Air Canada Upgrade Policy?
Hi, firstly a quick apology to the moderators, I did ask Air Canada directly about this but got no joy, hence me posting on here.
I'm a frequent flyer pax, I'm a joint Brit/Canadian citizen and have spent a lot of money on Air Canada over the years. Just before a recent flight, I cracked a vertebrae, and have been in a lot of pain. I couldn't put off my trip from LHR to YVR. My doc said I was safe to fly, and I contacted AC to get special assistance at the airport. They were pretty good about this (although they insisted on contacting my doctor themselves with a huge form). However, I was hoping for a free upgrade. I was made redundant last year so I couldn't afford it and didn't have enough airmiles for one. I tried for an upgrade at check-in and at the gate and on the plane but the staff were adamantly against it. This despite First Class literally having 2 people in it.
I don't expect an upgrade as a 'right' but I was honestly in a lot of pain, AC knew my back problem was genuine, and a more comfortable seat would have made a huge difference to me on that 10 hour flight. The hostess did her best with an extra pillow but when we hit turbulence... that did hurt.
My question is - if you can't get a free upgrade when there is a genuine medical reason, when CAN you get one? I am due to fly back from YVR to LHR this Friday 5th (AC854) and I'm wondering if I should just try really hard to scrape together the money for an upgrade, or if there is any other way to get one please? I have pain killers but it's going to be an unpleasant experience for me otherwise.
I've always been impressed by how hard airline staff work; I think they did their best for me and they did get me a bulkhead seat, but the problem is not legroom but it's how padded and comfortable the seat is. I'm just curious as to whether this is an Air Canada 'policy' that there are to be zero free upgrades from now on. Does anyone know please? Are other airlines more lenient in this situation? Thanks very much for your time, I really appreciate it.