Half Points Upgrades for Redeye Flight - Should I do it?

[Blue Chameleon]

So I have been snooping this site for a few months now getting some extremely valuable insight into the Velocity FF program.

Thought it's time I start posting something...

I have booked a PER-SYD return flight DJ on Saver fares in Nov to head over for a friends wedding.

PER-SYD is a red eye flight on a Friday night, with SYD-PER a 7pm flight on the Sunday.

I currently have enough points to cover upgrades to J on both legs. Noticing there is a special pricing on Flexi fares, AND half priced points upgrades, this has got me thinking that I will cancel the Saver fare for the PER-SYD leg and buy a Flexi and upgrade. All I incur is the ($60 cancel fee, plus fare difference between saver and flexi being $140, for a total of $200). It's a bit of a no-brainer for the A330 product (based off reviews on AFF of the J product on these models).

But in terms of the redeye flight, would it be worth it (specifically in terms of the business product on late night flights) to do the same, or would I be better saving it and using on another PER-SYD flight at a earlier/later date?

Ping: Anyone here fly that flies the redeye J product on the coast to coast (or has done both J and Y to compare).

 

[pauly7]

Personally I would do it, there is always a risk the A330 goes tech and you end up on a 737, but in my opinion worth taking!

I value my sleep highly so that's why I'd do it.... Can you sleep on planes? In Y? in J? That will probably answe your question.

I also think taking advantage of all heavy points and fare discounting DJ is throwing around makes good sense!

 

[Blue Chameleon]

Yeah I can usually get an hour or two worth of sleep in Y.

Probably a stupid question, but I'm assuming lounge access for arrivals applies to J fares?

Would make it a hell of a lot easier in dealing with stepping off a plane at 6am (when I've got a massive night ahead of me) to be able to freshen up with a quick shower and coffee to wake up.

 

[mickeyc747]

No J arrivals access if you do not have status. I had a colleague who flew J from Sydney this week and my flight was 45 late and I told him to wait in the lounge in Melbourne and they would not let him in. I also rang the Platinum call centre and they confirmed it is only 2 hours access prior to your flight.

 

[RWJ777]

Answer in my mind is yes and yes.

I would upgrade and to make the most of the flight, I would look at shifting it to a time you could enjoy that lovely (French) champagne and flowing wine.

Food is less good but DJ's J service is really good if you can look past their discriminatory policies re making single men shift away from children lest the altitude turn them into uncontrollable apes who ravage children.

 

[Blue Chameleon]

No J arrivals access if you do not have status. I had a colleague who flew J from Sydney this week and my flight was 45 late and I told him to wait in the lounge in Melbourne and they would not let him in. I also rang the Platinum call centre and they confirmed it is only 2 hours access prior to your flight.

I'm glad I asked this question then!

Not so much of a problem though, as I'm a lowly Silver but still have a lounge pass I've been hoarding for a few months.

 

[Blue Chameleon]

Answer in my mind is yes and yes.

I would upgrade and to make the most of the flight, I would look at shifting it to a time you could enjoy that lovely (French) champagne and flowing wine.

Food is less good but DJ's J service is really good if you can look past their discriminatory policies re making single men shift away from children lest the altitude turn them into uncontrollable apes who ravage children.

Even more reason to upgrade, given no UM's in J!

I'd have to shift a few things at work in order to take the earlier flight (as the closest PER-SYD flight prior to the redeye departs 1500, arrives 1015). I'll call Velocity on Monday to check upgrade availability for the 1500 flight.

 

[KCMil]

I was asvised on Friday that the Lounge Angels have had their wings clipped a little as to what they can and can not do anymore! I know they have changed flt's for me that were Saver, due to status, apparently that is now all a No go!!! I'm confident they will continue to do their best but they are now being "watched" and apparently audited etc... and will personally get pulled up for what could be seen as fraudulent transactions.
Shame, another step backward, but then I've had so many favours I can't complain.

 

[Blue Chameleon]

...they have changed flt's for me that were Saver, due to status, apparently that is now all a No go!!!...

Sorry, "flt's" meaning flight times?

 

[oz_mark]

I was asvised on Friday that the Lounge Angels have had their wings clipped a little as to what they can and can not do anymore! I know they have changed flt's for me that were Saver, due to status, apparently that is now all a No go!!!

I don't know what they can and can't do, but the rules on FlyAhead allow them to move Gold/Platinum members on Saver fares, as long as that class (or lower) is available on the earlier flight. Perhaps it is the class availability thing that has not been enforced?

 

[KCMil]

I was told directly that the "new" rules in place for them don't allow them to make changes to saver fares anymore. Regardless of status you now have to abide by the rules of the fare you have purchased. Disruption obviously has rules that guide what they can do. I experienced this on Wed. Again I believe they will continue to "push the envelope" but may not always be able to do the things for Gold / Plat that they have in the past.

 

[muppet]

I don't know what they can and can't do, but the rules on FlyAhead allow them to move Gold/Platinum members on Saver fares, as long as that class (or lower) is available on the earlier flight. Perhaps it is the class availability thing that has not been enforced?

Hmmmm, that's very interesting - I presumed it was a free for all if a seat was available - and that's how it has operated.
However, you'll note that the Platinum upgrades from economy to business are called "complimentary fare upgrades" so I'm thinking when they say "fare class" they mean "cabin class"?? (I checked the terms, fare class is not a defined term.)

 

[MichaelD]

Ping: Anyone here fly that flies the redeye J product on the coast to coast (or has done both J and Y to compare).

The upgrade to J *IS* worth it on the red eye, though no where near as worth it as an A330 J upgrade. The 737 J seat is somewhat limited in recline, but your sleep in J will be better than in Y.

Having said that, if you think you'll fall asleep at midnight in PER and wake up fresh as a daisy in SYD...I find I still need to get some sleep Saturday am.

 

[ataline]

Quick question - how do you know if an upgrade is available for a particular flight? I'm looking at booking a flexi fare (PER-MEL) but may get a saver fare if there isn't an upgrade.

 

[MichaelD]

Quick question - how do you know if an upgrade is available for a particular flight?

You ring up and ask. There is no way to tell online.

Availability is pretty extensive, however.

 

[Moopere]

As MichaelD says, upgrades of this type are "Q" class and you have to ring to find out availability. A good indicator however is availability of "H" class which can be seen using ExpertFlyer or KVS tool.

 

[ataline]

Thank you for your help. Will check out Expertflyer.

 

[JohnK]

Quick question - how do you know if an upgrade is available for a particular flight? I'm looking at booking a flexi fare (PER-MEL) but may get a saver fare if there isn't an upgrade.

Call customer care.

When I called the other day I was told plenty of Velocity availability.