Phuket Thailand

sandymellis · #1 19-02-2006, 18:06

Are there any experts on the best way to wangle a free flight upgrade? I know that many people seem to be able to regularly upgrade to First or business class free of charge.....whats the secret?

dizbuster · #2 19-02-2006, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandymellis

Are there any experts on the best way to wangle a free flight upgrade? I know that many people seem to be able to regularly upgrade to First or business class free of charge.....whats the secret?

Being a member of that airlines Frequent Flyer programme and holding the highest level of membership.

Talbotman · #3 19-02-2006, 18:39

I have made 20 return trips to Thailand with EVA ,THAI.CHINA AIR, LUFTHANSA AND KLM and never once got a sniff of an upgrade even though i try to dress with a shirt and trousers which is recomended.

whuakito · #4 19-02-2006, 19:03

I have always flownTHAI,and I am a member of the thai frequent flyers program <silver card> anytime I fly I get 12000 miles.I'd rather get a free return tkt,instead of an upgrade<free tkts starts at 15000 miles within thailand>though once I was given an upgrade for free< at the check in the clark said that my sit in economy had been sold due to the demand,and as a member I was upgraded 4 free.>I said thank you and enjoyed the flight.thus I reccomend you to join a program like that.it is realyy worth it.

dizbuster · #5 19-02-2006, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by whuakito

I have always flownTHAI,and I am a member of the thai frequent flyers program <silver card> anytime I fly I get 12000 miles.I'd rather get a free return tkt,instead of an upgrade<free tkts starts at 15000 miles within thailand>though once I was given an upgrade for free< at the check in the clark said that my sit in economy had been sold due to the demand,and as a member I was upgraded 4 free.>I said thank you and enjoyed the flight.thus I reccomend you to join a program like that.it is realyy worth it.

With Thai Airways FF programme, a free return economy ticket between London and BKK "costs" 80,000 miles, however if you use the "part miles, part cash" method, then it's 40,000 plus £275 (plus taxes). A Business Class ticket in the same way is 80,000 plus £405 (plus taxes) and First Class is 120,000 plus £550 (plus taxes). I use the "part miles part cash" method and get Business Class but fly with Singapore Airlines to Singapore, as their Business Class is far superior to Thai's.

I like to think of this as my way of ensuring I get an upgrade, based on the cost being £405 plus taxes which is about the same as an Economy ticket and my 80,000 miles "pays" for my upgrade to Business Class.

faultytowers · #6 19-02-2006, 19:56

I have had a lot of upgrades on Emirates and Thai , and will give you my opinion on the best ways , at least from my experience.

1. Join a Frequent Flyer program.
Find the airline you will be using most , the majority of airlines are part of larger global alliances (Star Alliance , Sky Team or One World).

2. Become Silver or Gold
The higher "status" you get, the better chance of an upgrade.
With Thai , once you have flown 10,000 miles you get Silver.(1 U.K - LOS return).
Emirates require 25,000 miles for Silver. If you book on-line with them you get 50% extra miles , so 1 return trip U.K - LOS can get you approx 20,000 miles.

Once you get "Silver" , you get bonus miles for each flight and also require less miles to retain your status.

3. They look after their own
Most airlines have a priority system for upgrades, they will upgrade their own Gold members first , followed by their own Silver members. After that , they will look at Gold members of the Alliance program they belong to.
e.g. Thai will always upgrade their own Gold members , then their own Silver members and finally "Star Alliance" Gold members.

4.Be smart and punctual
Turn up at check-in reasonably early , there may only be a couple of upgrades available and these will already be allocated if you turn up at the last minute.
Dress "smart but casual" , although this may sound like discrimination , most check-in staff will judge you on your appearance and are more likely to upgrade someone who looks "suitable".

5. Smile
It may sound stupid but if you are polite and courteous, they will remember you. You may not get upgraded on that flight but they can "highlight" you for possible upgrade on your return flight.

It can still be hit or miss who gets upgraded , but in the 9 year I have been flying to LOS , I have had about 30% success rate at being upgraded at check-in , and have used my air-miles for about another 30%. (Business Class is so much nicer on long flights.

)

In case your wondering , I have a Gold card from Thai (ROP) , and a Silver card from Emirates (Skywards), these cost nothing and have probably saved me a few thousand pounds over the years.

whuakito · #7 19-02-2006, 20:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizbuster

With Thai Airways FF programme, a free return economy ticket between London and BKK "costs" 80,000 miles, however if you use the "part miles, part cash" method, then it's 40,000 plus £275 (plus taxes). A Business Class ticket in the same way is 80,000 plus £405 (plus taxes) and First Class is 120,000 plus £550 (plus taxes). I use the "part miles part cash" method and get Business Class but fly with Singapore Airlines to Singapore, as their Business Class is far superior to Thai's.

