How to get a flight upgrade - without the mrs finding out?
Discussion
I'm off on my honeymoon next month flying with Virgin to Nairobi, and then back with them from Mauritius. We have booked to fly cattle at the moment. Would be a nice surprise for her if we turned left instead of right when we board... but
She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
hornetrider said:
I'm off on my honeymoon next month flying with Virgin to Nairobi, and then back with them from Mauritius. We have booked to fly cattle at the moment. Would be a nice surprise for her if we turned left instead of right when we board... but
She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
9 times out of ten, the flight is always fully booked. I would phoned a couple of days before hand and try your luck. Once the tickets come through, then that's were the problem starts. Best of luck.She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
siscar said:
What's all this 'tickets' stuff, few airlines issue paper tickets anymore.
Indeed, I haven't had a ticket in ages. However just looking at our Trailfinders itinerary and it does say paper tickets.Interestingly, double checked seatguru for the first time and it appears we are in the premium economy cabin on the outward leg to Nairobi.. just not on the longer return leg. I'm gonna call Trailfinders.
Rebuker said:
If you succeed in getting upgraded, my good fellow, I hope you occasionally pop back to economy to give her some of your, more classy, peanuts. She will be your wife soon after all.
Looks like our outbound isn't in Premium after all... I was a bit confused with the seatguru plan. We're in 43H/K.
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Virgin_Atlantic_A...
Trailfinders say there is still availability in Premium... and its around a grand to upgrade up both ways... hmmm. Is premium worth it over economy for 1 large?
Anyone flown Virgin premium care to comment? Cheers
We use premium economy regularly to Tokyo and I have to say it is worth upgrading for a 12 hour flight. I am 6' tall and I can get a good 8 hours kip in one of those seats on a 12 hour flight. If you are shorter than that, then the extra seat pitch is not worth it.
As for whether it is worth a grand extra return per person for a flight to Nairobi - possibly not. But even an upgrade one way would be very nice - outbound would be best.
Bit of shame you will still be turning right though
Glen
As for whether it is worth a grand extra return per person for a flight to Nairobi - possibly not. But even an upgrade one way would be very nice - outbound would be best.
Bit of shame you will still be turning right though
Glen
Edited by GlenMH on Sunday 24th August 15:26
hornetrider said:
Rebuker said:
If you succeed in getting upgraded, my good fellow, I hope you occasionally pop back to economy to give her some of your, more classy, peanuts. She will be your wife soon after all.
Looks like our outbound isn't in Premium after all... I was a bit confused with the seatguru plan. We're in 43H/K.
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Virgin_Atlantic_A...
Trailfinders say there is still availability in Premium... and its around a grand to upgrade up both ways... hmmm. Is premium worth it over economy for 1 large?
Anyone flown Virgin premium care to comment? Cheers
V8mate said:
Try calling Virgin direct, tell them it's a special occasion, that you booked the original tickets together and that now, as a surprise for your darling wife, you would like to upgrade. (Don't specify what to) They may make you a good offer - e.g. upgrade to Upper Class for the usual premium for Premium. Don't ask...etc
Good shout - particularly as they have got a sale on at the moment...Well I called Virgin but because we have booked through Trailfinders they say I need to go through them. Which means full price plus I can't see how I could keep that from my other half, as the tickets will come out in advance. I'll try and wangle something on the check-in desk I think, or failing that boarding the flight... although I realise my chances will be slim to none as everyone must be up to it.
Edited by hornetrider on Sunday 24th August 16:07
hornetrider said:
I'm off on my honeymoon next month flying with Virgin to Nairobi, and then back with them from Mauritius. We have booked to fly cattle at the moment. Would be a nice surprise for her if we turned left instead of right when we board... but
She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
Call them now and upgrade...if you leave it too late they may all be gone. Have a fab time, she'll love it She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
Saskia7 said:
hornetrider said:
I'm off on my honeymoon next month flying with Virgin to Nairobi, and then back with them from Mauritius. We have booked to fly cattle at the moment. Would be a nice surprise for her if we turned left instead of right when we board... but
She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
Call them now and upgrade...if you leave it too late they may all be gone. Have a fab time, she'll love it She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
Bizarre that Virgin referred you back to Trailfinders; I've regularly upgraded BA flights direct after having gone through an agent. I wonder if Trailfinders bought heavily discounted tickets from Virgin and are now the latter are loathe to give additional value to the end customer. Hmmn.
Given that your missus already has an expectation that she is happy with, I would say it's worth the risk of waiting until you're checking in. Polite, smiling customers off on a special trip who are willing to pay a bit extra will always find favour (i.e. not just trying to blag a freebie). Waiting until boarding will get you no-where thesedays.
V8mate said:
Do it now and you'll be paying full price so that Trailfinders get their commissions.
Bizarre that Virgin referred you back to Trailfinders; I've regularly upgraded BA flights direct after having gone through an agent. I wonder if Trailfinders bought heavily discounted tickets from Virgin and are now the latter are loathe to give additional value to the end customer. Hmmn.
Given that your missus already has an expectation that she is happy with, I would say it's worth the risk of waiting until you're checking in. Polite, smiling customers off on a special trip who are willing to pay a bit extra will always find favour (i.e. not just trying to blag a freebie). Waiting until boarding will get you no-where thesedays.
Yeah I discussed it with Trailfinders earlier and they were talking about a grand to upgrade to premium economy - I'm not sure there's value in that, and I wonder what their cut is. They also mentioned they would have to cancel our tickets, refund us and rebook the upgraded seats - which I thought was a bit bizarre.Bizarre that Virgin referred you back to Trailfinders; I've regularly upgraded BA flights direct after having gone through an agent. I wonder if Trailfinders bought heavily discounted tickets from Virgin and are now the latter are loathe to give additional value to the end customer. Hmmn.
