Any tips on free upgrades?

[Driver]

We have 5 domestic and 2 internation flights coming up in Sept/Oct. Have never in our lives been able to afford anything but economy. All our flights are from reward points. Does anyone ever get upgraded for free? If so, are there tips? :idea: If you never ask you'll never know! We're both heading for 60 and rather dreading the long long Syd/San Francisco flight as well as the return from LA to Brisbane. Wishful thinking is a wonderful thing!

 

[Travel Guru]

On those routes and with no status you've got almost no chance, so the best tip I can offer you is prepare for economy...fill the valium script now!

Have a great trip.

TG

 

[Driver]

Thanks TJ - the script is filled!! No real expectations there - just worth asking. Maybe one day - however it is not really important. What is, is going!!
Lots of cheer to you.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Driver Welcome to AFF

On those routes and with no status you've got almost no chance..

Travel Guru is being rather diplomatic. As your flights are reward flights very very little to zero chance of an upgrade. US flights have many high status freq flyers travelling, who will be higher up the pecking order. Even those wanting to upgrade with points often get denied.

Enjoy the flight and USA

 

[Driver]

Usually it's 'They're young and naive' but with us it's 'They're old and naive!' We will certainly enjoy our first big international holiday - have no doubt!!

 

[Maca44]

At least for your first big trip you have chosen to fly into San Francisco, rather than Los Angeles, as customs/immigration personnel can be much nicer at SFO.

 

[Driver]

At least for your first big trip you have chosen to fly into San Francisco, rather than Los Angeles, as customs/immigration personnel can be much nicer at SFO.

After much thought we are giving LA a miss. We have to fly out of there to get a direct flight home but will spend the last 3 days of our 6 week trip in San Diego then drive up to LAX to fly home. Trip planned is approximately one week San Francisco, 1 week Texas, fly to Washington DC for 3 days then pick up hire car and for the next 15 days drive and stop through Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and end with 3 days in Boston before returning to the west. Autumn leaves! 8 weeks today to take off!

I've enjoyed reading about the security issues and airport hassles and have given myself some basic rules: Say nothing unless asked and then keep it short and polite. Pack onboard luggage carefully to minimise problems. Arrive early at airports. Stay calm, don't stress, this is fun!

Cheers!

 

[drron]

Welcome driver.We will be driving through New england in early october too.have you accessed the leaf peeping guides?just google "leaf peeping"and you will get a few sites where you can plan your trip for maximum fall colours.
Also look up the various State tourist offices as most will post you out their current guides with a road map-usually will arrive in 6 weeks so you will still have time to order them.I am sure you will have a great time.We love driving in the US.There is so much to see and do and outside the big cities they are really friendly and usually love Aussies.
As for Immigration we have never had a problem.Just smile.dont crack a joke as they really do not understand aussie humour.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[Driver]

Thank you for your input! Everything is planned and booked - just researching the drive from Intercourse PA to Woodstock Vt. Want to leave PA and slow travel up somewhere like Northampton/Williamsburg/Schenectady/Poughkeepsie etc areas. I'd say we'd be happy to drive for around 5 hours. Difficult to decide where to stay - so many beautiful little towns. Then on to Woodstock the next day. I think we'll have to book because it's a Saturday night and it's such a busy time. Hope you have a wonderful holiday too! I'll check out the leef peeping sites - Thanks!

 

[Mwenenzi]

Joining a Hotel loyality programm may be worth it;
Hilton group: Hilton HHonors,
Holiday Inn group: Priority Club Rewards Hotel Reservations | The Official Web Site
Marriot group: Hotels - Vacation and hotel information from Marriott Hotels - Official Site
Holiday Inn are good for bonus. With that many nights you get some status.
There are forums for these on this web site

It all depends on how much you are planning to spend. The small Mom & Pop type motels in small towns can be very good value. As Drron said keeping out of the big cities is better.

 

[JohnK]

Op-ups are very rare occurences and it will not be easy if you do not have status. That being said some people are luckier that others and we wish you all the best. The best advice is to travel not expecting any upgrades and if it does happen it is a great feeling.

As your flights are reward flights very very little to zero chance of an upgrade.

I would guess that the chances of 'free' upgrade lessen even further when there are 2 or more people travelling together.

 

[Driver]

Seems to me it's something everyone hangs on their wish tree. Oh, if only . . .

 

[Evan]

No matter what class your in except F you all wish for it (And when your in F you wish for the newer plane with a better F etc).
Keep wishing i say !
E

 

[Driver]

I suppose it's human nature to always want to go one more foot up that darn ladder! However, I shall endeavour to be happy just to be going on such a terrific holiday - I promise, I promise, I promise!

 

[insider]

whatever you don't ask for it! if it happens it happens

 

[Driver]

Yes, there seems to be no rhyme or reason. Still, it never hurts to live in hope! Cheers.

 

[Travel Guru]

Who are you flying with Driver, QF?

TG

 

[Driver]

Who are you flying with Driver, QF?

TG

Brisbane/Sydney then Sydney/San Francisco Qantas
San Francisco/Dallas/San Antonio American Airlines
Dallas/Washington DC American Airlines
Boston/Los Angeles American Airlines
Los Angeles/Brisbane Qantas

Phew!!

 

[Travel Guru]

Are you a Qantas Club member?

TG

 

[Ric]

Driver,
If you can get to Danbury, Connecticut from Intercourse, PA, then take the Historic Route 7 north and you will have a very scenic drive through Massachusetts, New Hampshire and to Vermont. Autumn leaves and covered bridges etc.....very nice indeed.
A very nice and historic hotel in Manchester, Vermont is the Equinox.
Enjoy!
Ric