No upgrades possible on Domestic promotional fares?

[theevilmuppet]

Hi all,

I've just been told I can't upgrade a SYD-MEL journey with points as I used a promotional code when booking, even though I did upgrade on the MEL-SYD leg of the same booking earlier in the day.

The terms and conditions don't mention anything here - has anyone else heard of this happening?

 

[Denali]

I used promo codes for Christmas flights and point upgraded 5 days before departure. I will say on our return flight check in, the magical computer said we owed $30 but after 2 phone calls they waived the fee. I now wonder if the fee had something to do with the coupon discount.

 

[theevilmuppet]

I used promo codes for Christmas flights and point upgraded 5 days before departure. I will say on our return flight check in, the magical computer said we owed $30 but after 2 phone calls they waived the fee. I now wonder if the fee had something to do with the coupon discount.

The staff member at the Sydney lounge said that an e-mail message had been sent to all staff reminding them that upgrades for such fares are not meant to be granted. When I presented my boarding pass for the MEL-SYD leg (showing fare class Z) she spoke to her manager and happily upgraded me.

 

[Jousams]

This is strange, as you can sometimes buy discounted Flexi fares with these promos. So I wonder how the 4 plat upgrades would be handled.

 

[theevilmuppet]

This is strange, as you can sometimes buy discounted Flexi fares with these promos. So I wonder how the 4 plat upgrades would be handled.

Very strange. I'll write to the good people at Virgin and get an answer and report back once I have one.

I'll spare everyone the back and forth if there is any.

 

[theevilmuppet]

Virgin have responded. Short version: Nothing to see here, you can definitely upgrade Saver fares on sale.

I've managed to get a response from airport standards who have confirmed that yes you can still upgrade from a sale fare. As such the Sydney Lounge team members will be updated accordingly.