I've had the option at checkin last year with Emirates (BNE-DXB) at some eye watering amount. Did it successfully with BA (Tokyo-London) a few years back and also Jetstar (Gold Coast-Tokyo). As another contributor has also mentioned, Fiji Airways which didn't cost an arm and a leg (Sydney-Nadi).
Malaysian Airlines , in addition to their auction, also offer last minute upgrades. I use this when travelling KL to Australia or return. It is quite reasonably priced..about US$340..good when the Aussie dollar is higher, too !
I bought one on Asiana Airlines at Gimpo airport a few months ago and it was really cheap. Only about $100 to upgrade from Economy to Business. It was a short 2 hour flight but even so.
I have twice purchased an upgrade from a cheap economy fare to business on KLM by being first in line at the check in counter (KUL-AMS each way) when 2 seats were available. It was a bargain - cost something like $300AUD pp.
My parents-in-law are travelling economy with Qatar in a few months. I'd love to know if they offer it?
Qatar certainly offer it at Hamad International Airport - Doha. I don't know if they offer it at outstations.
I have twice purchased an upgrade from a cheap economy fare to business on KLM by being first in line at the check in counter (KUL-AMS each way) when 2 seats were available. It was a bargain - cost something like $300AUD pp.
My parents-in-law are travelling economy with Qatar in a few months. I'd love to know if they offer it?
Qatar certainly offer it at Hamad International Airport - Doha. I don't know if they offer it at outstations.
I purchased an upgrade from economy to business on Qatar at check in at Melbourne, in 2018. Total cost of upgrade Melb to CDG was $1800. A lot more than other airlines but worth it to me. Was unsuccessful on the return leg from CDG but only due to a full flight.
Asiana sell upgrades via a pre-departure email. Fixed price, appears to awarded in order of payment time. As per the comment above, probably also available at check-in. Quite reasonable price: about $550 for Seoul - Sydney business class. Does not include status, points or lounge access.
Wingflex
Wingflex
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 13 Feb 2015
Total posts 12
BA Club Europe while checking in online (if R class available) and yes they will credit you with Business class points/status
Waz wandering
Waz wandering
Member since 27 Jan 2018
Total posts 5
I've had the option at checkin last year with Emirates (BNE-DXB) at some eye watering amount. Did it successfully with BA (Tokyo-London) a few years back and also Jetstar (Gold Coast-Tokyo). As another contributor has also mentioned, Fiji Airways which didn't cost an arm and a leg (Sydney-Nadi).
ptambrosetti
ptambrosetti
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
Member since 21 May 2018
Total posts 6
Originally Posted by DrSK
US-based airlines will generally offer paid upgrades, especially for domestic flights.
Spy
Spy
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 13 Aug 2016
Total posts 3
Turkish Airlines do at check-in. Recently US$950 upgrade from Economy to Business for Singapore-Istanbul.
Emirates offer A$1,000 for Singapore-Melbourne but only from cabin crew.
cebeckey
cebeckey
Member since 09 Aug 2019
Total posts 7
Virgin Australia and Virgin Atlantic both do at check-in if available.
Kentown45
Kentown45
Member since 25 Feb 2017
Total posts 12
I would appreciate their names, required Frquent Flyer Status, prices and system implementation plus links to this statement please.
Originally Posted by DrSK
US-based airlines will generally offer paid upgrades, especially for domestic flights.
kj1911
kj1911
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 25 Oct 2016
Total posts 2
Air Mauritius, last time I went from Perth to Mauritius (MRU) - A$600 at the checkin desk.
unicom
unicom
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 16 Jan 2020
Total posts 1
Malaysian Airlines , in addition to their auction, also offer last minute upgrades. I use this when travelling KL to Australia or return. It is quite reasonably priced..about US$340..good when the Aussie dollar is higher, too !
DavidChan
DavidChan
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 25 Aug 2016
Total posts 1
I bought one on Asiana Airlines at Gimpo airport a few months ago and it was really cheap. Only about $100 to upgrade from Economy to Business. It was a short 2 hour flight but even so.
InFirstOnPoints
InFirstOnPoints
Member since 12 Aug 2016
Total posts 2
Recent expereinces on LH, AC, UA
Lufthansa flight last year paid upgrades offered on the screen at the gate, maybe 300 Euros for transatlantic from Munich.
I find AirCanada offers them at checkin quite often as well perhaps 250 CAD for a very private seat on their 787.
UA offered me one last month on a US transcon flight for perhaps 200 USD - and of course I took that one as well.
Ross
Ross
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 10 May 2014
Total posts 83
Originally Posted by Seuna
I have twice purchased an upgrade from a cheap economy fare to business on KLM by being first in line at the check in counter (KUL-AMS each way) when 2 seats were available. It was a bargain - cost something like $300AUD pp.
My parents-in-law are travelling economy with Qatar in a few months. I'd love to know if they offer it?
Franki
Franki
Member since 07 Jan 2020
Total posts 2
Originally Posted by Ross
Originally Posted by Seuna
I have twice purchased an upgrade from a cheap economy fare to business on KLM by being first in line at the check in counter (KUL-AMS each way) when 2 seats were available. It was a bargain - cost something like $300AUD pp.
My parents-in-law are travelling economy with Qatar in a few months. I'd love to know if they offer it?
I purchased an upgrade from economy to business on Qatar at check in at Melbourne, in 2018. Total cost of upgrade Melb to CDG was $1800. A lot more than other airlines but worth it to me. Was unsuccessful on the return leg from CDG but only due to a full flight.
BruceBrad
BruceBrad
Member since 27 Jul 2017
Total posts 2
Asiana sell upgrades via a pre-departure email. Fixed price, appears to awarded in order of payment time. As per the comment above, probably also available at check-in. Quite reasonable price: about $550 for Seoul - Sydney business class. Does not include status, points or lounge access.
Pit
Pit
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 31 Jul 2017
Total posts 14
KLM at online checkin at 50% of normal price if available - both business and extra legroom seats
AKD
AKD
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 Nov 2017
Total posts 8
Singapore Airlines does it - I've taken up an offer for upgrade to Premium Economy ex SYD and was also offered an upgrade to Business ex WLG.
Apart from the others already listed above, I've also seen it offered on Hong Kong Airlines.