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While it may have been common in the past, it is unlikely that you will get a free upgrade on British Airways just because it's your honeymoon. However, there are other ways to increase your chances of an upgrade. One way is to use airline miles, although British Airways only allows you to jump one cabin. Another way is to keep an eye out for upgrade offers in the app or at the airport. You can also try asking for an upgrade at the check-in desk, although this may be more successful at your hotel or attractions than with the airline. If you want to guarantee an upgrade, the only way is to pay for it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon upgrades | Unlikely |
| Honeymoon upgrades from Club to First | Possible with 20,000 avios and additional fees |
| Honeymoon upgrades from CW to First | Possible with 20,000 avios |
| Ways to get an upgrade | Use airline miles, book with a company that offers upgrades, ask face-to-face, volunteer to take a later flight |
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What You'll Learn
The chances of a free upgrade on your honeymoon are slim
The chances of scoring a free upgrade on your honeymoon are slim. While it may have been common practice in the past, airlines have become more profit-driven, and the odds of a complimentary upgrade are now close to zero.
One source suggests that the only chance of a free upgrade is if the computer selects you for operational reasons, and your honeymoon status is unlikely to influence this. Another factor that may increase your chances is having a certain status with the airline, which can be achieved by entering your frequent flyer number. This will put you higher up in the queue for potential upgrades.
If you are willing to pay for an upgrade, there are a few strategies you can try. Firstly, keep an eye on First award seats, and if any become available, you can change your booking up to 24 hours before, paying the difference in Avios. Additionally, British Airways and other airlines sometimes offer exclusive upgrade deals in their mobile apps or at the airport, which can be very reasonably priced.
If you are travelling with hand luggage only and are willing to take a later flight, you can volunteer at check-in, and the airline may compensate you with vouchers or an upgrade to business class on the next available flight.
While it may be tempting, it is not advised to mention that you are on your honeymoon when booking, as it may lead to higher prices. However, you can try playing this card at the airport or during the flight, and you may receive a small gift or a bottle of champagne.
To increase your chances of an upgrade, it is generally recommended to book a premium economy ticket if you are aiming for business class, as most airlines only allow you to jump one cabin.
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You can pay for an upgrade with cash or airline miles
While it is unlikely that you will get a free upgrade on your honeymoon, you can pay for an upgrade with cash or airline miles. If you have booked your flight directly with British Airways, you can upgrade your flight by going to "Manage My Booking", selecting your flight, and clicking "Upgrade for Cash". You can also call British Airways to ask about upgrade options. Upgrades are subject to availability, and certain fare restrictions apply.
If you want to use airline miles to upgrade your flight, you must have booked your flight with the airline whose loyalty program you are a member of. For example, if you are a member of British Airways' Executive Club, you must have booked your flight directly with British Airways or have a ticket that is ticketed using British Airways ticket stock. The number of Avios required for the upgrade is based on the Avios costs for reward flights in the cabins you are upgrading from and to and will depend on whether your flight is scheduled on a peak or off-peak date. You can also use a combination of airline miles and cash to pay for your upgrade.
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Honeymooners can sometimes get small gifts or upgrades at hotels
Honeymooners can sometimes receive small gifts or upgrades at hotels, but it's not guaranteed. It's important to be polite and offer up the information as a blushing FYI rather than a demand.
First, call the hotel and tell the concierge about your honeymoon. They will make a note, and you might be gifted perks like flowers, chocolates, champagne, a complimentary dinner, or a room upgrade. You can also ask if they have anything special to make your celebration even better. It's more common for hotels looking to establish a loyal customer base to give out upgrades, so don't be afraid to ask if you can be put on a waiting list.
When booking activities at the hotel, always book through the concierge. The more you book, the more likely you are to get upgraded. If you're joining a tour or booking a couple's massage, mention that you're on your honeymoon. This gives ample time to prepare a treat or factor you into tour plans.