Given that your missus already has an expectation that she is happy with, I would say it's worth the risk of waiting until you're checking in. Polite, smiling customers off on a special trip who are willing to pay a bit extra will always find favour (i.e. not just trying to blag a freebie). Waiting until boarding will get you no-where thesedays.
The Virgin call centre sounded like it was in Mumbai - I could hardly decipher what the bloke was saying at the other end of the phone - it sounded like he was reading from a script because he was rather monosyllabic.
hornetrider said:
V8mate said:
Do it now and you'll be paying full price so that Trailfinders get their commissions.
Bizarre that Virgin referred you back to Trailfinders; I've regularly upgraded BA flights direct after having gone through an agent. I wonder if Trailfinders bought heavily discounted tickets from Virgin and are now the latter are loathe to give additional value to the end customer. Hmmn.
Given that your missus already has an expectation that she is happy with, I would say it's worth the risk of waiting until you're checking in. Polite, smiling customers off on a special trip who are willing to pay a bit extra will always find favour (i.e. not just trying to blag a freebie). Waiting until boarding will get you no-where thesedays.
Yeah I discussed it with Trailfinders earlier and they were talking about a grand to upgrade to premium economy - I'm not sure there's value in that, and I wonder what their cut is. They also mentioned they would have to cancel our tickets, refund us and rebook the upgraded seats - which I thought was a bit bizarre.Bizarre that Virgin referred you back to Trailfinders; I've regularly upgraded BA flights direct after having gone through an agent. I wonder if Trailfinders bought heavily discounted tickets from Virgin and are now the latter are loathe to give additional value to the end customer. Hmmn.
Given that your missus already has an expectation that she is happy with, I would say it's worth the risk of waiting until you're checking in. Polite, smiling customers off on a special trip who are willing to pay a bit extra will always find favour (i.e. not just trying to blag a freebie). Waiting until boarding will get you no-where thesedays.
The Virgin call centre sounded like it was in Mumbai - I could hardly decipher what the bloke was saying at the other end of the phone - it sounded like he was reading from a script because he was rather monosyllabic.
hornetrider said:
Rebuker said:
If you succeed in getting upgraded, my good fellow, I hope you occasionally pop back to economy to give her some of your, more classy, peanuts. She will be your wife soon after all.
Looks like our outbound isn't in Premium after all... I was a bit confused with the seatguru plan. We're in 43H/K.
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Virgin_Atlantic_A...
Trailfinders say there is still availability in Premium... and its around a grand to upgrade up both ways... hmmm. Is premium worth it over economy for 1 large?
Anyone flown Virgin premium care to comment? Cheers
siscar said:
hornetrider said:
Rebuker said:
If you succeed in getting upgraded, my good fellow, I hope you occasionally pop back to economy to give her some of your, more classy, peanuts. She will be your wife soon after all.
Looks like our outbound isn't in Premium after all... I was a bit confused with the seatguru plan. We're in 43H/K.
http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Virgin_Atlantic_A...
Trailfinders say there is still availability in Premium... and its around a grand to upgrade up both ways... hmmm. Is premium worth it over economy for 1 large?
Anyone flown Virgin premium care to comment? Cheers
No additional level of service, food, movies etc at all.
V8mate said:
Saskia7 said:
hornetrider said:
I'm off on my honeymoon next month flying with Virgin to Nairobi, and then back with them from Mauritius. We have booked to fly cattle at the moment. Would be a nice surprise for her if we turned left instead of right when we board... but
She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
Call them now and upgrade...if you leave it too late they may all be gone. Have a fab time, she'll love it She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
Bizarre that Virgin referred you back to Trailfinders; I've regularly upgraded BA flights direct after having gone through an agent. I wonder if Trailfinders bought heavily discounted tickets from Virgin and are now the latter are loathe to give additional value to the end customer. Hmmn.
Given that your missus already has an expectation that she is happy with, I would say it's worth the risk of waiting until you're checking in. Polite, smiling customers off on a special trip who are willing to pay a bit extra will always find favour (i.e. not just trying to blag a freebie). Waiting until boarding will get you no-where thesedays.
Edited by Saskia7 on Sunday 24th August 17:51
Saskia7 said:
V8mate said:
Saskia7 said:
hornetrider said:
I'm off on my honeymoon next month flying with Virgin to Nairobi, and then back with them from Mauritius. We have booked to fly cattle at the moment. Would be a nice surprise for her if we turned left instead of right when we board... but
She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
Call them now and upgrade...if you leave it too late they may all be gone. Have a fab time, she'll love it She always insists on looking after the tickets/passports etc because organisation is... lets say, her forte not mine. Is there any way I can get us upgraded without her knowledge? Say, if we check in, can I subsequently go back to check-in afterwards and upgrade the seats when she's swanning around duty free? Or is it a case of once you're checked in, you're checked in?
Any pointers would be good, ta!
Bizarre that Virgin referred you back to Trailfinders; I've regularly upgraded BA flights direct after having gone through an agent. I wonder if Trailfinders bought heavily discounted tickets from Virgin and are now the latter are loathe to give additional value to the end customer. Hmmn.
Given that your missus already has an expectation that she is happy with, I would say it's worth the risk of waiting until you're checking in. Polite, smiling customers off on a special trip who are willing to pay a bit extra will always find favour (i.e. not just trying to blag a freebie). Waiting until boarding will get you no-where thesedays.
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