A new love - upgrading my mum to business

[138-CAN]

I'd like to share my most recent experience with Qantas. A positive one!

Maybe I'm crazy, but my most recent spend to upgrade my mum using points was the best use of points I've ever experienced! I've used JASAs to get status, booked flights using points on domestic and international trips / upgrades but my simple act of upgrading a family member was the most rewarding use of points I've had to date. I'll note I'm only SG and don't have that many points to write home about.

She'd never flown business class before and a direct flight (4 and a half hours domestic and after a stressful trip for family issues) seemed like a good opportunity.

The very helpful staff member at Qantas (over the phone) organised the upgrade for me with no troubles. I later realised that I could do it online, but I didn't have the PNR at the time and she managed to do it all for me - I assure you she asked many questions and I knew her flight no.

We have all felt stressful times with our families and this sort of easy service (24-hour phone service, never having to wait, kinda bending the rules) truly made me and my mum feel relaxed was really appreciated.

I love comments like...
- I could bring someone (ie my sister) into the lounge with me!
- I made sure I got there and hour before to make use of the lounge
- I asked whether they had a Brandy on the flight and she recommended me a Baileys. She then proceeded to give me a full glass with one bit of ice. I didn't need to ask for more (my mum is a bit of a softie I guess)
- Oooh I think I drank too much coffee on the flight
- I had the Chicken Cacciatore... then I got Ice-cream - chocolate and orange - like a Jaffa!!!!

Thank you Qantas, you just made my mum, and my day.

She thoroughly enjoyed the commentary by staff when handing out the newspapers claiming "It wasn't our fault" referring to the recent events at Darwin Airport

 

[tuapekastar]

Good on you. It's nice to give something back to the parents. I took my old mum to the US earlier this year on a QF 2-for-1 J sale, and she loved the trip. No points involved, but the same principle.

 

[Shane B]

Excellent!

Myself and Mum are spending Christmas in Cairns this year. I'll be seeing if I can get us some points upgrades to business.

 

[Major]

Well done...( immediately forwards thread to 3 sons suggesting something similar for their Mother and Father's birthday )

Very thoughtful.

 

[Anna]

I've put in a request for an international upgrade for my mum before, and also for my sister (both successful, separate trips). The thing mum loved most was being addressed as Mrs (surname) by the cabin crew. She still talks about that. It was a real surprise for her.

Not sure that dad is all that pleased, as now mum won't fly less than premium economy internationally!

 

[codash1099]

Still waiting for my kids to do it for me.

 

[docjames]

Similar using my credit card "free" flight so my sister can come visit her nephew.

Great use and she valued the flight far more highly than one more for me. Also managed to use it on a date when fares were fairly steep so double bonus.

 

[ozmille]

I loved taking my parents into the Flounge in SYD and enjoying a very nice lunch before a trip to Thailand in the beginning of the year. They liked all the champagne and free food

 

[parsonstrish]

I can relate to the sentiments expressed. I didn't have points but paid for my eldest son to fly over with me 19/10 syd-dfw to meet family in states. Not made of money but it's something I've wanted to do for along time. It will be awesome to take him into syd flounge and share my first experience. I will be taking him to where I grew up and meet friends, it has made my hol's that much more to look forward too. Mind you, he has a wicked sense of humour and when we are out and we are leaving wherever, has been known to say ''i've got to take her back to the home now" I've threatned him if he does this I will say he's my toyboy. Think I've got it covered.

 

[ashleyn]

Good story

 

[Pvcmenace]

Did it for my Mum and Dad with QF, FJ and NZ in J 2009. Now they're EY in F not looking back.... Whilst I'm still now in Y and J on the odd upgrade. Oh well that's what you do

 

[JohnK]

Great to hear of these type of experiences.

My father loved being "spoilt" on our Oneworld award in 2009. Lounges, exit row/bulkhead seats. He was raving on in Greece to his sisters and other relatives of how we went round the world to get there. Especially the part about going LAX-DFW-YYZ-ORD-STL-IAD-LHR-ATH. Unfortunately at his age he is not likely to fly again.

I am hoping to cash in US Airways miles for my mother and send her to Greece in business class next year which could end up as her last trip also.

 

[Cassiel]

I am using points to take Mum to London in J next year. I managed to get return JASA's for each of us, thanks in part to the great tips from this forum I daresay she will also enjoy the lounges, albeit the business ones available to a humble SG.

 

[Flying Fox]

Great work and great story.

I sent my mum to HK and brought her back on QF in J once. She got an extra bonus as she was upgraded to F on the way over!

I was super super happy for her. She deserves it for putting up with me for so many years !!!

 

[deluxeflyer]

Well done, OP. Very nice.

Took Dad to LAX in SQ F.
Commented that Y looked unpleasant on a walkabout !
And that Concorde LHR-SIN was better back in the late 70's. Oh well.

Sent Mum and Aunt to HKG in SQ F.
They loved the Krug (2 bottles on each leg) and
remarked that it's the only champagne they've had that doesn't give them a headache.

More recently, took Mum on MH F to KUL.
Only 2 of us in F and she ended up talking to all the premium crew.
She held up disembarkation because she took so long hugging and kissing all the premium crew good-bye.
It was v embarrassing.