Upgrade to Business Class on Aer Lingus

You might want to call Aer Lingus for the answer to that question.

I called Aer Lingus and they said the upgrade bidding process is all done online. They thought I may be asked to upgrade the payment method but they weren't sure.

If Aer Lingus can't give you an answer to this question, I doubt anyone here will be able to either.

Best plan is to be ready for anything, monitor your email closely with a new credit card at hand, and hope for the best (but prepare to sit in Economy).

I was hoping someone had been in the same situation as I am now and could tell me what actually happened. I certainly don't mean to abuse this forum, and I apologize if I have. If I misunderstand the way to use this forum, I will search for one that meets my needs. Thanks.

There's nothing wrong with asking your question here. Just saying that your particular situation is extreeeeeemly uncommon. I'd be very surprised if there were many people (anywhere in the world) who had been in this unusual situation (with this particular system and the same odd timing of an expired credit, and all). If anyone has ever been in that situation before, you would probably have more luck finding them on Flyertalk, where such extreme edge cases are often discussed on and on. Just be aware that what you are asking about is not a common occurrence (that's an understatement) and calibrate your expectations accordingly.

I will add that I got to fly business class on Aer Lingus this past summer (flights from Seattle to Dublin, and back) and very much enjoyed it - so hopefully things work out for you and you can enjoy riding up front (although given the variables in your situation, I wouldn't count on it). Good luck.

Can't you update your credit card in their system. I would assume your bid is your acct/name and not your credit card per se. Most of the time your credit card resides in your profile.

Thanks, reference to Flyertalk may help. I was thinking this forum is for the unusual situations, assuming the more common situations are handled by the airlines themselves. I have only recently started travelling more heavily, so I will learn the best resources along the way.

Threadwater - You are exactly right! I just entered the correct credit card number into my Aer Lingus account. Hope it overrides the wrong number in the online upgrade process! Thank you so much:)

Just to close this out... I changed the credit card number on my Aer Lingus account and this did not effect my upgrade bid. It still referred to the old card. However, I was graciously sent an email telling me I had won the bid but could lose it unless I provided a working credit card number. There was no deadline given, but I replied the same day with a proper card number and the next day I was awarded the upgrade. Yay! Someone on the FlyTalk forum had the same experience. Hope this is helpful to someone.

Good Job Aer Lingus

Nice. Happy ending. Aer Lingus business class is lovely, with wonderful friendly service, surprisingly decent food, very comfy seats. You will enjoy it.

If you haven't already done so, go pick your seat ASAP. Try for the "throne seats" (aka the "Captain Kirk seats") - there are only two of them, on the right side of the plane. The only seat in that row, and with not one but two large table-areas on both sides of you (most business class seats only get one, on either the left or the right...the "throne" seats get that extra space on both left and right sides). I found them quite comfortable. It's a delightful way to get to Europe. Enjoy!

Can I ask how much you bid to 'win' the upgrade. I fly Aer lingus all the time and never win a bid.

Isabel, I have won bids on AerLingus all 3 times I've submitted them. I always bid high - just barely into the "Excellent" category. The original fare was $350 RT from Boston, believe it or not. My bid was about triple that. It is quite a bit more, but still cheaper than buying a Business Class seat outright. I agree with David. Their business class is wonderful. The lounge, no charge for baggage, the fully reclining seats, 2 meals, complementary champagne. The staff is very friendly - just like the citizens of Dublin:)

I agree with Cara - good job, Aer Lingus:)
Also, wrt seat assignment. It looks to me like you cannot select your seat if you win an upgrade. It is assigned for you.

Well played, rswisley.

If you have time to kill on your return, yes the Aer Lingus business class lounge is nice, but don't miss the "Chocolate Cafe" in DUB. A chocolate restaurant (they serve other things, too) in the airport...what a great country!

Although I’ve never been lucky enough to fly business or first class, I’m a fan of Aer Lingus in general! The flight attendants have always been lovely and very reassuring and attentive to this nervous flyer!!