittlefox · 19 Nov 2009 at 18:16

I was upgraded for free on the way back from Barbados on Virgin Atlantic - it can happen, just speak to the cabin stewards nicely

.Lethal · 19 Nov 2009 at 18:17

Furton said:
Most European airlines don't give free upgrades unless the cabin is oversold. Chances are pretty much none I'd say, enjoy

Do BA overbook? I didn't think they did for European flights.

MuvverRussia · 19 Nov 2009 at 18:35

All flights over the atlantic seem to be at max capacity lately. I'd argue it's unlucky.

Plus BA would upgrade a World traveller seat to WT+, rather than Club World.

Bes · 19 Nov 2009 at 18:43

I fly long haul all the time. Never been upgraded, apart from once BA moved me from economy to Premium Economy because I volunteered to be bumped onto a later flight to Johannesburg (But never got bumped in the end).

This is using: BA, KLM, Air France, Singapore Airlines, TAP, Northwest Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic, longhaul and all within the past 2 years.

TBH premium Economy is not much better than normal Econo. You might get that if you are lucky. I would say Business Class? Virtually nil.

Marky · 19 Nov 2009 at 18:47

You'd have to be very lucky and at least dressed smart-casual. I imagine...

ringo747 · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:20

Definitely won't be going in a suit - don't wear them to work and hate wearing them anyways. I wouldn't care what class as long as there was laptop power. I guess I could always use the hoover point at the back! Cheers guys

J1234 · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:26

Or not, passengers aren't allowed to use them.

Stuff · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:29

I got upgrade to first class once, but my mum knew the girl on the BA desk

Faceman · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:29

Odds are really low these days, never been lucky myself and fly a lot alone :/

stockhausen · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:29

Wear a suit and whatever you do, don't try to "chat up" the check-in or boarding gate girls - you have absolutely 0% chance if dressed casually.

Blinkz · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:48

There a power point in the cockpit......but again you've even less chance of going there then being upgraded haha

Dave85 · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:52

they dont have power points in the seats in economy?. Even my budget flight with globespan to canada had them :eek:

ringo747 · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:52

Blinkz said:
There a power point in the cockpit......but again you've even less chance of going there then being upgraded haha

For sure. It's law now not to let folks in isn't it? My one and only flightdeck visit was 12 years ago over the rockies the 747 classic! Some view.

mattyfez · 19 Nov 2009 at 19:54

Does any sane person actulally wear a suit anyway on a long haul flight? I certainly wouldnt....first class or not

Airlines - upgrade to business class

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