Downgrades, upgrades....

[gottago]

I am a Qantas WP, but retired now and hoarding points like a miser. I need to travel between the UK and AU often, so have resigned myself to Premium Economy on an up-coming trip this Christmas. I'll be sticking to QF where possible to maximize status credits. As you can imagine, I am keen to try to use points to upgrade, but have a couple of concerns.
One is that QF may no longer do every leg of this trip, having seemingly abandoned some legs to BA (I'd ideally like to transit via Bangkok, but am flexible on that). This would be annoying (from a status credit point of view).
Secondly, how likely is an upgrade? Presumably this trip is popular, though there are a number of flight options per day.
Thirdly, a companion (unrelated - as yet!) will be travelling with me. Do I abandon him to his fate in the economy cabin and savour my (possible) upgrade, or is there any way for him to get in on the act? Join QFF (he doesn't live in Oz). Would trying to include him decrease my chances?

And a final question: am I really off the track here in chasing status credits and would I be better off looking for a good deal in Premium Economy or even Business with another airline? If I can get Business for only a little more $$ (I've seen some deals about) my problems disappear, right?

 

[markis10]

Forget upgrades via BKK to LHR, with QF metal stopping at BKK it's not going to happen unless rules change in terms of upgrades on BA. Also consider JASAs, some can be had at close to classic award levels, they take the lottery out of the upgrade and earn SCs. If the odd paid J is an option, look at the AY offers, they are pretty good.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

OP said that they were planning to travel at Christmas. QF is still flying QF1 SYD-BKK-LHR at this point. That said, it's the only flight via BKK - there are no other options.

Requesting for two upgrades would decrease your chances (IMHO) as there need to be two seats available, rather than just the one. However, if the flight is lightly loaded, then it's possible to get two

 

[serfty]

Christmas time is "op up" season for those with status or high PCV.

A WP requesting an upgrade from PE would be in front of those SG/PS/NB etc and those WP requesting an upgrade from Economy.

I would suggest that if your co-traveller is on a separate booking then you request the upgrade for them using your points. There are anecdotes that the 'glow' of your WP points may wash over them.