V-Flyer

Does anyone know if one can receive a free upgrade or bulk head seats via online check in...

People checking in online have reported that bulkhead seats can be requested. However requested is very much the operative word. At the airport they will check you are physically able if it is an emergency exit. Also VS sell these extra-leg-room seats for £50 a throw, so if enough buyers turn up on the day then VS may well not honour your request.

As to free upgrades, I assume you mean an operational upgrade rather than a miles based upgrade. These can be awarded during OLCI. However they can also be awarded at check in when you collect your boarding card, at the gate, in the clubhouse, on the plane. In fact it seems to me to be morelikely, the closer you get to take off time - as it gets later the airline's view of how much of their overbooking is turning up becomes clearer.

Hi, Raveen. I think (but can't guarantee) that Bulk head and exit seats are held back for allocation at the airport. Upgrades are a different matter, which has been discussed extensively on v-flyer since OLCI started. You'll find some of the threads that cover it using the search tool (which is your friend:D ).

I have been upgraded after using OLCI, so I can guarantee that it does happen but, as you will see mentioned often in these threads and in the upgrade guide here you'll see that the best aid to an op-up (free) upgrade is status in the form of a gold or (at least) a silver FC Card.

Best wishes

David