Advice please - booking MEL-TUS-MEL trip in September

[Edge]

Hi, I need to go to Tucson in September and I have a few questions. I'm VA WP with plenty of points but need to book economy tickets.

1. I understand only 'Freedom' fares can upgrade to J class. Can Getaway or Elevate upgrade to PE at all? Can't find any reference to it anywhere (assuming they can't)

2. As a WP, what are the "free" seating options like in Y? Do they have economy-x that WP can select free of charge?

3. Is there a way of finding out whether upgrades are available on the MEL-LAX / LAX-MEL flights if I was to book Freedom fares? (I tried calling VA today but gave up after being on hold for 30 minutes). I assume they can only be guaranteed if there are J-reward fares available on the flight? If there isn't any availability, do you go on a waitlist similar to with Qantas?

4. When I check in at TUS, will my bags get checked all the way through to MEL or will I have to collect them at LAX and check-them in again? Asking because TUS-LAX lands at 6.30pm and LAX-MEL departs at 8.55pm - only 2.5hr turnaround. If they can be checked all the way through, is this still the case if I book TUS-LAX separately via Delta and then LAX-MEL via VA?

Thanks in advance

 

[grubbidok]

I do SYD-PHX pretty regularly though can only comment on Y travel. Trans-Pac Y is now the first seat behind Economy X, though one benefit I have found (though they haven't advertised), is that they appear to have given me a Platinum shadow on every flight I've taken, even when the flight is otherwise full. It used to be luck of the draw, but I feel since Economy X has begun they've made it more guaranteed (based on my experience). I've been "upgraded" to Economy X aout 25% of the time. TBH, I have a system that works in economy, and the bulkhead seats were actually less comfortable for me than regular Y (I couldn't stretch out as much), so I don't miss anything.

They'll definitely check your bags all the way through to MEL from TUS. The VA/DL relationship is seamless. I turned up at PHX with two unrelated tickets (one DL to LAX and one 11 hours later to LAX-SYD on VA) and even then they were able to check it through.

 

[Edge]

Thanks for your feedback, really appreciate it. Any advice re the points upgrades? Guessing I will need to speak with VA about availability if I book a freedom fare..

 

[serfty]

1. No, upgrade from freedom or PE only.

https://www.velocityfrequentflyer.com/content/Redeem/FlightUpgrades/upgrademe-points/

2. Not really - X is $149 each way. Rest is answered by grubbidok

3. Yes (see below)

4. Checked all the way - Answered by grubbidok.

If an award business or PE seat is available you can upgrade into it. So do an award search.

Often award seats become available 14 to 7 days out.

 

[Edge]

Thanks serfty. If a J upgrade isn't available at the time, is it possible to request one and then it gets waitlisted, with upgrades being processed close to flight date? Or can you not even request it? (trying to justify whether it's paying for Freedom or just booking the cheaper option).

 

[serfty]

You take your chances ... it tough to predict loadings.