I like to think of this as my way of ensuring I get an upgrade, based on the cost being £405 plus taxes which is about the same as an Economy ticket and my 80,000 miles "pays" for my upgrade to Business Class.

hi diz according to my handbook,a free return economy ticket between london/ or italy,and bkk costs 65000 miles on thai.<maybe my handbook is not up to date>never flown singapore airlines,though,on this forum there are lots of people who recomend it i'll give a try next time,seen that it is ALSO A MEMBER OF STAR ALLIANCE>well for the half miles and half cash,Ihave to admit it.< you know your way very well and also make good use of your brain.>

ratpack1 · #8 19-02-2006, 20:12

shag a stewardess

whuakito · #9 19-02-2006, 20:21

[quote=faultytowers]I have had a lot of upgrades on Emirates and Thai , and will give you my opinion on the best ways , at least from my experience.

1. Join a Frequent Flyer program.
Find the airline you will be using most , the majority of airlines are part of larger global alliances (Star Alliance , Sky Team or One World).

2. Become Silver or Gold
The higher "status" you get, the better chance of an upgrade.
With Thai , once you have flown 10,000 miles you get Silver.(1 U.K - LOS return).
Emirates require 25,000 miles for Silver. If you book on-line with them you get 50% extra miles , so 1 return trip U.K - LOS can get you approx 20,000 miles.

Once you get "Silver" , you get bonus miles for each flight and also require less miles to retain your status.

3. They look after their own
Most airlines have a priority system for upgrades, they will upgrade their own Gold members first , followed by their own Silver members. After that , they will look at Gold members of the Alliance program they belong to.
e.g. Thai will always upgrade their own Gold members , then their own Silver members and finally "Star Alliance" Gold members.

4.Be smart and punctual
Turn up at check-in reasonably early , there may only be a couple of upgrades available and these will already be allocated if you turn up at the last minute.
Dress "smart but casual" , although this may sound like discrimination , most check-in staff will judge you on your appearance and are more likely to upgrade someone who looks "suitable".

5. Smile
It may sound stupid but if you are polite and courteous, they will remember you. You may not get upgraded on that flight but they can "highlight" you for possible upgrade on your return flight.

It can still be hit or miss who gets upgraded , but in the 9 year I have been flying to LOS , I have had about 30% success rate at being upgraded at check-in , and have used my air-miles for about another 30%. (Business Class is so much nicer on long flights.

)
well said faulty,but you forgott to mentionsome more benefits/priority baggage handling and an additional 10/20 kgs baggage allowance priority
reservation waitlistingand airport standby on fully booked flights, and so much more

sandymellis · #10 19-02-2006, 20:26

I know that they are a fairly new airline but has anyone had a free upgrade with Etihad?

faultytowers · #11 19-02-2006, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by whuakito

well said faulty,but you forgott to mentionsome more benefits/priority baggage handling and an additional 10/20 kgs baggage allowance priority
reservation waitlistingand airport standby on fully booked flights, and so much more

Tried to keep it to the upgrade part , but you are right , lots more benefits are available . One of the best is Silver and Gold get to use the Business Lounges even when flying in Economy.(Free drinkies before take-off

).

whuakito · #12 19-02-2006, 20:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandymellis

I know that they are a fairly new airline but has anyone had a free upgrade with Etihad?

what's it??

dizbuster · #13 19-02-2006, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by whuakito

hi diz according to my handbook,a free return economy ticket between london/ or italy,and bkk costs 65000 miles on thai.<maybe my handbook is not up to date>

It is more likely that you are correct, I am a member of Diamond Club with British Midland and they quote 80,000 miles - my mistake. 65,000 is even better

Quote:

Originally Posted by whuakito

never flown singapore airlines,though,on this forum there are lots of people who recomend it i'll give a try next time,seen that it is ALSO A MEMBER OF STAR ALLIANCE>

Having flown both Singapore and Thai in Business Class, there is no comparison, Singapore Airlines is far superior as they have the flat bed and a great entertainment system. Thai's entertainment system was not as good when I flew (2004) and they still had the old style seats that reclined but did not "turn into beds".

Quote:

Originally Posted by whuakito

well for the half miles and half cash,Ihave to admit it.< you know your way very well and also make good use of your brain.>

It didn't really occur to me until I had 120,000 miles with British Midland which meant I could fly Business Class with Singapore and just pay the taxes. Then I saw the "part miles, part cash" offer and thought "Hey !! Why not fly twice instead of once, using 60,000 miles* both times and paying £405 plus taxes each time) ?"

* I made a mistake in my earlier post, with British Midland you get the chance to use half the mileage and pay £275 plus tax. Therefore it works as follows...

80,000 miles gets free Economy ticket, just pay taxes on top.
120,000 miles (Economy x 1.5) gets free Business Class ticket, just pay taxes on top.
160,000 miles (Economy x 2) gets free First Class ticket, just pay taxes on top.

Part miles, part cash...
40,000 miles plus £275 plus taxes gets Economy ticket.
60,000 miles (Economy x 1.5) plus £405 (£275 x 1.5) gets Business Class ticket.
80,000 miles (Economy x 2) plus £550 (£275 x 2) gets First Class ticket.

