BA vs F1250 upgrade...?

[safetwin]

Morning all,

Has anyone flown BA recently and blagged an upgrade flashing an ID card or any other way??

Got a long haul flight coming up and could do with some extra legroom...

ST

[orgASMic]

In my experience, not a chance. I have been upgraded once in 20 years of business flying. That was with Qatar and only because Economy was over-booked and I was wearing a suit (which I invariably do when travelling on business). Neither my F1250 nor GATCO membership card (visible in my passport wallet when presented at check-in, not brandished about) have made a blind bit of difference.
Still, there is no harm in asking.

[A and C]

BA now have a new anti coruption policy that is quite tight and involves all sorts of things that staff can and can't do.

One of these is upgrades, upgrades are no longer to be given at the gate, these can only be given from the central booking system.

It would seem that BA are trying to ensure that you only get what you pay for.

[Whenurhappy]

Hmm, tried to post but without success. Let's try again.

Although BA, along with most other airlines, aren't too keen to upgrade, it seems that Virgin Trains have recently adopted a policy of quietly upgrading SP travelling on railcards.

I experienced this to my surprise 2 weeks ago when back in the UK and travelling on the West Coast Main Line. 5 years of commuting Up/Down to London and this had only ever happened once, but in the course of 3 days I was upgraded twice. On the first occasion I was moved to First Class and on the second, the manager sugegsted that I move to some other seats which have more leg room for disabled or elderly passengers. Cheeky bu&&er!

On speaking with some Army colleagues in MB, this has happend quite a bit recently and it seems that Virgin Trains will do this when they can, and when it is appropriate to do so. I'm not sure that they will be happy to move a bunch of p!ssed up squaddies into First Class, but a neat and tidy (and sober) SP using a rail card might be in luck.

Some good news, I think.

[500N]

If BA are like the other airlines I fly on, they will be charging extra for the extra leg room seats but well worth the money IMHO.

[TheWizard]

Simple answer to the OP is no!

However, if it is a busy flight and you are travelling alone, dress smart, smile and be polite and friendly and you never know.

Don't overtly flash around the fact that you are military but you would be surprised how much a charity band such as Help for Heroes or lapel badge gets noticed by the cabin crew.

If you enquire about upgrading from one cabin to the other, don't be surprised if you are quoted the 'going rate'.

These days it really does come down to pot luck if the cabins are oversold or are backfilled from other flights and they need to move people forward or upstairs.
However as stated, you CAN influence your selection to a small degree..... :)

[Roadster280]

I flew BA about 6 months ago on a Transatlantic. I was upgraded from World Traveller Plus to Club. I do hold a BA Exec Club card, but it is only blue, and prior to that flight I hadn't flown BA in about 4 years.

I do hold Platinum with Delta, and get upgraded on most flights. I rarely travel in the back. That said, Delta has two classes (First & steerage), where BA has 4 (First, Club, WTP and steerage). If you book a WTP ticket, and fly often enough, you will get upgraded to Club. By often enough, I mean at least often enough to qualify for Silver level, and that's 600 points. Roughly 7 transatlantic legs.

I used to fly BA all the time, and had a Gold card which probably explains the upgrade I got recently, although I don't know that for certain. For both BA and Delta, the ticket value is a major component of the upgrade criteria. If you're flying on a cheap fare in whichever class, you won't get upgraded.

I'd expect deliberately showing an F1250 to be a negative factor. Join the Exec Club (if you haven't already), dress appropriately, be polite and if your flight is full, you might get bumped. Or you might not.

[Pontius Navigator]

I have been upgraded once in 20 years of business flying. That was with Qatar . . . I was wearing a suit

Upgraded at the gate on Emirates in Dubai. Casual twill jacket but a smart Panama hat.

We got the the gate and had our boarding card torn up: GULP!

Then issued with business class ones, very welcome on the 10 hour hop to Cape Town.

[hunterboy]

Re: upgrades in BA, the problem was several of the ground staff were taking back handers for upgrades, therefore corporate policies were tightened up. One of these guys had even set up a website offering unofficial upgrades.

[philrigger]

;)

The only time I have been upgraded to Club on BA was on a return trip from Dallas in 2006. We were in a very crowded cattle class and my wifes TV on the back of the seat went u/s shortly after take off. At first the steward offered a pile of magazines to read but with a very disappointed look from my wife he changed his mind and said "Follow me". So my wife and I followed him through WTP and on to Club Class. Immediately on sitting down (With a huge smile on a our faces) we were offered a glass of wine and a meal on a plate. This was followed with a lovely sleep.

I was wearing jeans, trainers and a t-shirt, as was my wife. On looking around most of the other passengers in Club were similarly dressed.

