Honeymoon - chance of flight upgrade?
Discussion
The OH and I are flying LHR to KUL next week with Malaysian Airlines on our honeymoon.
It has all been booked through Kuoni, and they tell us they've tagged all our flights and hotels with "honeymoon" in case there's a chance of a flight / room upgrade.
Now, I'm not stupid enough to expect that we'll actually get anywhere with that - I'm sure they'd sooner fly us economy and have first class empty.. but what should we do in terms of checking in before hand?
We arrive at LHW about 5 hours before the flight from a connecting BA flight, but if we check in online would our chances go from 1 in a million to 0 in a million?
It has all been booked through Kuoni, and they tell us they've tagged all our flights and hotels with "honeymoon" in case there's a chance of a flight / room upgrade.
Now, I'm not stupid enough to expect that we'll actually get anywhere with that - I'm sure they'd sooner fly us economy and have first class empty.. but what should we do in terms of checking in before hand?
We arrive at LHW about 5 hours before the flight from a connecting BA flight, but if we check in online would our chances go from 1 in a million to 0 in a million?
Edited by Chucklehead on Sunday 20th March 08:53
When I flew to Jamaica to get married last year, I said to the missus we should mention that we're getting married as we may get an upgrade. She told me to stop being silly, they don't do that anymore.
Next thing we're sat on out plane and a stewardess comes up to a couple about 5 seats in front of us and asks them if they'd like to to to first class ad there is spare seats.
Chap behind them asked why they were getting chosen and the stewardess explained they were on honeymoon......
I didn't say a word to the missus. Her face said it all.
So yes, it does happen. No harm in asking.
Next thing we're sat on out plane and a stewardess comes up to a couple about 5 seats in front of us and asks them if they'd like to to to first class ad there is spare seats.
Chap behind them asked why they were getting chosen and the stewardess explained they were on honeymoon......
I didn't say a word to the missus. Her face said it all.
So yes, it does happen. No harm in asking.
Some airlines do it but it very much depends on the mood of the check-in staff or cabin crew. I've seen people practically begging which was embarrassing while others have asked for nothing and been moved forward.
The only suggestion I have is dress and behave as if you expected to be in First/Business. Track suits, tattoos on show and loud behaviour will see anyone consigned to the rearmost seats where they will be listening to the 'hosties cough' all night.
The only suggestion I have is dress and behave as if you expected to be in First/Business. Track suits, tattoos on show and loud behaviour will see anyone consigned to the rearmost seats where they will be listening to the 'hosties cough' all night.
We got bumped up last year going to San Fran on BA. We'd already booked Premium Economy, and checked in online. I was getting emails a week before hand from BA offering biz-class for and extra £400 each. I suspected the flight was full, so held out and asked at the bag-drop. Got to the gate and were told we're in Club. Nice!
On our wedding / honeymoon to Aus and various locations around there, we were moved to first class 3 times.
I think it depends on the mood of the checkin girl, I'd just mention it, don't ask outright for it.
My wife was carrying a box marked 'wedding dress - hand luggage only' so it was quite obvuious.
I think it depends on the mood of the checkin girl, I'd just mention it, don't ask outright for it.
My wife was carrying a box marked 'wedding dress - hand luggage only' so it was quite obvuious.
Chucklehead said:
So definitely don't check in online in advance and choose our seats?
Makes no discernable difference. Most airlines selection of people for upgrade is done by a set of critera, usually headed by frequent flyer status. Remember even if you check in online, you still have to drop your bags at a desk, so will still be "checked in" by a person, not a computer.Always ask or better still have your agent ask for you.
I've been upgraded due to operational reasons (ie economy is full) and I always check in on line & travel with hand baggage only- when I arrived at the gate, I was given a new boarding card. But I'm also BA gold flying on my own...
I also once got upgraded by the purser while boarding the plane with my leg in a cast and crutches, although I did another 5 flights in this condition, so the "neck brace" route is only 20% successful!
Mrs Foilist used to work for BA at LHR T1, and she says she would upgrade honimooners if it was obvious they were honimooners and there was space and if she wasn't pissed off- ie if no pax had spat at her that day...
So ask nicely at the check in dest and at the gate, look the part (the comment on your booking by the travel agent will help) and cross your fingers!
I also once got upgraded by the purser while boarding the plane with my leg in a cast and crutches, although I did another 5 flights in this condition, so the "neck brace" route is only 20% successful!
Mrs Foilist used to work for BA at LHR T1, and she says she would upgrade honimooners if it was obvious they were honimooners and there was space and if she wasn't pissed off- ie if no pax had spat at her that day...
So ask nicely at the check in dest and at the gate, look the part (the comment on your booking by the travel agent will help) and cross your fingers!
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