PE Upgrade - LHR - SYD - fare codes?!

Hi everyone,

Just discovered this great site so my first post!

I'm planning a trip (LHR - SYD) and would like to upgrade to PE. I currently have FC Silver and wondered if anyone knew what fare codes need to be available in PE so I can book accordingly? The fare code table doesn't really give much away (only UC) so any ideas would be greatly appriciated!

Thanks in advance,

Oli

[Pete]

Welcome to the site - glad to have you aboard.

PE rewards are booked into 'U' class, for both upgrade and outright rewards. Generally, however, you won't be able to see that bucket on public sites (including ExpertFlyer), so you'll need to phone Flying Club to check availability.

Thanks for the reply - I was looking on ExpertFlyer but to no avail!

Generally, is there any ball park figure of how many U class seats they set aside on LHR - SYD flights?

[Pete]

Not really - it depends on seasonality and Revenue Management's thoughts about whether they can sell the seats or not. The LHR-HKG route tends to be busier than the HKG-SYD leg though, so look for that bit first and the SYD bit should be less of a problem. How many seats are you trying to snag?

Just the one. I guess I'll just put a call into FC and try my luck!

[RichardMannion]

Originally posted by olisones
Just the one. I guess I'll just put a call into FC and try my luck!

You can also check availability online if you login to your flying club account.

Originally posted by RichardMannion

Originally posted by olisones
Just the one. I guess I'll just put a call into FC and try my luck!

You can also check availability online if you login to your flying club account.

I travel to SYD a fair bit and find it better to search for reward availability by checking the individual sectors rather than LHR-SYD.

Search on LHR-HKG and HKG-SYD seperately, that will provide you with all availability and stopover options.

Good luck, those seats can be tough to find between LHR and HKG! [:D]

You can also check availability online if you login to your flying club account.

Is there a specific section for this? All I can find is the 'flights for miles' area.

Originally posted by olisones

You can also check availability online if you login to your flying club account.

Is there a specific section for this? All I can find is the 'flights for miles' area.

That'll do it. Just put in the dates that you want (one sector at a time as TP suggests) and see what comes up for PE. As already mentioned reward availability also means upgrade availability.

FM

I just spoke with FC who said there is nothing available on the sectors for the dates I requested - but on the site is says I can get a reward ticket. Eh? Does the upgrade code and reward code differ?!

Also, what are the chances of getting an upgrade on miles when I check in - if I buy a qualifying fare (B, Y, L etc)?! Does such a thing happen? (Obviously not talking about Op Upgrades).

[Neil]

Originally posted by olisones
Does the upgrade code and reward code differ?!

No, if there is a U available you should be able to buy it as a full mileage reward or as an upgrade with miles. Might be worth calling FC back again and pointing out that there are U's available on the VS site.

Also, what are the chances of getting an upgrade on miles when I check in - if I buy a qualifying fare (B, Y, L etc)?! Does such a thing happen? (Obviously not talking about Op Upgrades)

Having a Y, B or L ticket won't make the chance of a on the day mileage upgrade more likely, it will just mean if there is the possibility you won't have to pay the difference from your non-upgradeable fare to an upgradeable one.

On the day mileage upgrades are possible, Mitchja has reported in one of his TR's that he has managed to upgrade to a G on the day, and quite late on too, but it will depend on the loads.

Neil

Thanks Neil,

I will try and give them a call tomorrow - it seems the rewards search is down on VA's site at the moment - I have a feeling I will need it as backup tomorrow!

On another note, is there a way to FC miles through ANA? I've discovered their site but can't get my head around it!

Sorry for all the newbie questions!