Disclaimer: The article and product(s) that is/ are mentioned are non sponsored. All insights are based on personal opinions and researches done. The information would have been updated during the time you read this article. The resources are based on the day of this article being posted.
Every time when boarding on planes, I always want and wanted to be the first, at least first few passengers to be on board. Not just for avoiding the super long queue, but securing a overhead compartment right above me (Trust me, it is a disaster when your luggage is located far away from you at the back.... because someone, there is always that someone put their luggage at the place it should not be placed)
There are two ways for being on board first. It is either having an elite status with the airlines or flying with their premium cabins (Business Class, First Class). These two involving one component: Money.
Before continuing deep into this travelling topic, I would like to point out that using efficient credit card points to redeem an airline ticket would be the most ideal state of being an alpha in the credit card game. However, there is no huge sign up offers by credit card companies, at least in Thailand.
I had done a few researches, only Citi Bank and Krungthai Bank and American Express (Only the Platinum charge card) offers sign up bonuses here in Thailand. But the offers or eases of earning are still not that significant compares to the States or even in Taiwan.
Krungthai KTC X Visa Signature/ Mastercard World
For example, Krungthai offers 25,000 KTC forever points if the cardholders pay for its annual fee at 5,000 THB.
Side note: 25,000 KTC forever points is equal to 12,500 Thai Airways ROP miles. Krungthai has affiliates with different airlines too, but the conversion rates fall between 3:1 to 4:1. Only Thai Airways ROP, Airasia Big and Bangkok Airways FlyerBonus have the conversion of 2:1
Let see how far could 12,500 Thai Airways ROP miles could bring you to:
Source: https://www.thaiairways.com/en_TH/rop/Redeeming/New-structure-THAI-Air-Awards2-2.page
It's either one way Economy class to South East Asia or one way Royal Silk Class (Business Class) for flying domestically.
Well, Krungthai is not the Giant in points and miles game. Let's have a look on Citibank Thailand.
Citi Royal Orchid Plus Preferred Credit Card
To earn 27,000 ROP miles, the card holder would need to spend more than 30,000 THB in 30 days and fly with Thai Airways in 12 months. And yes, it comes with annual fee of 5,350 THB.
27,000 ROP miles could fly to Zone 6 (Middle East) in economy class for one way or Zone 2 (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong) in business class for one way.
At the other side of the world (USA), Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Credit Card offers 35,000 bonus miles after spending 1,000 USD (approx 32,700 THB) in first 3 months. First year's annual fee is waived and following year to be 99 USD (approx 3,240 THB) Plus, there is a first checked bag free when flying Delta. Plus, this is the lowest tier Delta SkyMiles' American Express Credit card.
Then is when I realise the Credit Card game in the States is much more dynamic.
Back to the topic.
As I am not a super frequent traveller, the airline miles I have earned is way far not enough to redeem any types of ticket.
To fly with a more comfortable cabin, paying it out from my pocket is the only way. Then, I continued my researches on how to get the best deal in flying Business Class.
From a lot of blogs and Youtube videos, upgrading last minute at the gate is the most affordable way (might not be the cheapest) to fly business class. The psychological theory is: Despite the passenger is flying in economy or business class, the plane will still be flying. Why not the airline generate extra revenue by upsetting last minute? But, is it true?
To be honest, I had tried this experiments couple of times. It is somehow correct but not.
The constant variable of this theory is: If the airline allows.
SFO-HND, Japan Airlines
I had tried this at San Francisco International Airport, USA. I was flying economy class with Japan Airlines to Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan. I had asked if I could pay for business class up-sell from the associate at check in counter and at the gate. The answer is no. Japan airlines only allow last minute upgrading by airline miles.
This is a failed experiment, but let me show you another example.
KUL2-DMK, Airasia
I was flying with Airasia from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KUL 2) to Don Meung International Airport (DMK, Bangkok, Thailand). The original ticket is Low Fare (The cheapest I could get on their portal.
This time, I had successfully being up-sold right in front of the gate.
It is 50 MYR (approx 380 THB)
Since Airasia is a low cost airline and it was a short haul flight, so there is no extra perks that would be expected from other full service airlines. But that 50 MYR is totally worth it, as the flight was packed and I do not want to be on queue for forever when getting through the immigration check.