I have been upgraded to WTP on several occasions though. These upgrades were announced while in the departure lounge.

I was once told that sometimes the upgrades are for aircraft trim purposes. I don't know if that is fact or fiction.


Phil.

[Roadster280]

Dallas and Houston are oil flights. The oil companies pay peanuts for their blokes to fly Club, and the spotty oiks often dress as you describe.

If you're angling after an upgrade with no real basis for said upgrade, every little helps (i.e. wear something appropriate), but in reality, there's a well honed computer algorithm that selects the upgrade based on a number of factors. Dress obviously isn't one of them. Current operational requirements (e.g. moving people when an aircraft goes U/S), your standing with the airline, and ticket class/value being chief among them.

Not wishing to brag too much, but I'm a very good customer of Delta, so I fly First class most of the time despite tickets being booked at lower levels. As a BA valued customer, it was much the same. High value customers are what the airlines see value in upgrading. MOD must spend millions per year with all the airlines, but individual servicemen don't fly often enough to climb the pole. I'm sure there are some on say the F-35 program (in fact I know there are) who travel sufficiently frequently, but they will be rarities.

[CrackBerry5288]

Similar to Whenurhappy, I've been upgrade twice on the WCML, first time then guard saw my MOD90 and asked me to move to first, second I was in 95s and he moved myself and my entire party to first.
Asking round OWOB, this seems quite common now.
Last time I was upgraded on BA was last Sept when flying to Jersey. The AC was almost empty though...

[Megaton]

Once the doors are closed, the captain can authorise any changes he wishes so if you have any mates who're in BA it's always worth letting them know you're travelling so "you can perhaps meet for a coffee at T5." Dressing smart casual helps since some CSDs get sniffy about upgrading anyone in jeans/tshirts.

More often than not, my colleagues have only been too happy to help. Just don't drink all the champers or try to seduce the crew!

[Whenurhappy]

Yes - the only other time I was upgraded on Virgin WCML I was in Dessies returning on R&R. I probably smelt, too, which accounted for me being moved...

If this is a Virgin policy, well done - I just hope it isn't abused by SP 'demanding' that they are upgraded.

[Winco]

There is absolutely no chance of a free upgrade with BA - end of.
It's all been done before, 1250, H4H badges it doesn't matter, you will not get a free upgrade.
It isn't much different with any of the other big airlines either I'm afraid. It's all down to ££££££££££££
It's as simple as that unfortunately

[BEagle]

Well, if you will fly with ba.....:E

A year or so ago, I flew with LH to Orlando from BHX via FRA. At FRA, due to a security issue caused by incoming passengers getting lost and entering an 'off-limits' section of the airport, all departing flights were delayed whilst the Herrenvolk carried out a security check. The subsequent queue for the gates was...significant. On arrival at the gate, my Business Class boarding pass was refused. "Come this way please, sir" was followed by "We are upgrading you to First Class and your limousine will arrive shortly". A most enjoyable flight then followed!

On the way home, I asked the young lady at the gate whether I could use one of my upgrade vouchers to bump a Luftwaffe mate from Economy to Business. She smiled, spoke with her boss and then came back and told me that it would be OK. So I fetched my colleague from the lengthy Economy queue and told him that it would be OK to check in at the Business Class desk. He did, then when we walked to the jet he queried why his seat no. had changed. "Because I've upgraded you!" came as a pleasant surprise. When I checked my account later, I found that they hadn't actually used one of my upgrade vouchers, but had used their discretion. Double result!

Earlier this year I had to fly via Toronto in Economy with Air Canada. Earlier, I'd tried unsuccessfully to use an upgrade voucher, so tried one more time at LHR. The check-in person tried his best, but regretted that he couldn't access the relevant computer. I thanked him and walked to the gate - only to be told that I'd been granted a free upgrade to Business Class. So another nice luxurious pond crossing in an A330. No such luck on the way home - the planned aircraft was stuck elsewhere so they'd had to use a B767 which was chock full.

Just be nice, don't wear scruffy clothes, thank the staff for their help and trust in your luck. But having a significant history of flights with the airline will probably help.

[Melchett01]

But having a significant history of flights with the airline will probably help.

So why did I not manage to get the jump seat the summer I spent as an LNO in the Middle East taking 3-4 Herc flights a week? ;)

In all seriousness, I think it is luck of the draw. I have never once managed to get an upgrade and the only time I have ever flown business class with MOD was when PJHQ left it so late to book the tickets that business class was the only option left. The only other time was when I had to travel on one of the smaller business airlines when I needed to get to Lossie and as the ac was too small to have more than one class of seating so it was business class nose to tail.

