Requesting upgrades
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Arrivals Lounge
My personal view is that the Arrivals Lounge should be open until the evening "rush hour" is almost over so that it's not too inconvenient if one's 'meeter and greeter' is delayed by traffic.
I was surprised that the opening hours weren't extended once we had settled into T5 as there are still quite a few long haul flights arriving in the afternoon and evening. The respomse I have had from our managers, when I have asked the question, is that the idea behind the arrivals lounge is to cater for people to freshen up and enjoy breakfast before being whisked into their London offices to do a day's work.
However, regardless of what time the lounge closes, there has to be a wind down period of an hour and a half to allow the cooking areas to be cleaned ready for the next morning at 05.00. At the moment, if we close at 2pm then from 12.30 onwards we're in wind-down mode. Please bear in mind that the advertised closure time is when the doors are locked and the staff vacate the premises.
I was surprised that the opening hours weren't extended once we had settled into T5 as there are still quite a few long haul flights arriving in the afternoon and evening. The respomse I have had from our managers, when I have asked the question, is that the idea behind the arrivals lounge is to cater for people to freshen up and enjoy breakfast before being whisked into their London offices to do a day's work.
However, regardless of what time the lounge closes, there has to be a wind down period of an hour and a half to allow the cooking areas to be cleaned ready for the next morning at 05.00. At the moment, if we close at 2pm then from 12.30 onwards we're in wind-down mode. Please bear in mind that the advertised closure time is when the doors are locked and the staff vacate the premises.
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Bealine
I understand what you are saying, but in that case it should be made clear on the website.
I don't know what BA doesn't tell me.
Anyway, it won't be a problem in the future.
Strake
I guess many people would go straight home, I would do if I lived in the UK.
As I had a 2pm check in time at a hotel (I live in the South Med), I thought I would use the lounge to kill an hour and have a lunch.
Please bear in mind that the advertised closure time is when the doors are locked and the staff vacate the premises.
I don't know what BA doesn't tell me.
Anyway, it won't be a problem in the future.
Strake
I guess many people would go straight home, I would do if I lived in the UK.
As I had a 2pm check in time at a hotel (I live in the South Med), I thought I would use the lounge to kill an hour and have a lunch.
On a few South East Asian Airlines one would try and bribe an upgrade immediately at check-in... this usually works with a $100 bill being the universal "ticket" required.
Failing that (very rarely and only if the staff were paranoid about being spotted) an in-flight "upgrade" (again at the magic $100) negotiated with the purser does the trick 100% of the time.
At one stage I did this so often I didn't even bother to book Business.
They also treated you damn fine after that
Failing that (very rarely and only if the staff were paranoid about being spotted) an in-flight "upgrade" (again at the magic $100) negotiated with the purser does the trick 100% of the time.
At one stage I did this so often I didn't even bother to book Business.
They also treated you damn fine after that
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My personal experience is that gold frequent flyer status counts for nothing when it comes to upgrades. Indeed, it seems to be gold status is a disadvantage.
I am Gold with both BA and Star Alliance (Diamond Club). I have flown business class long haul return at least twice a month with either BA, BMI or Lufthansa since January and not been fortunate to be upgraded once. However, colleagues travelling on the same flights as me, and having paid the same fare, but with only Blue or Silver status were upgraded to FIRST with BA on at least 4 different ocassions already this year.
My frequent flyer status is in the system before I reach the airport and I've even been standing in the check in queue with them, so it is not to do with timing either.
Indeed, I have even been downgraded to economy on one flight with *A (flight overbooked - not happy) and a colleague I was travelling with who had blue status only was kept in business class ahead of me.
It seems more likely that if you are gold, they know you are a regular traveller with them and need to do less to keep you, whereas if you are blue or silver, then perhaps they can do more to entice you to choose them over competitors.
I have no complaints over not being upgraded - business class is more than comfortable. I do have complaints over being downgraded, but the carrier seems unprepared to do much about it other than refund the difference. I won't be flying with them again.
I am Gold with both BA and Star Alliance (Diamond Club). I have flown business class long haul return at least twice a month with either BA, BMI or Lufthansa since January and not been fortunate to be upgraded once. However, colleagues travelling on the same flights as me, and having paid the same fare, but with only Blue or Silver status were upgraded to FIRST with BA on at least 4 different ocassions already this year.
My frequent flyer status is in the system before I reach the airport and I've even been standing in the check in queue with them, so it is not to do with timing either.
Indeed, I have even been downgraded to economy on one flight with *A (flight overbooked - not happy) and a colleague I was travelling with who had blue status only was kept in business class ahead of me.
It seems more likely that if you are gold, they know you are a regular traveller with them and need to do less to keep you, whereas if you are blue or silver, then perhaps they can do more to entice you to choose them over competitors.
I have no complaints over not being upgraded - business class is more than comfortable. I do have complaints over being downgraded, but the carrier seems unprepared to do much about it other than refund the difference. I won't be flying with them again.
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10bob, then perhaps that is something that you should take up with the airlines?
