How does Classic upgrade rewards work?

[JennyMG]

Hi all,

I want to learn a bit more about Classic reward upgrades, as reading the Qantas help pages, I still didn't really understand.
Thanks to your suggestions in another thread, I have successfully booked 3x J classic reward legs, all direct! Syd>HAN with JAL, NAR>CDG with AF, and returning (4thleg) HKG>Syd with CX. It was 'fastest finger first' and I guess my triple checking every day helped.
Now, just have to book the 3rd leg - approx 5-6 June 25. It sort of has to fit into the 'sandwich.' Always tricky.
We want J. Would prefer direct, but going to Hong Kong, understand it's a popular route. CX do it, KLM does it from Amst. AF from CDG. Obviously prefer not to add 8 hours to an 11 hour direct flight!

Frankfurt airport is closest to where I'll be, but could also do Zurich, even Munich or Amsterdam.
It really needs to be 5th - 7th June, 2025 preferably 6th.
Some flights have come and gone, some inexplicably, like the AJ from Fra to Hel> HK, which has disappeared suddenly with 5 seats still free. It will probably turn up again tomorrow. I really hate how Qantas's website doesn't show all the options on single flight search, and you have to go to Multi where other things show up. Today J icons are showing in Multicity, but no flights. ugh.

My problem. As yet, I have not hooked any 'good' flights, that is (in my opinion) not Emirates because their cash component is too expensive, not long flights with long layovers, and not more than 1 stop. I think I should be able to find a 14-15hr one, if I can't find a direct 11-12 hour one. Then if something better came up I could pay the points fee and change, if worth it.

I DO see lots of direct economy class CX, KLM (Just can't do anymore. ) So was wondering, IF I booked an CX or KLM direct from Amsterdam or Zurich in economy, what are the chances of a rewards upgrade, and how does it work, and how soon do you find out? I hate the gamble, and I hate waiting. I've tried reading up on it, but none of the explanations very succinct.
OR is it just way too early still and something might/will pop up in J from FRA to HK, later in the year.

I'd love your input, explanation and suggestions. Things are so different to when you had to be online to nab the 355 day out, or 350 days out flight.

 

[RichardMEL]

No.

Only upgrades to classic rewards flights are possible on QF metal. You're out of luck for europe to HKG.

Sorry.

 

[fletty]

Also, assuming you're bronze, while it's not impossible it would be pretty unlikely to manage an upgrade to J on a premium long haul route. You might get an idea from this thread.

 

[JennyMG]

Also, assuming you're bronze, while it's not impossible it would be pretty unlikely to manage an upgrade to J on a premium long haul route. You might get an idea from this thread.

I'm silver. thankyou though.

 

[bertair]

What is the base amount of $$$ QF expect when bidding for an upgrade to PE from ECY ?
Flying QF to LAX next week and I have plenty of points (I think), but would prefer to use $$$$ first on my bid. If I am rejected, can I bid again between now and when I fly in a weeks time, or is it better to wait until 24-48 hours before take off ?

 

[JennyMG]

What is the base amount of $$$ QF expect when bidding for an upgrade to PE from ECY ?
Flying QF to LAX next week and I have plenty of points (I think), but would prefer to use $$$$ first on my bid. If I am rejected, can I bid again between now and when I fly in a weeks time, or is it better to wait until 24-48 hours before take off ?

Yes, I'm still waiting for an answer to my question.
Perhaps I gave too much information on why I want to know, but I don't understand how upgrades work, despite researching.
If anyone can explain, without assumptions about the situation, that would be great. I've always gotten great advice here.

 

[levelnine]

Yes, I'm still waiting for an answer to my question.
Perhaps I gave too much information on why I want to know, but I don't understand how upgrades work, despite researching.
If anyone can explain, without assumptions about the situation, that would be great. I've always gotten great advice here.

What do you mean? Richard answered your question. You cannot use Qantas points to upgrade your cabin on flights that are operated by Cathay Pacific or KLM.

