JQ *class ODU from Mel to BKK?

[misstam]

I've read with interest about folks paying for an ODU to starclass on Jetstar, flying to Honolulu - does anyone have experience of doing the same on flights Melbourne to Bangkok?

I'm flying out the end of April on a Thursday - back a couple of weeks later on a Sunday.

Any tips for maximising chances of an ODU?

cheers

 

[somebol]

I've read with interest about folks paying for an ODU to starclass on Jetstar, flying to Honolulu - does anyone have experience of doing the same on flights Melbourne to Bangkok?

I'm flying out the end of April on a Thursday - back a couple of weeks later on a Sunday.

Any tips for maximising chances of an ODU?

cheers

Get to the airport early and you should be fine. Getting points and SCs could be down to luck.

 

[rambisyouth]

I'm looking to do exactly the same on a couple of trips mid-year so will be interested to hear of availability and cost.

 

[taswegian77]

there is another thread on this subject somewhere, i am sure a moderator can find it and link it in here. i thought of doing it yesterday for a BKK-MEL flight I am doing on Thursday but decided to just buy the * class seat as they are currently going for $750 AUD which I found amazing. Just a few months ago a one way * class from MEL-BKK or BKK-MEL was costing around $1.1K, demand must be down a lot. My flight on the 2nd Arpil has so far only around 10, maybe 12 bookings in * class, depends on whether 6JK is blocked for crew rests or not, hard to tell.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Also a small warning that I checked availability yesterday MEL-BKK at end of April and it was SOLD in all economy classes, only the *class at $793 (or thereabouts) was available.

I would be concerned about the availability of ODUs on that flight - or at least if ODU available, getting two seats together (if you need them) or avoiding the middle seat (if travelling alone) might be hard.

mel-t

 

[misstam]

Thanks for the replies. Wow, the *class fares have come down substantially in the last couple of months. Seeing as I've already booked my cheapy seats, I guess I'll get to the airport early & see how lady luck plays out!

 

[serfty]

It's quite possible you can call and have what you have already paid appied as a credit for part payment of a star class fare for the same flight.

 

[ColinP]

It's quite possible you can call and have what you have already paid appied as a credit for part payment of a star class fare for the same flight.

I did this last year. A star class promo fare popped up after I'd already booked a trip SYD-KIX. I phoned and they were happy to upgrade my booking to star class on payment of the difference.

The advantage of doing it this way rather than hoping for an ODU is you are guaranteed to get the QFF points/ SCs.

 

[misstam]

It's quite possible you can call and have what you have already paid appied as a credit for part payment of a star class fare for the same flight.

Well blow me down if I don't learn something new every day on AFF!
Cheers, I didn't realise you could do that - especially with the *class promo fares.

Seems logical I suppose, if you're paying extra they shouldn't mind too much. Like ColinP mentioned, I'd much rather be guaranteed the points/SCs on *class... also given that the fares are coming into the ballpark of what the original jetsaver fare + ODU cost would be.

 

[rambisyouth]

I can confirm the cost of an ODU for MEL-BKK is now $500 in line with other routes. There seemed plenty of availability but I passed at that price.

On return they are charging 5900 baht (approx $220) which seems a bargain so I snapped it up!

 

[taswegian77]

thanks rambis for the price update. I am traveling tomorrow on JQ29 to BKK but already purchased a star class fare both ways. by my estimations it appears it is actually cheaper to currently pay for star class then buy a cheapie ticket and then upgrade, given the promo fares going. i wonder if the upgrade cost woudl still be $500 if you had purchased a JetFlex fare which when I purchased my star class fare was only $100 less than star class? One to ponder about?

 

[rambisyouth]

My feeling is it makes no difference what fare yoy have. Both times I asked the price I was given the answer withouth them know who I was or what ticket I had paid for.

I didn't try to negotiate price so not sure if there's any flexibility there.

 

[rambisyouth]

Update

Currently sitting in the Melbourne QP Business lounge after upgrading from MEL-BKK at check-in.

Cost is currently $249 for ODU which I happily accepted. Will wait and see if points and SC's are credited.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Re: Update

Currently sitting in the Melbourne QP Business lounge after upgrading from MEL-BKK at check-in.

Cost is currently $249 for ODU which I happily accepted. Will wait and see if points and SC's are credited.

Another successful Jetstar ODU.

August 11 MEL-BKK($249.00) and return a few weeks later both upgraded at the airport. Melbourne gave the 30kgs baggage allowance but in BKK they didn't give the extra baggage allowance.

The 120 x 2 SCs posted a few days later, definitely worth if it's available.

No SCs for me; I suggested it to a work colleague who thought it would be nice to get to silver; just reporting the good news.

Check in staff mentioned that it might be possible to ring 24 hours out and see if the upgrade is available.