Upgrade question, (forgive a new AFF member)

[Tassieoptom]

I remember reading about a 90min before flight upgrade request being available at the priority lane in Hobart airport. I assume here was special because of the lack of a lounge. But for the life of me I can not find this information again. So my question is, if willing to pay cash for upgrade, is that also restricted to needing to be a Flexi fare to upgrade to J, or can you do this from a saver fare? I am SG velocity member, close to SC needed to achieve platinum. Thanks, and sorry for the newbie question.

 

[drewbles]

You can pay cash for an upgrade at the airport from the sales desk (should be near checkin somewhere). You'll need to pay a change fee, most likely an assistance fee plus any fare difference. You'll likely be up for $140 in fees ($60 plus $80 I think it is).

Points upgrades are available from the lounge from a saver or flexi, but saver upgrades are only a few thousand points less than a full redemption, so poor value.

 

[Tassieoptom]

Thanks drewbles, I thought so too. Unfortunately was told not possible at the priority check in, so no upgrade today. Thought they would be willing to sell a J seat for cash, at 120mins before takeoff. Thanks anyway.

 

[bullerdude]

Points upgrades should be available from the premium check-desk.

Clearly stated on the site: https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Redeem/FlightUpgrades/upgrademe-points/

• If departing from Hobart, Gold and Platinum members can request an upgrade at Priority check-in, from 90 minutes prior to the scheduled flight departure time. Requests close 40 minutes prior to the scheduled flight departure time.

 

[williamsf1]

I remember reading about a 90min before flight upgrade request being available at the priority lane in Hobart airport. I assume here was special because of the lack of a lounge. But for the life of me I can not find this information again. So my question is, if willing to pay cash for upgrade, is that also restricted to needing to be a Flexi fare to upgrade to J, or can you do this from a saver fare? I am SG velocity member, close to SC needed to achieve platinum. Thanks, and sorry for the newbie question.

Depending on the value of the saver fare, by the time you add the change fee + service fee, It would have likely been cheaper to throw away that ticket and buy a J class fare.

Not familiar with HBA airport, but is there a separate service desk ? If so, they would be the best if you were looking to use $$$ to upgrade

 

[Tassieoptom]

Thanks Bullerdude, that link was the info I was after, (If departing from Hobart, Gold and Platinum members can request an upgrade at Priority check-in, from 90 minutes prior to the scheduled flight departure time. Requests close 40 minutes prior to the scheduled flight departure time)
above this clearly stated can be done from saver or Flexi, and were 2 spare business seats on the flight. Oh well, better luck next time. And I will go to the service desk next time.

 

[Cryptarcadian]

Keep in mind the text that bullerdude quoted is about upgrading with points though, not cash! They may allow points upgrades, but not cash upgrades (unless they're processed beforehand through the upgrade bidding process).

 

[drewbles]

Keep in mind the text that bullerdude quoted is about upgrading with points though, not cash! They may allow points upgrades, but not cash upgrades (unless they're processed beforehand through the upgrade bidding process).

That's why he put:

Points upgrades should be available from the premium check-desk.

 

[Cryptarcadian]

Oh I know that, I was trying to reinforce bullerdude's message! Just wanted to be extra sure it was obvious, since Tassieoptom was talking about doing a cash upgrade originally + hoping for better luck next time.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Not sure if you've tried it, but put in an UpgradeMe Premium Bid (I think thats what they call it) request, as that should get you an upgrade for $100-200 if the stars align, which will probably be less that paying the difference at the airport.

Here's the link: http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/specials-offers/upgrademe/premium-bid/

Good luck!

 

[Tassieoptom]

Not sure if you've tried it, but put in an UpgradeMe Premium Bid (I think thats what they call it) request, as that should get you an upgrade for $100-200 if the stars align, which will probably be less that paying the difference at the airport.

Here's the link: http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/specials-offers/upgrademe/premium-bid/

Good luck!

Thanks mrssmart, I have used the Upgrademe premium bid a number of times in the past and quite enjoy the system. I have checked with Virgin about the upgrade at the desk in Hobart so have an update. Cryptarcadian you hit he nail on the head, not able to pay for upgrade at the Hobart premium check in counter. But there is an ability to upgrade with points from a saver fare or flexi at the Hobart premium check in counter. So I was given the correct info about paying for upgrade. However when i asked about a points upgrade instead I was told no, due to my fare being a saver fare, and this was apparently incorrect, as I could have upgraded with points. On another point i was shifted to an earlier flight home last night, so very happy. thanks everyone for the advice, it is very much appreciated.

 

[Fiches Mouser]

Thanks mrssmart, I have used the Upgrademe premium bid a number of times in the past and quite enjoy the system. I have checked with Virgin about the upgrade at the desk in Hobart so have an update. Cryptarcadian you hit he nail on the head, not able to pay for upgrade at the Hobart premium check in counter. But there is an ability to upgrade with points from a saver fare or flexi at the Hobart premium check in counter. So I was given the correct info about paying for upgrade. However when i asked about a points upgrade instead I was told no, due to my fare being a saver fare, and this was apparently incorrect, as I could have upgraded with points. On another point i was shifted to an earlier flight home last night, so very happy. thanks everyone for the advice, it is very much appreciated.

An upgrade with points could be denied if there's no availability – but certainly not because of your fare. That's why there's a higher upgrade amount for savers. I'd send feedback about that.

Getting home earlier is always nice though!