It's also a good idea to use the hotel's loyalty program. Your points may have a higher cash value with a hotel loyalty program than an airline's, which could translate to a room upgrade.
Finally, don't forget the power of social media. Snap photos, tag the hotel, and share your #honeymoongoals vacation. You could catch the eye of the hotel's social media manager and be given a sweet treat to make your stay more special.
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It's best not to mention the word 'honeymoon' when booking travel
While it may be tempting to mention that you're booking your travel as part of your honeymoon, it's best to refrain from doing so. Although it was once common for honeymooners to receive upgrades, those days are long gone. Airlines and hotels are under no obligation to upgrade you simply because it's your honeymoon, and you run the risk of being disappointed if you expect special treatment.
Instead, focus on getting the best value for your money. Start by planning well in advance; six to eight months is recommended. This will give you a better chance of finding good deals and avoiding the higher prices that come with last-minute bookings. When booking your flights, keep an eye out for cash upgrade offers or use your air miles to enhance your experience.
When it comes to accommodation, consider booking through a travel agent or advisor who can help you find the best deals and increase your chances of an upgrade. It's also worth befriending the hotel concierge, who can provide valuable insights on local activities and restaurants. They may even be able to organise some special treats for you if they know you're on your honeymoon. However, don't expect a room upgrade until you arrive, as hotels will usually only offer this if they know they can't sell the room at full price.
Finally, be mindful of your budget. Honeymoon packages can sometimes include activities or meals that you may not use, so be sure to read the fine print and ask about any additional costs. By being proactive and well-prepared, you can ensure that your honeymoon stays within your budget and creates lasting memories.
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You can ask for an upgrade at the airport
While it's unlikely that you'll get a free upgrade on your honeymoon, you can try asking for one at the airport. Here are some tips to maximise your chances of success:
First, keep in mind that your chances of a free upgrade are slim, and mentioning your honeymoon is not likely to increase your odds. In fact, you may be disappointed if you go in expecting an upgrade, so it's best to keep your expectations in check. That being said, it doesn't hurt to ask nicely and be friendly to the staff. Being polite and engaging in conversation could increase your chances.
Next, consider the route you're flying. If it's a busy route, you're unlikely to get an upgrade offer at the airport. Keep an eye on the availability of First award seats, and if seats open up, you can change your booking up to 24 hours before, paying the difference in Avios. Also, look out for cash upgrade offers in MMB or at the airport.
If you're willing to pay for an upgrade, your chances improve. However, the cost of an upgrade can vary widely depending on the route and cabin class. Contacting the airline directly is the best way to get an accurate quote. Additionally, some airlines, like British Airways, offer exclusive upgrade offers through their mobile app after you've made a booking. These can be very reasonable, so it's worth keeping an eye out for them.
Finally, if you're travelling light and solo, you can increase your chances of an upgrade by volunteering to take a later flight at check-in. Airlines often compensate such travellers with vouchers for future flights and upgrades to business class on the next available flight.
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Frequently asked questions
You cannot rely on getting a free upgrade on British Airways just because it's your honeymoon. However, you can increase your chances by signing up for the frequent flyer scheme and entering your number when booking. This will put you higher up the queue for upgrades for operational reasons. You can also keep an eye on First award seats and change your booking up to 24 hours before, paying the difference in avios.
If you're willing to pay for an upgrade, you can increase your chances by booking a premium economy ticket. You can also keep an eye out for exclusive upgrade offers in the British Airways app or at the airport.
The cost of an upgrade depends on the route and the cabin. An upgrade from premium economy to business class on a flight from London to New York was offered at £296 one-way. An upgrade to a destination such as New York will generally cost between 20,000 – 30,000 airline miles each way.
You can ask for an upgrade at the check-in desk or the upgrades desk once you're airside.
You can try asking your hotel manager or the owners of attractions you want to visit if there are any upgrades available for honeymooners. You can also look for companies that offer honeymoon packages, such as Bon Voyage or Suiteness, which offer upgrades and other perks for honeymooners.
