Classic Upgrade Process with U0

[kangarooflyer88]

Hey Everyone,

Apologies if this is a noob question. I'm flying QF 557 tomorrow evening (BNE > SYD) and requested a classic upgrade award from the red e-Deal ticket I purchased. I noticed that the upgrade hasn't cleared meaning that we've got a U0 for that flight. Upon checking ExpertFlyer I see that flight is showing J5, C5, D5, I4. I've got a couple of questions I thought I'd ask the community:

• What are my chances that I'll get the upgrade? That seems like a decent number of J seats out there especially given a narrow body 737 and the fact that we're less than 24 hours out from the flight. I'm also a QF Gold if that means anything, these days!
• Does QF maintain a queue for people waiting to upgrade to J using these instruments? When I was travelling with United, there was an upgrade list where I could see where everyone stood and what my chances were to clear the upgrade
• Is there anything else I can do to improve my odds? (I'm aware of the bid upgrade but the prospect of spending $140 on the low end for a chance to win the upgrade lottery seems a bit steep for me).
• When does QF stop processing upgrade requests? Is it like United and it goes all the way to the gate? Is it a couple hours before the flight?

Thanks in advance, and apologies again if these are noob questions.

Cheers,

RooFlyer88

 

[JohnM]

Firstly, are you aware that doing a Flight Availability search on EF for QF flights has a glitch where it does not show U?

To check U availability, you need to do an Award and Upgrade search.

I have just done that and it is showing U 0. Not surprising, as it's a B738, so stuff-all seats in J.

Second, I4 looks quite promising - but you have SG status according to your profile. There is bound to be others who have an UPG request in. Will SG be enough to trump others? But it is a fairly late flight that may deter some.

Pecking order (status and when you made you request) will rule. Cross your fingers...

But, when all is said and done BNE-SYD: pfft...

Live on the W coast and these things become critical.

 

[serfty]

24 hours before this likely means there are just 5 of the 12 seats left with 7 already sold.

It looks like Qantas are willing to sell 5 Business seats in the higher revenue classes and 4 of those in the cheaper I class.

Even if you do not get confirmed, keep your eyes out as you may be able to get an on departure upgrade in the lounge.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

24 hours before this likely means there are just 5 of the 12 seats left with 7 already sold.

It looks like Qantas are willing to sell 5 Business seats in the higher revenue classes and 4 of those in the cheaper I class.

Even if you do not get confirmed, keep your eyes out as you may be able to get an on departure upgrade in the lounge.

Just received a text from QF confirming my upgrade to J at 11:08 AM (approximately 8 hours before departure). Great to get that upgrade confirmed before I got to the airport so that I didn't have to compete in the upgrade hunger games!

-RooFlyer88

 

[encryptededdy]

I'm aware of the bid upgrade but the prospect of spending $140 on the low end for a chance to win the upgrade lottery seems a bit steep for me

FYI Bid Upgrades are considered after all Classic Upgrades, so this wouldn't have helped.