With Air NZ there is Gold Elite, Gold, Silver and Jade. Then there is also the normal Star Alliance Gold's (never in 2 years heard anything about diamond club.)
Any upgrades happen with Gold Elites first, then Gold etc etc.
Unless they are a VIP with the airline, or a mistreated customer, we do not upgrade them without exceptional circumstances.
80% of airline revenue comes from 20% of its customers. So if your a smart airline, you look after those 20%
....Or if your particularly hot and the ground crew take a liking to you
With Air NZ there is Gold Elite, Gold, Silver and Jade. Then there is also the normal Star Alliance Gold's (never in 2 years heard anything about diamond club.)
Any upgrades happen with Gold Elites first, then Gold etc etc.
Unless they are a VIP with the airline, or a mistreated customer, we do not upgrade them without exceptional circumstances.
80% of airline revenue comes from 20% of its customers. So if your a smart airline, you look after those 20%
....Or if your particularly hot and the ground crew take a liking to you
Paxing All Over The World
I overheard a request for upgrade at check-in and then heard another (different pax) on board. This was a few years ago on a VS to JNB (I think) when I was in P.E. with them.
The check-in agent tells them: "I'm not authorised to do that, please ask on board."
The cabin crew say, "I'm not authorised to do that, only check-in can do that."
The check-in agent tells them: "I'm not authorised to do that, please ask on board."
The cabin crew say, "I'm not authorised to do that, only check-in can do that."
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then perhaps that is something that you should take up with the airlines?
I'm not too bothered about not getting the upgrades with BA. I travel business class most of the time anyway, and collect enough miles to use FIRST for reward flights, so its fun for the more junior team members to get to experience it. But my experience certainly challenges the received wisdom that gold card holders get priority on this sort of thing.
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upgrade in flight
hi, if there has been a mix up in the reservation system, can someone with an upgradable ticket still be upgraded from economy to business once they're on the flight? it happenned to me yesterday, turned out reservations made an error in the system but it clearly said on my ticket that it was upgradable and i was refused!
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I am not sure what you mean by an "upgradeable ticket"?
Potentially any ticket holder can be upgraded if it suits the operational requirements of the airline. There is no overriding statute that prevents any class of ticket holder from travelling in a class other than booked and paid for. That doesn't mean that the airline is required to upgrade you to a class of travel for which you haven't paid, irrespective of the circumstances.
Passengers may be marked suitable for upgrade (SFU) if there are likely to be issues on capacity so that the gate agents can narrow down their selection in such circumstances. Likewise the senior cabin crew member can excerise whatever discretion their own company allows if circumstances require an onboard upgrade.
Obviously the airline makes it best revenues form these premium class seats, and people who have paid top dollar for them will not continue to do so if they perceive that they are regularly given to those who haven't paid for them. As it is a matter of perception it clearly helps if the upgradee is a regular customer of the airline, and certainly is dressed and groomed to suggest that they are being appropriately placed. Having said that, there is no guarantee at all of being upgraded unless it clearly suits the airline or somebody with the authority to make that offer.
Potentially any ticket holder can be upgraded if it suits the operational requirements of the airline. There is no overriding statute that prevents any class of ticket holder from travelling in a class other than booked and paid for. That doesn't mean that the airline is required to upgrade you to a class of travel for which you haven't paid, irrespective of the circumstances.
Passengers may be marked suitable for upgrade (SFU) if there are likely to be issues on capacity so that the gate agents can narrow down their selection in such circumstances. Likewise the senior cabin crew member can excerise whatever discretion their own company allows if circumstances require an onboard upgrade.
Obviously the airline makes it best revenues form these premium class seats, and people who have paid top dollar for them will not continue to do so if they perceive that they are regularly given to those who haven't paid for them. As it is a matter of perception it clearly helps if the upgradee is a regular customer of the airline, and certainly is dressed and groomed to suggest that they are being appropriately placed. Having said that, there is no guarantee at all of being upgraded unless it clearly suits the airline or somebody with the authority to make that offer.
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Beazelbub
The OP is talking about fare class, as many airlines (e.g Lufthansa) restrict voluntary upgrades to certain higher tariff classes, e.g. Y and C.
In the US, certain classes are often given upgrades to First Class based on FF status and fare class, subject to airline discretion.
Other airlines, such as OK, openly offer guaranteed upgrades based on FF status, fare class and availability.
I am not sure what you mean by an "upgradeable ticket"?
In the US, certain classes are often given upgrades to First Class based on FF status and fare class, subject to airline discretion.
Other airlines, such as OK, openly offer guaranteed upgrades based on FF status, fare class and availability.
Last edited by Final 3 Greens; 10th Dec 2009 at 19:50.
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Ahem....
You may understand the view from your side of the door, but you don't seem to get the pax perspective on occasions.
Perhaps you would be better making such comments in the airline employee fora?
Perhaps you would be better making such comments in the airline employee fora?
There's an old saying about glass houses and stones - There's been the odd occasion where I've had a minor rumble of mental indigestion when I've read stuff that you have written (this being one). Bealzebub is a valued member of this forum who regularly takes time to provide answers that I know to be factually correct and on the money - In short, as you are, he is a valued contributor to this forum. I'd appreciate that being respected please.
