anyong From United States of America, joined Jul 2011, 52 posts, RR: 0 Posted (4 months 3 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 1153 times:
I was travelling on an oversold CA 983 flight from PEK-LAX yesterday with my father and we both received op-ups from Y to J at the gate. Needless to say it was an awesome boxing day surprise. In any case, neither of us were a part of Air China's FF program. However, my father is an OZ Diamond (*Gold) and I myself am US Silver Preferred. I assume that CA FF Preferred members got the first op-ups, but then I get lost.
My question is: how does the op-up structure work for Star Alliance customers? I am thinking it goes from the carrier's preferred members (in my case, Air China's preferred members) and then it trickles straight down to other Star Alliance preferred members, therefore passing regular CA FF members. Or is it possible that all CA FF members got op-ups before my father and I, and we were just extremely lucky?
Coal From United States of America, joined Aug 2006, 1627 posts, RR: 6 Reply 1, posted (4 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 1098 times:
It all depends on the airline. I'm SQ *G and I've had upgrades on CA twice, but admittedly I asked for them at check in. I've also received upgrades on UA from Y to Y+. The first time I didn't ask for it and got it, probably because Y+ was empty. The second time I got it because I asked at the gate.
I know for a fact SQ doesn't give out free upgrades no matter what the situation is. They'd rather put you up in a hotel than bump you from Y to C (let alone F or R!!).
Cheers Coal
Nxt Flts: QR SIN-DPS | SQ DPS-SIN | 3K SIN-SGN-SIN | SQ SIN-PEK | CA PEK-FNJ-PEK | CX PEK-HKG-CGK
planeguy727 From United States of America, joined Mar 2007, 1066 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (4 months 3 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 1073 times:
As a *Gold (US Chairman's Preferred) I have been upgraded on UA (Y to F and Y to Y+ domestic, Y to Y+ transatlantic) and LO Y to C (on the 787). I've not asked for any of these upgrades.
CXfirst From Norway, joined Jan 2007, 2695 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (4 months 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 1014 times:
Quoting anyong (Reply 3): That's pretty interesting how if you just ask for an upgrade, you can sometimes get one. Good to know!!
Often the easy way is just asking if it is a full flight at check-in. If it is full or close to full and you have your *G card out already there is a good chance they'll choose you for an upgrade. Same goes at the gate, doesn't hurt to ask again there if it is a full flight and hint to an upgrade.
usflyer msp From United States of America, joined May 2000, 1787 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (4 months 3 weeks 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 998 times:
I am UA Silver and I have been op-upped on US and AC due to overbooking. I got one MSP-CLT this past Monday.
blueflyer From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 3122 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (4 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 947 times:
Quoting anyong (Thread starter): My question is: how does the op-up structure work for Star Alliance customers?
The Star Alliance reference manual (used by airline agents to determine such things as lounge access) has no paragraph on operational upgrades, so my guess is there isn't one across-the-board rule for Star carriers and each airline is free to proceed as it pleases.
CXfirst From Norway, joined Jan 2007, 2695 posts, RR: 1 Reply 7, posted (4 months 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 927 times:
Quoting blueflyer (Reply 6): The Star Alliance reference manual (used by airline agents to determine such things as lounge access) has no paragraph on operational upgrades, so my guess is there isn't one across-the-board rule for Star carriers and each airline is free to proceed as it pleases.
Hence, it is much easier with some airlines than others. SQ is practically impossible for instance, don't even bother asking. TG have been good for me, LH difficult (mostly due to the large amount of LH miles&more passengers), etc.
anyong From United States of America, joined Jul 2011, 52 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (4 months 2 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 846 times:
So do op-ups only happen during overbooked flights or can they also happen when Business Class is undersold. For instance, when I fly US, I can expect to get upgraded about half the time because of my status. However, is that even considered an op-up or a different story altogether?
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