Leslie Massey
Upgrades are available on Austrian Airlines, but the process can be confusing for those who have booked through a different airline such as United. Upgrades can be purchased at any time after the ticket has been issued until the check-in deadline, subject to availability. Passengers can submit a bid for an upgrade, where they determine the price themselves, or they can purchase an upgrade at a fixed price. However, there are several exceptions to the upgrade policy, including for passengers travelling with children under two, those who booked as part of a group of more than nine, and those with pets.
In the case of United upgrades on Austrian Airlines flights, passengers have reported issues and inconsistencies with the process. Some sources suggest that upgrades are not available on Austrian Airlines flights, while others indicate that upgrades may be possible through United or Austrian Airlines directly. It is recommended that passengers contact the issuing airline for rebooking or upgrade inquiries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Upgrade options | Priority boarding, lounge access, several-course DO & CO menu, higher travel class, fixed-price upgrade, bid upgrade, last-minute upgrades |
| Upgrade requirements | Confirmed bookings, valid and issued Economy or Premium Economy Class ticket, Austrian scheduled flights operated by Austrian Airlines under a flight number beginning with "OS" |
| Upgrade restrictions | Flights already checked-in for, additional services booked, travelling with small children, Miles & More award tickets |
| Upgrade timing | Any time after the ticket has been issued until the check-in deadline, up to 60 hours before departure, up to 48 hours before departure, from 47 hours before departure |
| Upgrade payment methods | Credit card, miles |
What You'll Learn
Upgrading a United ticket on an Austrian Airlines flight
If you want to upgrade from Economy or Premium Economy to a higher travel class, you can do so at a fixed price or through a bid upgrade. Fixed-price upgrades can be purchased up to 48 hours before departure, while bid upgrades can be submitted up to 60 hours before departure. For bid upgrades, passengers state how much they wish to pay for the upgrade using a sliding scale, and they will be notified 60 hours before departure if their bid has been accepted. It's important to note that bid upgrades are not available for passengers travelling with children under the age of two, those who booked as part of a group of more than nine people, or those travelling with pets or extra seats.
Upgrades can also be purchased during online check-in, which opens 47 hours before departure, or as a last-minute upgrade at the airport by speaking to staff at the check-in desk, gate, or onboard the flight. However, it's important to note that upgrades may not be available if you have already checked in or if additional services have been booked that would prevent the upgrade.
Global Entry Benefits for Austrian Airlines Passengers
You may want to see also
Upgrading an Austrian Airlines ticket on a United flight
If you have a full-fare ticket, you may be able to upgrade to Business Class using a Star Alliance Upgrade Award. However, this requires booking the flight with an Austrian flight number instead of a United codeshare. It is worth noting that Star Alliance Upgrades are not available from Economy to Premium Economy.
Austrian Airlines offers upgrades at a fixed price, which can be booked up to 48 hours before departure. Alternatively, passengers can submit a bid for an upgrade, stating how much they are willing to pay. Bids can be increased, reduced, or cancelled up to 60 hours before departure, and passengers will be informed if their bid has been accepted within 60 to 48 hours before departure.
Upgrades can also be purchased during online check-in, which opens 47 hours before departure, or as a last-minute upgrade at the airport by speaking to staff at the check-in desk, gate, or onboard the aircraft.
It is important to note that upgrades are not possible if you have already checked in for your flight or if additional services have been booked that would prevent the upgrade, such as travelling with a pet or extra baggage.
Austrian and Lufthansa: Same Flights, Different Names?
You may want to see also
Upgrading with miles
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines offers a range of upgrade options, including the ability to upgrade with miles. To upgrade with miles on Austrian Airlines, you need a minimum of 10,000 miles. You can book your upgrade using miles directly at the check-in desk at the airport or through the Miles & More service team in your country. It's important to note that you cannot pay with miles on their website, and there are specific terms and conditions for upgrades that you should review before booking. Additionally, bid upgrades are available for those who want to state how much they wish to pay for their upgrade.
United Airlines
United Airlines also offers the option to redeem miles for an upgrade. The number of miles required for an upgrade varies depending on the route and the cabin you are upgrading to. For example, upgrading from the cheapest non-basic economy ticket to a higher cabin may cost 27,500 miles plus a co-pay. It's worth noting that United Airlines has different fare classes that denote upgrade inventory, such as RN, PZ, and PN. Upgrades are generally more available far in advance or just before departure. Additionally, United Premier members traveling in the two highest-priced economy fare classes, Y and B, may be eligible for instant upgrades when ticketing on select flights.
Traveling Between the Czech Republic and Austria: Border Control Status
You may want to see also
Upgrading at the airport
Upgrades can be purchased at any time after the ticket has been issued until the check-in deadline, subject to availability. The Austrian Airlines online check-in window opens 47 hours before departure. Passengers will receive an offer to upgrade subject to availability.
Upgrades can be purchased at the check-in desk, at the gate, or directly with the crew on board.
If you have a full-fare ticket, you may be able to upgrade to Business with a Star Alliance Upgrade Award. However, the flight must be booked with an Austrian flight number instead of as a United codeshare.
Arnold's Austrian Military Service: Fact or Fiction?
You may want to see also
Upgrading with cash
If you decide to upgrade at a fixed price, you can do so by accessing your flight under "My Bookings" and clicking on "Upgrade flights". You can then select the flights you want to upgrade and confirm the purchase. You can get an upgrade at a fixed price up to 48 hours before departure.
If you want to place a bid for an upgrade, you can do so by accessing your flight under "My Bookings" and clicking on "Upgrade flights". You can then select the flights you want to upgrade and use the slider to enter the amount you want to pay. You can submit a bid upgrade up to 60 hours before departure. Your card will only be charged if your bid is accepted.
In addition, you can also use your miles to book an upgrade. From 10,000 miles, you can enjoy the benefits of a higher booking class on a flight originally booked for Economy Class. You can book your upgrade using your miles directly at the check-in desk at the airport or through the Miles & More service team in your country.
Zelle Money Transfer: Is It Supported by Austrian Banks?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot use United Plus Points to upgrade an Austrian Airlines flight.
Yes, you can book an upgrade using miles. From 10,000 miles, you can upgrade from Economy Class to a higher booking class.
Yes, you can upgrade at the check-in desk, at the gate, or on board.
Yes, you can upgrade online up to 48 hours before departure.
Yes, you can submit a bid for an upgrade up to 60 hours before departure.
