DOES CHOOSING A MEAL RUIN YOUR CHANCE OF AN UPGRADE?

POST BUGADVISOR

I’ve always heard that requesting a special meal – as in gluten free, vegetarian, kosher, halal, etc – meant that your chances of an upgrade were ruined, since the equivalent wouldn’t be available in business class. But how about selecting one of the standard meals in advance?

In my example, I have two seats on a British Airways (BA) flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Orlando (MCO) in premium economy (or World Traveller Plus) – one a Gold Executive Club member and one Silver, so perhaps in the running for an operational upgrade. Under “Manage My Booking” we can choose from one of two standard meals. If we choose one of these meals, does that impact our chances of an upgrade?

➜ R FERGUSON

The short answer is that yes, if you order a special meal you will still be considered for an upgrade. The policy changed about six months ago and originally it was the case that if you ordered a special meal you wouldn’t be considered for an upgrade. If you order a special meal and the upgrade happens on the same day as your departure, you may still receive the special meal you ordered in your original cabin. Neither will your upgrade chances be impacted if you pre-order a regular meal choice.

➜ LUGANO PIRATE

I’ve also heard it does with any airline, not just BA. If they upgrade you, it would mean someone who takes your seat on a full flight will get your meal choice instead of the standard meal, so best to have a good meal beforehand (or after) and hope for the upgrade.

➜ HANDBAG

If you are on a BA flight and you do get upgraded, and you ordered a special meal that you would still like to have, then mention it to the cabin crew. If, for instance, you ordered a kosher meal, it would have been loaded and if you are not offered it, then it will still be sitting in the World Traveller galley. If you still want it, mention it as early as possible.