There is another experiment. With full service airline, the Malaysia Airlines.
KCH-KUL-BKK, Malaysia Airlines
This is a mid-is haul flight experience (might be because of the delay) that I had underwent the experience with.
This travel itinerary consists a connecting flight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) from Kuching International Airport (KCH) to Suwanabumi International Airport, Thailand (BKK). Hence, the upsetting price will be shown relatively and will see how easy or difficult it is for enjoying the premium service.
Malaysia Airlines refuses up-selling at gate. The only method for up-selling is at the check in counter.
As this itinerary consists flight to two different sectors (Domestically to Kuala Lumpur and internationally to Bangkok), the flight up-sell cannot be completed under one process.
I paid for up-selling during check in at KCH for 330 MYR (approx 2,570 THB)
With this additional payment, I received the lounge access, priority luggage loading and receiving, premium food on plane and other benefits as usual business class passengers.
This is to my surprise, as from other blogs I had read through, with last minute upgrade, there will be neither lounge access nor priorities for luggage.
The part for getting an up-selling for the connecting flight is a headache. I need to go to Malaysia Airlines service counter in different satellite building, a tram is needed before heading to my connecting flight. The up-selling could not be done in the airport lounge (I asked before heading to the tram section). But, in the lounge, they could check if business class seats are still available.
The up-selling price from KUL to BKK is 550 MYR (approx 4,200 THB)
Thanks for the flight delay, I had efficient time to proceed the up-selling and enjoy the Golden lounge.
Upon payment was made, I was told that the premium meal service on plane would not be included, I would be serving the food from economy cabin.
However, the flight attendant on board offers me the premium food as they have in stock. Great Malaysia hospitality!
From these experiences, last minute up-selling would not always be successful, even if it is a more affordable way to enter the premium cabin.
Now, let's see if these last minute up-selling is really worth it?
Let's take just 2 examples of mine to make the comparison:
KUL2-DMK, Airasia
Here is a random search of Airasia flight on the same route.
It turns out to be 41.90 MYR if I decided to pay for an extra to secure a "Hot Seat"
That means what I had paid before, 50 MYR is not cheaper.
KCH-KUL-BKK, Malaysia Airlines
Here is another random search:
If we add on the pricing of economy fare with all the up-selling price, it is sum to be 1,419 MYR. It is a 175 MYR (approx 1,300 THB) difference. That means it is more affordable.
But nothing comes for free, it takes sweat and time to go to the contact centre and that there is a risk of unavailability for premium cabins.
As these are short haul flights, so I normally do not have high expectations on getting last minute up-selling. Moreover, the business class or "hot seats" on the narrow body fleets are not significantly more comfortable compared to the regular economy class.
But, the reasons for still flying premium cabin is the bundle that comes along.
Fast track service is one of the highlighted benefits when flying with full service airlines here in Thailand. That's when you could get through security check and immigration for less than 5 minutes. For both arrival and departure.
Priority of luggage is another key benefits. It is always an hassle when looking for your luggage on the belt, especially if running out of time for an important appointment. (maybe flight delays, haha!)
To search for seats availability, I personally recommend a website: https://www.expertflyer.com/flight-availability
I suggest to search for the seats availability before make any decision on upgrading or up-selling. If the seat is not available, doesn't matter how much you are willing to pay, it is just not possible.
Back to the question: Is Last Minute Business Class Up-sell Always Cheaper?
No, but it is typically more affordable.
Airlines would normally have tickets go on Sales or having affiliate promotional code.
For example, JCB had teamed up with Malaysia Airlines for 15% off in March's promotion.
Always keep in mind, paying last minute up-selling will only "worth it" if it is cheaper than the original price.
It takes tons of researches and checking to get the best deal.
The question is: Are you willing to spend countless time to save that extra 1,000 THB or it is better to use the time that will be used on researches for doing something more profitable (eg Sales/ Investing etc) ?
Now will be the season of stop flying due to Covid-19. But travelling will be resumed as soon as the situation is getting better.
Hope this article will be useful for your next trip, soon.
Comments