[TanyaB]

Just a question for all you very knowledgable frequent flyers out there (I am an avid reader of the many posts and have learnt so much for our upcoming trip!)

The following is a recent quote from a review of Thai airlines
"Sydney - Bangkok - Sydney in economy class in June. Paid to upgrade the first leg to business on departure at Sydney airport - AUD700 one way - excellent value. AIR NZ lounge used in Sydney with great facilities."

Is it normal practice to be able to purchase upgrades as per above just for one leg of an otherwise economy class trip? Or is this just a Thai Airways thing?

And to clarify - because the reviewer purchased an upgrade did that then qualify him/her to use the Air NZ lounge at the departure point for that upgraded leg?

With thanks.

[taswegian77]

A few moons ago around 2003-04 I think I flew Thai Airlines to BKK from MEL and at the time TG had a promotion that for AUD$500 you could upgrade from certain classes of economy to business. I took up the opportunity which was good value. Ont he return leg I also managed to purchase at the check in for 15000 baht, which was about the same AUD. And yes, I managed to get access to the lounges both times, except on the MEL-HKT-BKK trip the lounge in MEL was the QP J lounge, weird.

[Travel Guru]

Originally Posted by TanyaB

Is it normal practice to be able to purchase upgrades as per above just for one leg of an otherwise economy class trip? Or is this just a Thai Airways thing?

Hi Tanya,

If by normal practice you mean all airlines offer them, then no they don't, but it's by no means exclusive to TG.

The old adage, if you don't ask, you don't get applies well, the worst they can say is no.

TG

[Evan]

Some airlines i fly...

Those who do offer upgrades: JQ (Jetstar), BA (British Airways)
Those who don't: QF (Qantas), CX (Cathay), SQ (Singapore), JL (JAL).

Many others in an our but i can only speak of the ones i have asked recently.

Sometimes they are really good value, you should never expect it will always be available but its good if the price is right and its available.

E

[v8Statesman]

Originally Posted by Evan

Some airlines i fly...

Those who do offer upgrades: JQ (Jetstar), BA (British Airways)
Those who don't: QF (Qantas), CX (Cathay), SQ (Singapore), JL (JAL).

Many others in an our but i can only speak of the ones i have asked recently.

Sometimes they are really good value, you should never expect it will always be available but its good if the price is right and its available.

E

CX did it in 02/07 for a friend of mine. So they sometimes do.

[zig]

I have paid for on departure upgrades to business with Emirates and Vietnam Airlines.

[TanyaB]

Greatly appreciate all your responses - I have learned something new!! (Again!) Many thanks.

[Cynicor]

While on the subject, does anyone have any experience with BA ODUs?

I will be flying BA from NRT to LHR in late Dec and LHR to HKG late Jan.

Any idea what I should expect to pay, or what my chances are?

Thanks

[StevePER]

Add LA to the list of airlines that allow purchase upgrades.

[farstar]

Air Pacific also offer Paid upgrades on all routes. You get 25% extra QANTAS FF point as Business Class and Business class SCs.