Post automatically merged: Jun 27, 2024

What is the base amount of $$$ QF expect when bidding for an upgrade to PE from ECY ?
Flying QF to LAX next week and I have plenty of points (I think), but would prefer to use $$$$ first on my bid. If I am rejected, can I bid again between now and when I fly in a weeks time, or is it better to wait until 24-48 hours before take off ?

The minimum (base) amount for a cash upgrade bid will be listed on the bidding website.

Note cash upgrades are processed behind points upgrades, so by choosing the cash option you're decreasing your chances of success.

 

[RichardMEL]

Yes, I'm still waiting for an answer to my question.
Perhaps I gave too much information on why I want to know, but I don't understand how upgrades work, despite researching.
If anyone can explain, without assumptions about the situation, that would be great. I've always gotten great advice here.

OK. I had responded to the specific case you gave of what you're wanting to do in an attempt to directly and simply answer your question without waffle, but taking away assumptions:

QANTAS provide the ability to list for an upgrade (using points) for Economy to Premium Economy or Business Class. They do not alliw points upgrades on Reward bookings for Business to First Class (as opposed to upgrades from paid revenue fares, but I digress). One can also put in an upgrade request in for Premium Economy reward seats to Businless Class.

The key thing is that these are ONLY available for reward seats booked on QANTAS operated flights (ie QF metal) with a QF flight number.

Now, bid upgrades have also been introduced to this thread - this is a separate thing entirely, but again only applies to QF fligjts, and as noted above, are oy processed after "Classic Upgrade Rewards"

Finally, all upgrade requests on QF are processed by status levels - so the higher the level, the higher the chance of obtaining one.

I think that covers the key points.

Perhaps you could be specific about what is confusing you about the process? I understand the QF namig scheme of "classic Rewards" (and now "Classic Plus Rewards") and '"Classic Upgrade Rewards" and "Bid Now Upgrades" can get confusing, the overall the process is fairly straightforward.

 

[opusman]

A monthly subscription to seatspy.com might be worth it if you're having trouble finding award seats.

 

[bertair]

What do you mean? Richard answered your question. You cannot use Qantas points to upgrade your cabin on flights that are operated by Cathay Pacific or KLM.

Post automatically merged: Jun 27, 2024

The minimum (base) amount for a cash upgrade bid will be listed on the bidding website.

Note cash upgrades are processed behind points upgrades, so by choosing the cash option you're decreasing your chances of success.

I noted the figure was about half of a full PECY fare, and since I have already paid a full fare for an ECY seat, if I accepted the lowest figure on the slider, I would wind up paying more for an upgrade to PECY than I would have if I had book a straight out PECY fare, with no points are taken into account . Am I missing something here ? Not sure of the QF Logic of auctioning off upgrades if the upgrade is greater than an outright fare ?

 

[levelnine]

I noted the figure was about half of a full PECY fare, and since I have already paid a full fare for an ECY seat, if I accepted the lowest figure on the slider, I would wind up paying more for an upgrade to PECY than I would have if I had book a straight out PECY fare, with no points are taken into account . Am I missing something here ? Not sure of the QF Logic of auctioning off upgrades if the upgrade is greater than an outright fare ?

I never bother looking at cash bids so not familiar with the price ranges they offer, but that doesn't surprise me. Qantas often charge a hefty amount for upgrades (eg if you book a classic award economy fare and upgrade to business class on points, the combined amount is more than if you had been able to book it outright as a business class classic award ticket — of course availability is the sticking point in this instance).

Their thinking is probably that you're already locked into the ticket once you've bought the ticket in the lower class, so why charge merely the cash difference? Also, it might be a product of what they think they can get someone to pay for the upgrade.

 

[SYD]

I noted the figure was about half of a full PECY fare, and since I have already paid a full fare for an ECY seat, if I accepted the lowest figure on the slider, I would wind up paying more for an upgrade to PECY than I would have if I had book a straight out PECY fare, with no points are taken into account . Am I missing something here ? Not sure of the QF Logic of auctioning off upgrades if the upgrade is greater than an outright fare ?

