Upgrading to Business Class using $$$ with JAL

[wsthong]

If a buy a return economy ticket and decided to upgrade to a business class for the return league, is that possible?
Or if I buy a return Business Class and swap my seat with a relative after boarding the plane for the return league?
The relative of mine a return economy ticket but is recovering from a serious leg injury which requires stretching on of the legs.

Narita to Melbourne for the return

 

[tdimdad]

Some JL fares allow you to buy an upgrade at the airport, if available. I have not tested that particular fare but look for the 'Upgradable' fare when booking and read the fare rules to see if that'd be the one.

Swapping seats onboard may or may not be successful. It depends on the crew but you should be prepared for the request to be declined. Especially with any injuries, by far the best way is to buy into the desired cabin outright instead of relying on the kindness and understanding of the crew. An alternative you could consider is to buy in Y and book the neighbouring seat as a 'comfort seat' to give some extra space sideways.

 

[Warragul]

You can only upgrade to Prem Y from Y if available at the airport.

 

[wsthong]

Some JL fares allow you to buy an upgrade at the airport, if available. I have not tested that particular fare but look for the 'Upgradable' fare when booking and read the fare rules to see if that'd be the one.

Swapping seats onboard may or may not be successful. It depends on the crew but you should be prepared for the request to be declined. Especially with any injuries, by far the best way is to buy into the desired cabin outright instead of relying on the kindness and understanding of the crew. An alternative you could consider is to buy in Y and book the neighbouring seat as a 'comfort seat' to give some extra space sideways.

Should I be booking the one way flight from Japan and my return in Australia. Relative have return ticket. Need have all the dates to be the same. Challenging

 

[tdimdad]

You can only upgrade to Prem Y from Y if available at the airport.

Out of interest, I ventured into the JL FAQ and there it is stated clearly: Y -> PE can be done for a fee. Upgrades to J need a new fare to be paid.
It means that if you want to travel in J, you need to buy a J ticket (or be a JAL Mileage bank member requesting an upgrade award).

 

[Warragul]

Out of interest, I ventured into the JL FAQ and there it is stated clearly: Y -> PE can be done for a fee. Upgrades to J need a new fare to be paid.
It means that if you want to travel in J, you need to buy a J ticket (or be a JAL Mileage bank member requesting an upgrade award).

That in essence was my point - you can't buy an upgrade to business at the airport, not even from Prem Y.

 

[wsthong]

Out of interest, I ventured into the JL FAQ and there it is stated clearly: Y -> PE can be done for a fee. Upgrades to J need a new fare to be paid.
It means that if you want to travel in J, you need to buy a J ticket (or be a JAL Mileage bank member requesting an upgrade award).

Hmm! Maybe getting the entire row for a one way from Japan could be cheaper?