Upgrade Virgin redemption flights with points or cash

[iandv]

Is it possible to upgrade a redemption booking with points or cash? I can’t see how to do this online – does it need to be done via phone or live chat ?

TIA

[davefl]

Phone is the only way. Ignore the message about long wait if they’re still running it, they generally answer in 5 mins.

[AL]

For clarity: you can do it via live chat – if there are agents free, the option will appear – but it is just as fast, if not quicker, as @davefl says, to do it by ‘phone.

[iandv]

Thanks both for all your help. Does anyone know what the typical points or cash price is from economy to economy delight – there is no PE or Upper available on our outbound leg so we have had to book economy for now

[AL]

iandv wrote:

Thanks both for all your help. Does anyone know what the typical points or cash price is from economy to economy delight – there is no PE or Upper available on our outbound leg so we have had to book economy for now

Given that Y rewards book in to A, and they only book them as Economy Classic, you may find points redemptions are either unavailable or are not good value. But they should be able to give you a price to move in to Economy Delight – you’ll probably need to give them a call. If you’re unlucky, it’ll involve rebooking, which might incur some cost.

[iandv]

Live chat was useless – was told you can’t upgrade a rewards booking using cash only via points – and no rewards are available

I have heard that you can upgrade once you login or via the app (not via a bid) but can’t see this – where would this typically appear?

And is £70 one way upgrade to economy delight on the a350-1000 a good price as this was what was shown as good on the bid?

[iandv]

Just an update on this thread – if anyone is booking an economy flight using points you are unable to upgrade this to economy delight (either using cash or points) the only way you can do this is placing a bid and hoping it wins. Been told this on the phone today by Virgin.

Seems a little strange but you are unable to book Economy delight seats using points nor are you able to upgrade an economy points booking to economy delight using points or cash!

[LittleNick]

Sorry to bump this but given the new changes does anyone onow if it’s possible to upgrade reward flights with cash? EG great saver deal in PE but then upgrade with cash either via bid or at airport or any other method?

[memesweeper]

The best guide to this was this thread in v-flyer: https://www.v-flyer.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=301044&sid=4e9954d125bb14af8f59e9f36c4abce1

Unfortunately it’s not been changed since the recent redemption changes. Historically, Virgin have been much more flexible about upgrades for cash and points than BA, at checkin, in the lounge, and even at the gate. My advice would be arrive early at the airport and ask nicely at check in; if you have access, try again at the lounge (even without access you could just ask at the desk); and again if early at the gate.

This isn’t in any guide but also ask when boarding, explaining nicely what and why you need it (and any special needs for food or assistance). I got shock-moved on a recent flight (not with Virgin) just by asking nicely if they need help rebalancing the plane! Asked on boarding giving my seat number and was astonished when they came and found me at the back of the plane and moved me up when boarding complete.

I have no evidence to support this, but I think opportunistic upgrades are far more likely if you have status, look smart, are alone, are polite, have no expectations, and have no unusual requirements (special meals, infant in tow, etc).

If you have any luck please report back here, with your circumstances and results.

[BAedi]

Has anyone had any recent experience upgrading a points booking with cash? Was told on the phone earlier that it was points only but had to wait almost an hour so wasn’t going to HUACA and wait again.