Increased points required for upgrade - change anyone's thinking?

[Mike65]

Just wondering if the recent increase in points required to upgrade might affect your inclination to use this option. Personally, I think the upgrades are still pretty good value and my only entry into the J cabin so I'm happy to spend 90k on LAX-MEL and 50k on SIN-MEL. Hoping others think otherwise so there might be less competition for the spots .

 

[JessicaTam]

In the past I have considered 30k for SIN-MEL, but not gone through with it.

For 50k - fuggetabowdit.

 

[JaneFlyer]

The old J to F upgrades used to be good value but I wouldn't do that anymore. It won't lose too much popularity though, it's a pretty popular option, especially with the A380 J showing its age.

 

[muppet]

Just wondering if the recent increase in points required to upgrade might affect your inclination to use this option. Personally, I think the upgrades are still pretty good value and my only entry into the J cabin so I'm happy to spend 90k on LAX-MEL and 50k on SIN-MEL. Hoping others think otherwise so there might be less competition for the spots .

If you're WP why not just request release of a classic award seat for 60k guaranteed?

I would never use that option ... unless I was travelling for work with a Y only policy (in which case I'd be sending someone else on the trip - or finding a new employer )

 

[nickfromeastryde]

Just wondering if the recent increase in points required to upgrade might affect your inclination to use this option. Personally, I think the upgrades are still pretty good value and my only entry into the J cabin so I'm happy to spend 90k on LAX-MEL and 50k on SIN-MEL. Hoping others think otherwise so there might be less competition for the spots .

I think there may be a lot of whinging and complaints but in reality the amount of points being earned nowadays especially credit card sign on bonuses make upgrades still a very viable and excellent value option. I can't really see demand dropping off at this point in time.

 

[BacchusMarsh]

in reality the amount of points being earned nowadays especially credit card sign on bonuses make upgrades still a very viable and excellent value option.

Not compared to an outright booking.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Compared to the other "major" Australian based domestic or TransTasman carrier, and the service they provide, I personally feel I will still give most of my flight revenue to Qantas.
Yes, points needed to upgrade goes up, but it also comes with the services provided.

 

[Mike65]

Interesting how YMMV - seems like I value comfort/sleep higher than most. Unfortunately my employer (multi billion dollar global company) doesn't fork out for J class fares (or even PE!) so stuck with this situation where points upgrades are my only way into the J cabin. Been operating this way for last 14 years so have accumulated and used a lot of points for upgrades and direct flight purchases. Haven't purchased a toaster yet though.....

 

[eminere]

Unfortunately my employer (multi billion dollar global company) doesn't fork out for J class fares (or even PE!) so stuck with this situation where points upgrades are my only way into the J cabin.

I'm in the exact same situation. There is no question I will fork out the points needed to (try to) secure an upgrade, particularly on longer flights.

 

[opusman]

Upgrades are all I really use points for since I already have a toaster.

 

[JohnK]

Pay through the nose for an upgradeable airfare and then spend 50,000 QFF points for a one way upgrade? I can sleep standing up and the seat and food is not worth that many QFF points.

 

[Deleted member]

Life is a journey, not a destination! For those happy to slum it in row 432, great, more opportunity for me to "hobnob" it in row 1

 

[levelnine]

Interesting how YMMV - seems like I value comfort/sleep higher than most. Unfortunately my employer (multi billion dollar global company) doesn't fork out for J class fares (or even PE!) so stuck with this situation where points upgrades are my only way into the J cabin. Been operating this way for last 14 years so have accumulated and used a lot of points for upgrades and direct flight purchases. Haven't purchased a toaster yet though.....

I'm in the exact same situation. There is no question I will fork out the points needed to (try to) secure an upgrade, particularly on longer flights.

I suspect this is a large part of the market for QFF upgrades (people forced to travel Y for business, but would like to upgrade to J using points acquired from previous work trips/credit card spend) and are a captured audience for QFF spend (can't use points to buy J award tickets), hence the reason why QFF has increased redemption rates.

 

[eminere]

I suspect this is a large part of the market for QFF upgrades (people forced to travel Y for business, but would like to upgrade to J using points acquired from previous work trips/credit card spend) and are a captured audience for QFF spend (can't use points to buy J award tickets), hence the reason why QFF has increased redemption rates.

Oh no doubt. I'm sure QF has done enough surveys to confirm this.

 

[DrJ]

Flying mostly domestically on Flex fares, somewhat surprised that the rate to upgrade PER - east coast has remained at 10K points - for now.

 

[Longtoo]

This is a chicken and egg question. Award flights are rare and only must be booked well in advance. I have enough points but just can seeing myself booking anything 3 months in advance. Upgrade has been the only point burning option for me. I do mostly international flights, it is always fun to wait for the lottery upgrade text to come through. If i can see 2c/point via upgrade burning, I am happy.

 

[mviy]

When even high status travellers such as WP miss out on upgrades it is clear that on some flights at least demand for upgrades far exceeds supply.