getting upgraded on overseas flight(s)?

**mmcarl** · 29-Feb-2008, 01:32 AM

Hey guys! I'm kinda new at this (been non-revving for a few months, first thread here

), so bear with me.

I am an "official travel companion" for my airline employee friend, and am flying solo to Japan in a few weeks (Continental). Right now, there are ~30 seats available in first class, over 50 in economy (not sure about "business" class).

I am wondering what is the likelihood of me being bumped up to either business or first class. He was saying that it probably won't happen because people with mileage points (??) snatch those up.

I'm getting pretty nervous about the idea of sitting in a coach seat for 14 hours.

**fdw3** · 29-Feb-2008, 09:32 AM

slappy,

Welcome to the world of nonrev travel. Nonrev travel is great. However, it can sometimes be very frustrating. Your friend was correct. The chances of you being upgraded to FC (first class) or BC (business class) is slim to none. May I offer some bits of wisdom from years of flying nonrev?

First: conventional flight planning does not apply to nonrev travel. When I first started flying nonrev, I would list myself for a flight months in advance. I was lulled into a false sense of seat security when I saw all the open seats. Now, I plan on flights, plan on contingencies, and start to check available seating no more than two weeks prior to departure date. I only list myself six days before my departure. Because, under seven days paying customers have to pay full fare for an airline ticket. No one wants to pay full fare anymore, and I feel pretty safe about getting a seat (if a seat is available).

Second: A smile and a pleasant attitude goes a long way to resolve any issues at the gate on on board the flight. I can't tell you how many times I've been treated like royalty when I've done nothing more than smile and be friendly.

Have fun, travel smartly, and remember to smile.

Cheers,
Skip White
US Airways Retiree

**nonrev1** · 29-Feb-2008, 09:51 AM

Welcome aboard slappy,

I highly recommend Al's "How to Nonrev" article.

**mmcarl** · 29-Feb-2008, 11:59 AM

That article was great, and thanks for the responses guys!

Now I'm not sure what to do. I've only non-revved here in the US (and once to St. Croix), and everything has pretty much gone smooth as pie. I just decided on Japan on a whim, and am not really committed to it, per se.

I just want to go SOMEWHERE awesome in the next couple of weeks, and preferrably get a stamp on my passport while I'm at it (I have none)

Thoughts/ideas?

**Migflanker** · 29-Feb-2008, 12:13 PM

Slappy1, I've go to go along with your friend and "Flying Elf", although non-revs have been known to snag an upgrade now and again

nowadays chances of an upgrade are plenty slim, (upgrades to the frequent flyers) all you can do is think a good thought, carry your lucky charm (maybe two) and smile, smile, smile.
Insider tip for the first time (long haul flight) non-rev---Once you're through security (assuming you can't cram all the necessities in your purse

) rearrange your carry-on using layers. One of the facts of non-rev life is no room in the overhead, so expect your carry-on to end up at least 15 rows away. When you finally get a chance to get to your carry-on, it'll be a lot easier if eveything you'll need is right on top within easy reach.
My long haul kit--sweats, noise canceling headphones, bottled water, lip balm, eye shades, iPod, book, back pillow and sandals (trust me, you do not want to go into the lavs wearing only socks

). I'd also suggest besides getting up and walking, doing some in-seat exercises, sometimes I get my seat mates involved--"everybody flex"

One last thing, as an official travel companion you must abide by certain rules.. ( uh-huh) one being you must bring back a great souvenir for your official travel sponsor.

Have fun and let us know how it goes.

Edited because while I knew what I wanted to say, nobody else had a clue.

**aa_miami_flyer** · 29-Feb-2008, 07:40 PM

Slappy1,

It looks like Continental flies the 777 to NRT. Those planes have 50 seats in BusinessFirst (www.seatexpert.com) so if there are over 30 empty seats then you might be in luck. Just make sure you have backup routing in place. Also, check and see what kinds of companion privileges you might get on other SkyTeam partners. For example, my companion can get nonrev tickets on JAL and Cathay Pacific since those are OneWorld airlines.

BTW, Continental does not have an international first class product, just business class. Same goes for other SkyTeam members Delta and Northwest. So you'll either get business or economy.

Good luck!

Matt

**imon32red** · 01-Mar-2008, 12:07 AM

Slappy,

As a fellow Continental Employee I think that you might have a little better chance other than what has been stated here. Especially if you can get your employee friend to go with you. Are you traveling out of EWR or IAH. It sounds like you are more interested in flying Business than flying to Japan. If that is right and you are just trying to get a stamp on your passport you have plenty of options. I plan my vacations around getting Business Class. I will fly Business Class to another airport as close as I can to my destination and then fly coach on a ZED Pass if I have to so I can go where I want to. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually going to give you your best chance to sit up front as well.

**stultus** · 01-Mar-2008, 06:08 PM

If you are a travel companion, just book yourself into J, if there's a seat when your number is up, you'll get it. It's not really an upgrade, you book yourself into J and you pay the fee for that class of service. There are no elite upgrades to NRT, only paid tickets and mileage upgrades, so if it looks like there's a lot of seats 24 hours prior, you'll probably be able to snag one.

**Diacon** · 14-Jul-2008, 10:39 AM

It is most likely that u will not get upgraded.

But enjoy your trip!!!!!

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