Two separate PNRs - how to execute an upgrade bid

[eastwest101]

Hi all,

Unfortunately due to timing issues I had a VA domestic flight booked in Y with its own PNR (TSV-SYD) and later on mrs eastwest101 also booked an Y ticket on the same flight (different PNR).

I called the VA call centre to ask that firstly the two different PNRs be combined so that we get seated next to eachother in the Y cabin, to which the phone operator replied that a note would be inserted in the booking so no problem there.

The real problem started when I received the Upgrade to J Class email (which mrs eastwest101 did not receive), obviously I want to put in a bid to upgrade us both to J class, or if the bid is rejected, leaves us together in the Y cabin without being split up.

The VA call centre operator said that only I was eligible for the Upgrade Bid proccess and mrs eastwest101 was not due to status level. Is this correct?

My booking: Fare basis LZDA and I am a VA Gold with about 50K VFF points spare
Mrs eastwest101: Fare basis LZDA and she is a VA NB (Family pooling set up to direct all points and SC from her to me so she has almost 0 VFF points)

As I said - anyone got any suggestions as to whether I should try and call again, or some other way of putting in an upgrade bid, or use my VFF points to upgrade us both to J class? The phone operator said we could try at the airport but thats rubbish as it will then be catering not assured, which defeats the point of upgrading to J class....

I know the J loads (especially on Sat) with VA domestic are rubbish and a weak bid may still have a chance of being succesful.

I am used to points upgrades and or paid upgrades for myself but have never tried with an acompanying passenger or using the upgrade bid proccess but would be glad of any advice from the experts here...

 

[Fruitcake]

As I said - anyone got any suggestions as to whether I should try and call again, or some other way of putting in an upgrade bid, or use my VFF points to upgrade us both to J class?

It's not clear from your post if you have done so, but try plugging her PNR into the website and see what it says:
UpgradeMe Premium Bid | Virgin Australia

In the past I have submitted successful bids for flights that I did not receive an e-mail invite to bid on.

 

[eastwest101]

It's not clear from your post if you have done so, but try plugging her PNR into the website and see what it says:
UpgradeMe Premium Bid | Virgin Australia

In the past I have submitted successful bids for flights that I did not receive an e-mail invite to bid on.

Thanks will consider trying that - you may be right and it could be possible for UpgradeMe Premium Bids to be accepted whether the email is sent or not - only problem would be if one bid suceeded and than the other one failed. I might ring the VFF call centre and see exactly what my $$ or points options actually are.

EDIT: Just tried it with mrs eastwest101 PNR and sure enough it worked and I could put in a minimum bid of $205 (for a TSV-SYD leg). I have not "pushed the button" so to speak on her upgrade or one for me as I want to investigate further what my other options are. Just thought I'd mention it for other people out there - that status seems to be irrelevant for Upgrademe bids, probably only the original fare class and the amount put in the bid would matter.

Thanks for the quick response Fruitcake!