Op-Up Protocol

[GoldCoastGuy]

I was having a discussion on Op-ups with some colleagues last night.

Colleague 1 always asks at check-in.

Colleague 2 sometimes asks, but feels a bit like a beggar doing so.

Whilst I never ask and hope that the airline gods have a surprise for me.


What is the general consensus of obtaining an op-up? Ask and you might receive (if you don't ask you wont get)? Or don't bother as the check-in agent has little say in awarding op-ups?


Evan :->

 

[Evan]

Check in agents do have some say sometimes is what i would guess, sometimes i think its chosen by the computer for them.

In any case i don't ask and get i would say more often than others, sometimes at check in sometimes at the gate. I doubt asking increases your chances, if anything it may put you at the bottom of the list.

E

 

[oz_mark]

I would have thought the check-in agent had minimal say, but maybe they do. I have never asked, but imagine they would just tell me to try in the Qantas club for a points upgrade In all but one case, I have found out at check-in so that point it was already decided. In the other case, I had the boarding pass beep thing when boarding the plane.

Do you collegues get any upgrades?

 

[NYCguy]

I doubt asking increases your chances, if anything it may put you at the bottom of the list.

Quite. In fact, I hear from reliable sources that asking about the possibility of a complimentary upgrade at SQ or NH check-in is considered the height of vulgarity. Op-ups are a rare breed, as many threads on this board will attest to. There are strategies that allegedly increase one's chances, but don't bet on it. If you want a seat in C/J, use your points or buy a ticket for a seat in that cabin.

 

[Evan]

One strategy that seems to work a log for me is being a WP and having J and F bookings in the system, flying whY at peak Christmas holidays times when there are high whY loads and low J loads....
Well just about every flight i took in that time got me Op-up'ed. Even then that would have just been chance but i would have been for sure close to the top of the list for people to get them.

I am sure comming early or comming late has little if no impact to the op-up chances, i have been op-up'ed from the lounge a few times and had checked in 3 hrs prior, just as i have had it happen when checking in at the last possible minute.

Your probably wondering why i get so many... well the answer is not really, i just have done a lot of flying in the last couple of years always in whY for work but personal in J/F sometimes.

E

 

[serfty]

One strategy that seems to work a log for me is being a WP ...

Of course, "Upgrade Season" is well known.

Until about 12 years ago; simply asking for an op up in a QP or J/F check-in would often result in a "Better Seat". As more and more people attained "status" this was becaming a real issue and problem for Agents being harassed for upgrades so the ability to do this easily was removed.

I came across an interesting post on FT last week, introducing me to the term "Proactive Onload".

QF Op Ups for AA Plat? - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[Evan]

<..>

I came across an interesting post on FT last week, introducing me to the term "Proactive Onload".

QF Op Ups for AA Plat? - FlyerTalk Forums

i like it also.
I wonder how much forward bookings in J/F affect your chances whY -> PE/J, or should i say how much that affects your 'value'.

E