Flying Club USA

Just phoned Flying Club here in the US to try and upgrade my inbound journey on 16 May from MCO to UC - I figured I deserved it after the trials and tribulations of the last few days.

I know because I was on a K ticket that I would have to pay the difference to an S Fare and had checked on line that there was availability in G (by looking for mileage seats). Unfortunately I was told that I needed to upgrade the entire journey at a cost of over $700 plus 20K miles and the only way to do what I wanted was at the airport - bummer! Anyone had this experience before?

Anyway - I can't access expert flyer at the minute but was informed that only one seat left - so it's fingers crossed time again for the flight home.

Jilly

[preiffer]

Sad to say, but I've always found the US FC staff to be less helpful than their UK counterparts, and unlikely to bend any rules.

To be fair to them, they're following the letter of the T's and C's. Officially, your K is not upgradable with miles and would therefore need you to visit a ticket desk to upgrade to an S/W, etc. (And that amount sounds about right).

To clarify - I think what they're saying is correct. That's the cost, them's the rules...


One other option is to call the UK number (FROM the US) as I do. Little more costly on the phonecall, but likely to be more helpful/lenient.

That'd just be my personal opinion, however. [:w]

Thanks Paul - she was certainly 'to the point' and although she wasn't rude it was definitely a difference experience in customer service to the calls I've made to the UK number.

Maybe worth giving that long distance call a go if you think it may be fruitful - will have to wait until tomorrow though.


Jilly

[mcmbenjamin]

Or call late at night or early in the moring, pick traveling UC and you get transfered to the UK line for free.

So sorry Jilly--welcome to VS life on the other side...I would def recommend calling UK VS to query again. On the other hand, you might be able to upgrade v. easily at airport.
It is discouraging to have such a disparate experience with VS staff either side of the Atlantic. I think some of it simply comes with knowledge,support and comfort (UK) whilst here in the U.S. staff seem to spend more time "reading the book" rather than hearing the customer....

RR

Thanks Ben - that's definitely something worth knowing - now I just have to either stay up (not really an option) so will try early tomorrow morning (definitely still on my UK time clock anyway).

RR - looks like with only one seat left, upgrading at the airport may be a bit of a gamble but obviously still worth a try if there's no other way. As for the 'jobsworth' never really understood, working in customer service myself, why someone wouldn't be helpful and professional at all times as the working day always seemed shorter and more fun. Think you're spot on with your comments.

Jilly

[mcmbenjamin]

Normally I call 1-862-8621 and press 4 then 1 at about 4:45 AM when driving home from 'studying.'

Do you have the 'super special' US gold line number? It is on the VS.com FC pages. Hmmm. To phase nicely. If the person that takes the call seams older, they tend to be helpful. The younger crowd tends to tell interesting stories like VS does not codeshare with SQ, VS does not publish a IAD-SIN fare in Q class, and the best; VS flies VS metal EWR-LGW. Maybe just bad luck or a newbie; I hope.

[ChuckC]

Jilly,
I hear you. Have had varying experiences with the USA FC group, not all of them poor, mind you. On the other hand, the UK team has been invariably polite and "warm", which is what we all like.

Can't wait to hear. Did you get the seat?

Chuck-

I rang the UK number this morning. When I rang there was no seat available although she did say to try again but will try at the airport.

I can alway try again on my next trip at the end of the month if no joy this time.

Chuck - you're so right it is the 'warmth' that was missing.

Jilly

To update my upgrade saga - I had been looking on VAs website for the last couple of days and it was showing a single seat for miles and 4 full fare tickets available.

Decided to go to Downtown Disney this morning - it is persistently raining, and I'm all shopped out so wasn't a waste of time if they couldn't do it.

No problem - K class ticket upped with miles to UC and all checked in seat 9A. The lady was extremely helpful, there was no one there except a family that turned up after me and she did say the flight was extremely light. I am now looking forward to a more comfortable trip home. RESULT!

Jilly

Congratulations on the positive result, Jilly!
Enjoy your flight home! and get some sleep.....

Well done Jilly........I love happy endings:)