Lovely Jubbly !!

faultytowers · #14 19-02-2006, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandymellis

I know that they are a fairly new airline but has anyone had a free upgrade with Etihad?

Have not flown with them but would reckon not much chance on London-Abu Dhabi section as this will be one of their busier routes , may be possible on Abu Dhabi - Bangkok as timings etc mean it may be quieter.

dawsey · #15 19-02-2006, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by faultytowers

Have not flown with them but would reckon not much chance on London-Abu Dhabi section as this will be one of their busier routes , may be possible on Abu Dhabi - Bangkok as timings etc mean it may be quieter.

I have had six flights with them so far,no upgrade as yet but I will be asking come 31/3

I have noticed that the LHR/LGW -AUH part of the flight,even the business class section is pretty much full. Just have to try for the AUK-BKK part. Trouble is when you check-in in London,they issue the AUH-BKK boarding pass then, so you still have to look for the upgrade in London.

whuakito · #16 19-02-2006, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by dizbuster

It is more likely that you are correct, I am a member of Diamond Club with British Midland and they quote 80,000 miles - my mistake. 65,000 is even better

Having flown both Singapore and Thai in Business Class, there is no comparison, Singapore Airlines is far superior as they have the flat bed and a great entertainment system. Thai's entertainment system was not as good when I flew (2004) and they still had the old style seats that reclined but did not "turn into beds".It didn't really occur to me until I had 120,000 miles with British Midland which meant I could fly Business Class with Singapore and just pay the taxes. Then I saw the "part miles, part cash" offer and thought "Hey !! Why not fly twice instead of once, using 60,000 miles* both times and paying £405 plus taxes each time) ?"

* I made a mistake in my earlier post, with British Midland you get the chance to use half the mileage and pay £275 plus tax. Therefore it works as follows...

80,000 miles gets free Economy ticket, just pay taxes on top.
120,000 miles (Economy x 1.5) gets free Business Class ticket, just pay taxes on top.
160,000 miles (Economy x 2) gets free First Class ticket, just pay taxes on top.

Part miles, part cash...
40,000 miles plus £275 plus taxes gets Economy ticket.
60,000 miles (Economy x 1.5) plus £405 (£275 x 1.5) gets Business Class ticket.
80,000 miles (Economy x 2) plus £550 (£275 x 2) gets First Class ticket.

Lovely Jubbly !!

on thai there's a different way.if your account does not contain sufficient mileage for the award,up to a maximum of 30000 miles per award can be purchased.begining at2500 miles .miles can be purchased in increments of 2500 each at the cost of 50 euros each increment.so you don't need to have half of the miles but just buy what you need

faultytowers · #17 19-02-2006, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsey

Trouble is when you check-in in London,they issue the AUH-BKK boarding pass then, so you still have to look for the upgrade in London.

Emirates do the exact same but they will sometimes upgrade you at the boarding counter in Dubai , as long as you are in "the system" they will check availabilty on each sector. They may not know the complete passenger numbers until just before boarding.
It costs nothing to politely ask.

t0rn · #18 19-02-2006, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by faultytowers

<SNIP>
Emirates require 25,000 miles for Silver. If you book on-line with them you get 50% extra miles , so 1 return trip U.K - LOS can get you approx 20,000 miles.

It can still be hit or miss who gets upgraded , but in the 9 year I have been flying to LOS , I have had about 30% success rate at being upgraded at check-in , and have used my air-miles for about another 30%. (Business Class is so much nicer on long flights.

)

In case your wondering , I have a Gold card from Thai (ROP) , and a Silver card from Emirates (Skywards), these cost nothing and have probably saved me a few thousand pounds over the years.

That's an impressive hit rate for upgrades!
Bit pedantic but, miles from Emirates online booking bonus don't count towards obtaining status with them and I believe this bonus is being cut to 30% at the end of next month.
They remain, however, one of the few airlines who give full mileage regardless of what you paid for your ticket.

faultytowers · #19 19-02-2006, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by t0rn

That's an impressive hit rate for upgrades!
Bit pedantic but, miles from Emirates online booking bonus don't count towards obtaining status with them and I believe this bonus is being cut to 30% at the end of next month.
They remain, however, one of the few airlines who give full mileage regardless of what you paid for your ticket.

Your right about bonus miles not counting towards status , as I already have Silver I just think of them in terms of "upgrade vouchers".

On-line booking bonus promotion runs untill the end of March , but Emirates have a habit of extending it, also, as Silver you get 25% extra miles for each trip.

marc26 · #20 20-02-2006, 03:32

allybabba and i had quite a discussion on this recently.

anyways, i fly cathay pacific. i am a gold member, thats teh middle and in the last year i have been upgraded free 3 out of 4 times. i must just be lucky. i check in at business, as i am allowed, dress nice, and have gotten upgraded 75%

stevem · #21 20-02-2006, 04:53

I always find it amusing how some folks believe it is THEIR right to be upgraded, obviously there are CIP's who have earned the right to even ask for an upgrade. Have witnessed some amazing, lets say discussions between people and airline staff almost demanding to be upgraded.