Paying for international upgrade

[Kdog119]

Hi,

I have a work trip coming up and they have purchased a ticket with 'Virgin Australia 8508 operated by United Airlines | Economy (N) | BOEING 787-9 3-class'.

I have only just joined the Velocity program via a status match program with a *cough* different airline - and currently sitting at Gold. Not having had the experience of flying with VA for a very long time, I'm not quite sure how it works. With that ticket class, is it possible to bid for an upgrade just using cash as I have nothing else, or are there alternative ways to moving up to either Premium or Business?

Thank you in advance kind people.

 

[Guvner]

Not sure about codeshares but on the United website you can choose and pay for an upgraded seat if there are any available, and if your (N) fare class meets the rules. It's not a "bid", it's a confirmed upgrade.

 

[Kdog119]

Not sure about codeshares but on the United website you can choose and pay for an upgraded seat if there are any available, and if your (N) fare class meets the rules. It's not a "bid", it's a confirmed upgrade.

Thanks for the info! I wonder if this would work when the ticket was booked via a third-party corporate agency?

 

[henrus]

I wonder if this would work when the ticket was booked via a third-party corporate agency?

Yes it will, normally offered around online check in opening, so about 24 hours prior to the flight.

For a oneway flight it won't be cheap, from the US to AU I've seen United typically offer Economy to Business for around US$4000-6000, and Economy to Premium Economy for around US$700-1000.

 

[Kdog119]

Yes it will, normally offered around online check in opening, so about 24 hours prior to the flight.

For a oneway flight it won't be cheap, from the US to AU I've seen United typically offer Economy to Business for around US$4000-6000, and Economy to Premium Economy for around US$700-1000.

Good to know - thank you!

I was looking at the ticket price differences yesterday and those numbers are pretty accurate. PE is definitely more palatable

 

[henrus]

PE is definitely more palatable

It’s worth noting these are space available confirmed upgrades. So try to check in as close to 24 hours as possible and if you see a price you like lock it in straight away.