V-Flyer

Hi I am new to this forum so please go gentle with me.
I want to give a close relative an upgrade they have purchased tickets already but it is a big celebration and I would like to secretly upgrade their tickets to UC
I have spoken to their travel agents who do not think it is possible although I think they have tried I am sure there must be someone at Virgin I can talk to who would like to take an awful lot of my money, I am certain that the boss would be amazed to know that his employees do not seem to want to take my money.
I have been a bit vague here as I would not like my relation to know what was going on
If anyone could give me a number or email to speak to I would very much appreciate it

Welcome to V-Flyer!

You need to find out their PNR number so that VS can look at the booking and ascertain a price to upgrade. I imagine they are on restricted Economy tickets so this could be very costly. If the TA can give you the PNR number you can then call the VS Gold line (on 08000 721 234) if you are looking at booking flights in Upper and they can look at this for you. I am not sure how it works with amending a booking that isnt your own though - that might be an issue.

I am surprised the TA cant offer something themselves?

Thanks,
Sarah

Wasn't there a supposed ridiculous problem with the Data Protection Act when someone tried to change another person's ticket without their knowledge, or was that another issue?

Nick

Might it not also depend on the nature of the booking with the Travel Agent ? Is it a ticket only booking or part of a package ? For example, if you book through VH you can only upgrade through VH (due to allocation issues?).

I'd also be surprised if an Agent would give out a PNR to anyone other than the person doing the booking...

Paul

Data Protection Act or not (and thats a misnomer in this case anyway) I think it would be exceedingly difficult to arrange this in these security conscious days - it would probbaly flag up all sorts of alerts.

Changing anyone else's booking is a no no in my book (unless its say a couple booking and one wants to upgrade them as a surprise).

I would like to add thanks so far I am the father of the bride I will say no more

Congrats on your daughters wedding.

All I would say is 'it cant hurt to try'. See if you can get the PNR from the TA. If you cant, could you do this with help from your future Son-in-law? Maybe tell him you want to upgrade them to Premium, or arrange bubbly on the flight, anything that will get him to tell the TA that you can access the booking on his behalf? Or perhaps he could get the upgrade and you pick up the tab.

If they had booked with VS it would have been a bit easier to do this, but dont give up trying. Its a very nice offer!

Thanks,
Sarah

You could email/write to SRB - someone in his office may be romantic and offer to help!

quote:Originally posted by HighFlyer
Congrats on your daughters wedding.
Or perhaps he could get the upgrade and you pick up the tab.
Sarah


I suggest Sarah has come up with the best approach [y].

You did say though that the TA didn't think it could be done, have you actually asked them to try? If the TA is willing to take your money then they are acting as the agent with VS and that may be easier than you going to VS.

If they are flying restricted economy you would probably be better getting a discounted UC fare and getting a refund on as much of the economy ticket as possible.

quote:Originally posted by flyingfarmer

I have spoken to their travel agents who do not think it is possible


One other factor may be that there simply isn't the availability ? If they're off to the Caribbean the usual aircraft serving the route only have a limited UC availability.

And if that is the case you might want to rethink the whole thing given the risk of their starting their married life in the company of Michael Winner.[:0] 'Calm down, dear' etc.

Good luck with your quest anyhow.

Paul