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Tightslot
Beazelbub recently commented on a thread, to imply that it would be better if I didn't comment on a professional pilot issue and debated the issue in SLF. Fair enough.
On reflection, I agreed with what he said and posted words to that effect on the thread.
I am not showing any disrespect to his professional knowledge (you seem to have deleted my comments ackowledging his grasp of the pilot's world) and just stated that I find it curious that he completely missed what was a pretty obvious thing to someone posting on this forum.
What's fair for the goose is also fair or the gander.
Also, sorry to disagree with you, but the posters question was perfectly clear to a frequent flyer.
Beazelbub recently commented on a thread, to imply that it would be better if I didn't comment on a professional pilot issue and debated the issue in SLF. Fair enough.
On reflection, I agreed with what he said and posted words to that effect on the thread.
I am not showing any disrespect to his professional knowledge (you seem to have deleted my comments ackowledging his grasp of the pilot's world) and just stated that I find it curious that he completely missed what was a pretty obvious thing to someone posting on this forum.
What's fair for the goose is also fair or the gander.
Also, sorry to disagree with you, but the posters question was perfectly clear to a frequent flyer.
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Rather churlish of you then F3G. The security thread you are aluding to in Rumours & News was relevant from a crews point of view. Any posts I make on here are usually to assist in providing an answer to a question, or a viewpoint on a topic. I am happy to do that based on a level of experience and knowledge that 30 years in the industry has provided. In addition my wife who is a current Cabin Services Director and trainer with another airline also provides me with both balance and insight into those relevant subjects that require better knowledge on my part. Sometimes that makes for lively discussions. In addition she has previous experience of ground handling, check-in and travel agency including IATA ticketing.
If people feel what I say is wrong they are welcome to challenge, ignore or counter such comment. I have no problem with that. This forum exists as an opportunity for passengers (as a target audience) to make comment, observation or ask questions of those likely to populate a site such as this. Presumably (and unlike some of the self interest sites) those that do ask questions here are looking for qualified, reasoned and professional answers. It is on that basis that I offer those. This isn't a forum looking for a leader (it already has a very qualified and respected one!)
It isn't clear at all why the poster was questioning why a ticket would be upgradeable on board when that request had been refused? Perhaps it was a staff ticket, perhaps there was some other reason. In order to provide an accurate or qualified response that ambiguity required clarification.
If people feel what I say is wrong they are welcome to challenge, ignore or counter such comment. I have no problem with that. This forum exists as an opportunity for passengers (as a target audience) to make comment, observation or ask questions of those likely to populate a site such as this. Presumably (and unlike some of the self interest sites) those that do ask questions here are looking for qualified, reasoned and professional answers. It is on that basis that I offer those. This isn't a forum looking for a leader (it already has a very qualified and respected one!)
It isn't clear at all why the poster was questioning why a ticket would be upgradeable on board when that request had been refused? Perhaps it was a staff ticket, perhaps there was some other reason. In order to provide an accurate or qualified response that ambiguity required clarification.
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On a recent US Airways flight i asked at the gate if they were offering upgrades for sale as i know this is something they do, i was told yes, on checking my ticket the agent informed me my ticket was upgradeable and so it was done at no charge, not sure the reason as i didnt think i purchased a full Y fare on this flight and am not a FF with this airline, it certainly was a bonus!
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I can feel it coming - one of those 'red mist' moments. I'm off to HKG tomorrow - maybe a few hours work away from PPRuNe will allow me some small realignment of my perspective.
In the meantime, please write out 100 times...
"There is no such thing as an 'upgradeable ticket', There is no such thing as an 'upgradeable ticket', There is no such thing as an 'upgradeable ticket'...."
This phrase may mean something completely different in the dark and secret world of the Frequent Flyer (or FQTV as those of us in the dark and secret world of aviation might say) but unfortunately, for everybody else for whom English is a first language, the meaning is nonsensical. Some people may be upgraded for various reasons, and good luck to them - however it will always be for commercial reasons, not because they have purchased an "upgradeable ticket".
I know that F3G always trys for the last word - Sadistically, I'm going to deprive him of it by closing this thread and getting a good nights sleep before tomorrow.
Other people will be looking in while I'm away - Don't be naughty!
In the meantime, please write out 100 times...
"There is no such thing as an 'upgradeable ticket', There is no such thing as an 'upgradeable ticket', There is no such thing as an 'upgradeable ticket'...."
This phrase may mean something completely different in the dark and secret world of the Frequent Flyer (or FQTV as those of us in the dark and secret world of aviation might say) but unfortunately, for everybody else for whom English is a first language, the meaning is nonsensical. Some people may be upgraded for various reasons, and good luck to them - however it will always be for commercial reasons, not because they have purchased an "upgradeable ticket".
I know that F3G always trys for the last word - Sadistically, I'm going to deprive him of it by closing this thread and getting a good nights sleep before tomorrow.
Other people will be looking in while I'm away - Don't be naughty!
