can i get "bumped up" a class?

[cjpfisheries]

Hi there, are there any well travelled people out there that can tell me if it is possible to get "bumped up" a class with air new zealand, and if so what do I have to do?

[ummmm]

Ask nicely.

[cjpfisheries]

thanks, combine the 2 answers and I have to ask for sexual favours nicely, have I got it?

[DTCwordfan]

Start by asking....if you do not ask, you do not get. Ditto on hotels. I never use the intermediary booking services - in phoning the hotel direct, I get just as good deals and often can nail the upgrade. On points cards, never pay for a suite use the points. The Hyatt per night is 20k per room, whereas if you take the cheapest room going and upgrade, you can get a suite for 2000 to 5000 points for 4 nights........

If it is your first flight with them, unlikely it will happen.

Let them know if you have a special event like a birthday or anniversary - you can't just pull this one all the time.

Get to know station airport managers.......always useful

(One advantage of having a Platinum Amex is that they do offer free use of a lounge and there are often upgrades on hotels going)

Send in complimentary letters as well as complaints, it shows that you are balanced in your judgement - some airlines 'save' them and record.

[DTCwordfan]

Join the Mile High Club.......?

[wildwood]

Well dressed mid-age to elderly couples are preferred for upgrades.

[jno]

I've never got one by asking, except once when I had a bad leg and was walking with a stick and asked if I could get a seat with legroom; Virgin upgraded me to club. I once got one from BA without asking at all, but never Air NZ. Priority goes to their frequent flyers; after that it's just if the people behind the desk take a shine to you and they're overbooked in economy. Wear a suit, look middle-aged and respectable, and cross your fingers.

[gingejbee]

We were upgraded on the return trip from San Fran with BA - I had complained about the dessert (mousse-type thing) on the outward trip because it was mouldy. Don't think it was co-incidence!

[vindi48]

Upgrades are very unlikely on Air NZ as there will always be a list of Air Points holders wanting to do the same - and they will get preference as they will be regular users.

The days of fronting at the desk well-dressed has long gone out the window. One only needs to sometimes look at the scruffs in business class to see this.

On a long haul flight consider paying for a Premier Economy seat which would help.