Bidding for Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic
Discussion
We're flying to Miami in February, and as usual we're going Premium Economy out (daytime) and Upper Class back (overnight).
I've noticed that, having booked the seats, we can bid for an upgrade to Upper Class going out. Anyone ever done this and have any idea what a sensible (likely to be successful) bid might be? I have no idea how to pitch it.
I've noticed that, having booked the seats, we can bid for an upgrade to Upper Class going out. Anyone ever done this and have any idea what a sensible (likely to be successful) bid might be? I have no idea how to pitch it.
We're flying out to Orlando in April, PE out and UC back and I've bid £1,600 for 4 of us to upgrade on the way out. Not had any response yet.
Seems that's the lower end of the suggested scale but I don't see that it's worth any more and arguably not even that for a daytime flight. It's very much worthwhile on the way back.
Seems that's the lower end of the suggested scale but I don't see that it's worth any more and arguably not even that for a daytime flight. It's very much worthwhile on the way back.
sleepezy said:
Yes, a few times. Always about 10% over minimum and never failed when they have availability (but I suspect is dependent on route).
Very similar experience here. Only watch out is that technically it doesn’t apply to connecting flights booked on the same ticket, both for seat upgrades and (probably more importantly) lounge access. That being said, in reality it’s never been enforced for the Lounge part. Trustmeimadoctor said:
For me upper is better during day as you get to use facilities rather than just sleep
I can see the logic to that, plus the trip there is longer too (never figured out quite why, head/tail wind I guess). However the joy of a proper lie-flat bed on an overnight flight for me is priceless! I cannot sleep sitting up, so it makes all the difference in the world.
I can't sleep sitting up either only managed it on one flight
We are flying from Manchester so miss out on the clubhouse so 'value' is erroded further
The flight is a reward one anyway so it's not exactly cost us much and pe will do if we can get upper also a shame it's a a333 with crappy cabins
We are flying from Manchester so miss out on the clubhouse so 'value' is erroded further
The flight is a reward one anyway so it's not exactly cost us much and pe will do if we can get upper also a shame it's a a333 with crappy cabins
Trustmeimadoctor said:
You find out a few days before the flight you should get a call to confirm details
For me upper is better during day as you get to use facilities rather than just sleep
The seat is the only facility for me really. Driving both ends so the alcohol is wasted on me and the bar isn't as comfortable as the seat. Flying from Manchester so no Clubhouse.For me upper is better during day as you get to use facilities rather than just sleep
sleepezy said:
Useful to know as i've only used it for single flights - thanks
Qantas have a similar system - although the bid price tends to have to be much higher to be successful (more limited experience)
I successfully bid £10 over the minimum for two of us with Air Canada, lucked out that they switched the plane to a 787 (Calgary to Montreal) so a proper business class seat. Qantas have a similar system - although the bid price tends to have to be much higher to be successful (more limited experience)
A colleague of mine bid a tiny amount over the minimum recently with Virgin and got upgraded. I would assume that most people will bid either minimum or the smallest increment above that. When I did our air Canada bids I figured I’d go for two increments.
Pre Covid since I was flying with Virgin, but I used to just ask at a customer service desk at check in & upgrade with miles & a couple of hundred £
In my opinion not really worth spending in excess of premium economy though for a daytime flight if I’m just going to be reading or watching a film. & whilst the lounge is ok, there were some nice enough places to sit/eat /drink in the terminal.
In my opinion not really worth spending in excess of premium economy though for a daytime flight if I’m just going to be reading or watching a film. & whilst the lounge is ok, there were some nice enough places to sit/eat /drink in the terminal.
Booked a lounge at T3 for £72. I'm sure it won't be as swanky as The Clubhouse, but I'm also sure it will be absolutely fine.
Two of us travelling, so at least we get to sit on our own in PE. Might ask the question at check-in, but I think an upgrade out is worth hundreds to me, not thousands.
Also got 41,000 points (no idea whether that is a lot or virtually nothing from the point of view of using them), so I guess that might be an upgrade option.
Two of us travelling, so at least we get to sit on our own in PE. Might ask the question at check-in, but I think an upgrade out is worth hundreds to me, not thousands.
Also got 41,000 points (no idea whether that is a lot or virtually nothing from the point of view of using them), so I guess that might be an upgrade option.
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