UPGRADING CLASS OF FLIGHT
 

I have paid a premium price for a flight from U.S. to U.K. This same flight is now being offered at an incredibly low fare. I feel I should have an upgraded class seating if available. What's the best way to go about it?

If I were you...and felt that strongly about it..I would go to the local ticket office of the airline in question..not call on the phone...but go in person..and plead your displeasure..and be real nice.....and perhaps something good will happen.....perhaps not. Sometimes due to pricing and availablity I believe one is able to buy a cheaper ticket later than one can by buying it far in advance..Far in advance assumes that the pricing will be based on a full plane...and when that does not happen..then sometimes the late comers get a cheaper fare..as the airlines are trying to fill the empty seats....Good luck

If they won't upgrade you ask for a refund. If your fare class has gone down you should get the difference in vouchers which might enable you to take another trip!

I suppose it depends on the airline, but I think you can get a refund for the difference minus a change fee. Give them a call.

Generally there is a major difference (of several thousand dollars), between the highest coach fare and the next class level, so odds are they won't upgrade you. If the difference was substantial between the fare you paid & the new 'sale' fare (assuming they will charge you $150 to change)-- you can re-book your flight, but be aware if you had asked for a specific seat on you original ticket, when they re-book you may not get the same one.

Is your flight refundable with a service charge? If so, it might be to your advantage to just pay the penalty and rebook at the lower cost. We booked a flight to Amsterdam early in December. The cost was about $1100 per person from Las Vegas. I found flights for approx. $600 available in Feb. I had to pay about $200 in penalties but with 3 of us traveling I saved around $800. I don't think the airlines will upgrade you because fares have dropped. Probably would not hurt to ask, but I wouldn't have high expectations. The best way might be to cancel, take the penalty and rebook if the difference is that much. It was in our case.

Many airlines will refund the difference between the fare you originally paid and any sales fares. Just call.