Those bid prices can vary wildly (and not just QF). They sometimes cap out at the fare difference between current ticket and next cabin (ie the fare difference to change your ticket and lock in the higher cabin).

If the flight is getting full, you're probably going to see some big numbers. If undersold, there could be bargains and you might even luck in with the all the points upgrades being exhausted and cash bids actually get processed (it does happen!).

 

[Adobongga]

I just made a pts+cash upgrade bid for 3 ECY to PECY seats on QF1 SIN to LON 30/06. I realise as a Bronze FF, I've a fat chance in hell of securing these, but figured as a one-off gamble, I'd give the lottery a whirl. I'm telling myself to just look forward to drowning my sorrows in the Changi Qantas Club before dragging myself into a 14-hour ECY seat.

 

[JennyMG]

OK. I had responded to the specific case you gave of what you're wanting to do in an attempt to directly and simply answer your question without waffle, but taking away assumptions:

QANTAS provide the ability to list for an upgrade (using points) for Economy to Premium Economy or Business Class. They do not alliw points upgrades on Reward bookings for Business to First Class (as opposed to upgrades from paid revenue fares, but I digress). One can also put in an upgrade request in for Premium Economy reward seats to Businless Class.

The key thing is that these are ONLY available for reward seats booked on QANTAS operated flights (ie QF metal) with a QF flight number.

Now, bid upgrades have also been introduced to this thread - this is a separate thing entirely, but again only applies to QF fligjts, and as noted above, are oy processed after "Classic Upgrade Rewards"

Finally, all upgrade requests on QF are processed by status levels - so the higher the level, the higher the chance of obtaining one.

I think that covers the key points.

Perhaps you could be specific about what is confusing you about the process? I understand the QF namig scheme of "classic Rewards" (and now "Classic Plus Rewards") and '"Classic Upgrade Rewards" and "Bid Now Upgrades" can get confusing, the overall the process is fairly straightforward.

Thankyou.
I'm not confused about the name Classic Rewards, or Classic Plus rewards. It's the bidding for upgrades process I don't understand, and unlike when I wrote the post, I now understand it's for QF only which will probably negate the possibility of me using this strategy in this particular instance.
Though I still don't understand 'list for an upgrade' which I guess is a Classic Upgrade Reward? or bid for an upgrade. The process and the difference?

 

[RichardMEL]

Thankyou.
I'm not confused about the name Classic Rewards, or Classic Plus rewards. It's the bidding for upgrades process I don't understand, and unlike when I wrote the post, I now understand it's for QF only which will probably negate the possibility of me using this strategy in this particular instance.
Though I still don't understand 'list for an upgrade' which I guess is a Classic Upgrade Reward? or bid for an upgrade. The process and the difference?

Ok.

You put in an upgrade request using points which can be called listing for an upgrade.

These uograde requests are processed BEFORE any "bid upgrades"

The differences are mostly

1. Classic Upgrade Rewards are done ysing one's points.
2. Bid upgrades are done with cash, with a set minimum amount set by QF. One can also use cash and ooints (also called "points plus pay")
3. Bid Upgrades ate not offered on all flights or to all passengers/bookings. Classic Upgrade Reward requests can be submitted on pretty much all QF flights as long as it's an eligible fare(or CR in Economy or PE)

So one uses just points, the other can be with cash.

Again though Classic Upgrades are ALL processed before ANY bids. Sooidds are higher for Classic Upgrade Rewards - specially for those with status.

And, as you noted, none of these are options for those partner airline classic reward flights you mentioned earlier.

More info here:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/manage-booking/upgrade/bid-now-upgrade.html#receiving-an-invitation

 

[muppet]

Slightly OT

But couldn’t help but laugh at this in this week’s Qantas Wine email, any way this writer could be more obvious that they don’t know how the upgrade program works: