How to get a free upgrade on Air Canada flight from UK to Ottawa? Specifically on Air Canada please.?

Question

I have read all the other questions about flights to all over the world. Just wondering if anyone knew if this was something Air canada actually do.
Also any tips on how to do it would be good.
I am travelling alone and also....I am a member of aeroplan air miles and have signed up to frequent flyer programme and havea round 20k in one year.
i was wondering what exactly is classified a frequent flyer? what is the miles allowance to be classed as a frequent flyer? am i?
unfortunately, i am not good with charming people so will just be a simple can i upgrade type question i'd dare ask. lol

Answer 1

If you still have the mileage points, you should call Air Canada and see if you can redeem the points for an upgrade. I think you will need more points than that for an International upgrade, though; most other airlines charge 60k miles for an International roundtrip upgrade. You may be able to supplement the miles you already have by buying some more; most airlines charge between 2-5 cents per mile for purchased miles, and most have a transaction fee of around $25 USD, but if the upgrade mileage is say 40k miles needed, and you have 30k, it might be worth the money.

Apart from that, you don't have a lot of options. Free upgrades in International travel are pretty hard to get. I'm not really familiar with Air Canada's frequent flyer program but most other airlines set 25,000 miles/year as the minimum for Elite status--- and that is at the lowest Elite level where you do not usually get free upgrade benefits in International travel. Usually you don't see those benefits till you hit the 75k/year level.

And being charming usually doesn't work unless the flight you're on is horribly overbooked AND there is no one with a higher level of status on the flight. Upgrades due to overbooking are called Operational Upgrades ("op ups") and are pretty rare on International travel; when they happen, the passengers with the highest level of Elite status are moved up first.

Check the Air Canada website and see if there is any option to pay at the gate for an upgrade. Usually, if the airline offers this, the fees are still high but nowhere near what you'd expect to pay for an International first-class or business-class ticket.

I wish I had better news for you but in reality the free International upgrade is kind of like the Loch Ness Monster-- everyone's heard they exist but no one has ever actually seen it. Your best bet might be to see if you can get moved to an exit row seat and get at least a little more leg room.

Answer 2

You would definitely get caught trying to get him/her on the flight in your hold bag. We flew with AC a few months ago internationally and they scan everything, even shoes & prams. If you got the cat in Brazil then get the paperwork of where and when you bought it, along with all vaccinations and health checks. Ring the airline without giving your name and inquire about the procedure and cost. If you claim that the pet was yours from Vancouver, then you are going to have to prove how you brought it over on arrival, and they would probably want to see the paperwork. Alternatively, you could drive up which would take weeks and cost more. Even then I don't know what the laws would be transporting pets through US. Whatever you decide, be prepared for the consequences. Good Luck

Answer 3

What do you mean? Upgrade to first class status? I've taken bumps before and been upgraded to 1st class on later flights...

Answer 4

you will have to check with air canada to give that information, call them up.