My parents on the other hand seem to have upgrades thrown at them. I remember hearing of one occassion when they were coming back from Rome that they were in the queue to check in and hadn't even got half way to the desk before an Alitalia rep extracted them from the economy class queue and upgraded them without their asking. And more undemanded upgrades have been forthcoming since then. It might almost be worth at least taking them to the airport with me next time I go away!

[H Peacock]

There is absolutely no chance of a free upgrade with BA - end of.
It's all been done before, 1250, H4H badges it doesn't matter, you will not get a free upgrade.
It isn't much different with any of the other big airlines either I'm afraid. It's all down to ££££££££££££
It's as simple as that unfortunately

Don't agree. Suggest you wait until the doors are all shut and then pass a polite note to the captain explaining who you are. The cabin crew will give you his full name. If they have seats available you will probably get moved. BA don't like moving you through a class, so you usually only get the next level up. That said i've had 3 moves to first albeit one was only with Club menu!!!

As ever, you ask nicely. Don't assume; be polite; dress appropriately.

Good luck!!!

[Kreuger flap]

Look, instead of this endless list of upgrade stories why not just pay the extra you tight wad. Why should you get an upgrade when others have paid for the service in the first place.

[wiggy]

It's not impossible but as others have said it has been clamped down on ( for justifiable reasons). However some flights end up being "oversold" in economy/world Traveller and in which case the check-in staff will be looking out for for those nicely behaved, nicely dressed people "Suitable For Upgrade", so BEagle's sound advice to:

be nice, don't wear scruffy clothes, thank the staff for their help and trust in your luck.

applies right from the moment you enter the terminal. Just a touch of empathy for that harrassed lady or gent at the bag drop might just get you a ticket in the lottery.

Good Luck.

[Winco]

Mr P
I would be most interested in knowing which airline you are talking about? As far as passing notes to the flight deck and asking the cabin crew for the captains details before hand, I can tell you that I have never heard of any such things happening, ever! Certainly not on BA. I would not entertain authorising an upgrade for a passenger - that is the job of my cabin staff director, NOT me. I have enough to do with other, more important things than readinga a silly note from a tight-arsed pax who wants a freeby.
Please tell me you are joking?
BEagle, I'm not going to justify BA to yoou or anyone else frankly. However, if you take a look at our long haul prices then you will struggle to find a cheaper carrier frankly, and in today's climate, thats important to a lot of people.
Enuf said.

[Red Line Entry]

Cabin staff director - love it!

[Roadster280]

Is it not "Cabin Service Director"? i.e. a union dinosaur, as opposed to the "Customer Service Manager" of the mixed fleet, non-union crews?

[BEagle]

I understand that ba's First Class service is rather like this:

3XlDUTpCIOE

[H Peacock]

I would be most interested in knowing which airline you are talking about? As far as passing notes to the flight deck and asking the cabin crew for the captains details before hand, I can tell you that I have never heard of any such things happening, ever! Certainly not on BA. I would not entertain authorising an upgrade for a passenger - that is the job of my cabin staff director, NOT me.

T'was indeed BA. El capitano was an ex-RAF Tornado pilot, came back and had a very pleasant chat with us about life and the job. Having been away from the UK for a while and returning from ops - booked into WT - he was delighted to assist in making the journey more comfortable.

I have enough to do with other, more important things than reading a silly note from a tight-arsed pax who wants a freeby.

Yeh, right.....

And as for tight-arsed, do you think I should ask my travel cell next time to put me straight in First??? :ugh:

[Kreuger flap]

he was delighted to assist in making the journey more comfortable.

Well done you. That has made me feel a whole lot better about life.:rolleyes:

[TheWizard]

Mr P
I would be most interested in knowing which airline you are talking about? As far as passing notes to the flight deck and asking the cabin crew for the captains details before hand, I can tell you that I have never heard of any such things happening, ever! Certainly not on BA. I would not entertain authorising an upgrade for a passenger - that is the job of my cabin staff director, NOT me.

So you represent the whole of BA then??
Perhaps you should speak to some of your colleagues more often and you would know that scenario has happened on numerous occasions (granted in my case it was when I recognised the FO as an old Herc mate after his PA). Then again, with a pompous attitude like yours, there is probably a CCG or CRM barrier to contend with! :hmm:

[wiggy]

Fraid that's a "Sigh" and a "oh dear" from me, just when there was a chance things were getting better:sad:

that is the job of my cabin staff director,

Who's that then? FWIW authorising an upgrade is not a job for your Cabin Service Director either.....but there is one person onboard who can in certain circumstances authorise an upgrade...;)

[H Peacock]

So you represent the whole of BA then??
Perhaps you should speak to some of your colleagues more often and you would know that scenario has happened on numerous occasions (granted in my case it was when I recognised the FO as an old Herc mate after his PA). Then again, with a pompous attitude like yours, there is probably a CCG or CRM barrier to contend with!

The Wizard. Fantastic post! I kept reading winco's words and came to the same conclusion. An awful lot of ex-RAF guys now work for BA so a fair chance you'll get a better response than that of Winco.

Winco - Please tell me you're not an ex-RAF driver who now flies for BA! If you are, then best I avoid your fleet. Why such a downer on todays hard-working boys and girls in the RAF? And what exactly are you busy with all that time sat in the front???

[The African Dude]

Same as Pontious - upgraded at the gate in Dubai (EK) without asking. Rugby jersey and shorts. However it was my 3rd return to Auckland in 16 months. 8 months earlier upgraded at Melbourne for the hop across the Tasman. Both times, arrived at the gate to board and after some cheery pleasantries was handed a Business boarding card instead of the economy I gave the agent, and was wished on my way. It seems to be based on frequency of travel and space available with EK. Nice that they do it though. The BA way sounds like a bit of a black political artform to me.

[wiggy]

H P

Please tell me you're not an ex-RAF driver who now flies for BA! If you are, then best I avoid your fleet. Why such a downer on todays hard-working boys and girls in the RAF? And what exactly are you busy with all that time sat in the front???

Not sure why you're drawing that harsh conclusion...all the ex-RAF drivers I know have no such downers on the current RAF crop (and addition know a CSD and a CSM and a CM when they see one).

Either winco is dreadfully badly informed and needs to re-read a certain Blue Book ( our equivalent, in part, of the FOB) from cover to cover, or a troll, or both....

Yours

An ex-RAF driver

[H Peacock]

Wiggy

What fleet are you on? I'll come and fly as SLF with you!

:ok:

[Winco]

TheWizard

Of course I don't represent the whole of BA and I certainly don't have a downer on anyone from any of the services getting upgraded, but just be a bit sensible about it.

You are asking me to believe that someone gets on board, asks the steward (ess) for the Captains details, then sits and drops him a line and then asks said steward(ess) to pass it up to me on the flight deck so I can make a decision about upgrading them??

Get real. I assure you it has never ever happened to me in my time flying long haul with BA and I have never heard of it happening to anyone else either. By all means try your best at check in and I hope you are successful, but I have serious doubts that you will be.

[AGS Man]

I've had 2 BA upgrades from WTP to Club so far this year, both because the wrong 767s were used on the service. It is very difficult to get a downgrade (yes I tried once). Other than that flying Saudi Arabian airlines close to the hadj period often produces an upgrade. On one occaision I was asked to change from my jeans to a smart pair of trousers then they would upgrade me which ties in with what many have said about being smart. Being polite is also a great help. I was stung for 80 quid excess baggage and because I didn't moan and paid up straight away I ended up in Club. The other possibility is turning up with your arm in a sling! Sometimes they take pity on you!

[Chicken Leg]

There is absolutely no chance of a free upgrade with BA - end of.
It's all been done before, 1250, H4H badges it doesn't matter, you will not get a free upgrade.
It isn't much different with any of the other big airlines either I'm afraid. It's all down to ££££££££££££
It's as simple as that unfortunately

This is simply not true.

I fly around 20 medium haul sectors per year with BA and I'm upgraded maybe 2-3 time per year.

As far as I can tell, my upgrades have been down to the fact that I'm an Exec Club member, as much as my frequency of travel.

[wiggy]

Sorry to renter the fray on a Saturday AM, I I would agree that during the departure phase the crew have enough to do with other, more important things than dealing with ad hoc requests for upgrades,.

However you also state: I would not entertain authorising an upgrade for a passenger - that is the job of my cabin staff director, NOT me

If you are really are current BA Flight or Cabin crew and have been paying attention to recent events (alluded to earlier by others) and subsequent communications from our esteemed management you would know that's simply not true.

H P

Wiggy

What fleet are you on? I'll come and fly as SLF with you!



Unfortunately if I tell you I'd have to kill myself..........:ooh:

[Stuart Sutcliffe]

I don't believe Winco is a BA pilot. Winco's tone is sadly more akin to a BASSA-supporting cabin crew troll bemoaning their position in the chain of command. Best ignored.

[BBK]

No one has mentioned the aftermath of the BA cabin crew strike. It's my understanding, taliking to both pilots and cabin crew, that upgrades are harder to come by given the fallout from that episode. I'm not taking sides but it appears much harder for BA crew to get upgraded let alone service personnel.

As others have said there is no harm in a polite word to the check in and/or gate staff. If you do know someone on the particular type then perhaps try and discreetly ask if so-and-so is operating the flight.