Op ups on CX

[aus_flyer]

From those who have been fortunate to get one/many op ups with CX, do you think it makes a difference whether you are booked under the CX flight number or a codeshare (for example, QF on CX to Rome)?

Thanks

 

[aus_flyer]

Anyone? (please!)

I'm trying to work out how to get from HKG to Europe with highest chance of upgrade... but would be good to be able to book under QF flight number if flying to FCO, to get status bonus (and normal base economy earning)

Should I risk it with Cathay knowing how they seem to treat OW emeralds (for what is a slightly higher fare), or just go QF with little, no chance.

 

[Mal]

No actual Cathay booked as Qantas type experience.

Reasonable other Cathay experience (as in > 15 flights with them) as WP.

Op-Ups do happen as WP with them, but I would estimate less than 30% chance - even less chance when longhaul.

If you book Qantas, you get better points and a cheaper fare. Should technically be a no-brainer over a small chance of an Op-Up.

(Note of course that general perception is that on a codeshare, you have next to nothing chance of an op-up anyways. No specific Cathay experience though to back this up)

 

[NM]

In my opinion, making bookings on the hope of an operational upgrade is false economy. Make the reservation on the basis of what you know you will get. And in the case of earning Qantas FF points, book under the QF code to ensure you earn the QF Status Bonus.

CX may be more generous with upgrades than QF, but each time I have been upgrades (J to F) there have been other contributing factors other than just load or status. The chances of getting an upgrade out of the blue on any particular flight are considerably less than the known fact that you will earn better QF FF points if you book the QF flight number.

 

[Anna]

I was on CX292 from FCO to HKG last Sunday and was upgraded at checkin from I to first. Booking was as CX flight number.

 

[Altair]

I was on CX292 from FCO to HKG last Sunday and was upgraded at checkin from I to first. Booking was as CX flight number.

Congratulations. I wish I had that much luck. Do you know if the flight was very full, also do you think status played a role?

 

[Anna]

Sorry Altair, don't know if the flight was full, didn't look behind me. I am OW sapphire.

For what it's worth, although I obviously am not going to turn down an upgrade to first if it is offered, I don't personally think that first is all that much better than business. You still have to sit in the same seat for hours on end, and that is what I dislike most about flying. I definitely would not pay for first. I probably would not even apply for a points upgrade from business to first.

Economy to business is the big difference in my opinion. Or, private jet vs. commercial service.

 

[simongr]

Sorry Altair, don't know if the flight was full, didn't look behind me.

Nice style

 

[timekeeping]

As a QF WP flying CX, I have been op-uped twice to F (from J) on HKG-SYD flights.

Strangely enough, those op-ups took place almost immidately after they op-downed(!) me to Y from J (combined 2 flights into 1 plane and it was totally full. QF WP didn't help either).

 

[sietes]

Hi all. Have been viewing the forum for some time and found it great value but have not really had anything to add untill now.

I flew on a discount economy from Osaka to Melbourne Via Hong Kong last week and i was upgraded (OP UP?) at check in for the Osaka to Hong Kong leg to business class.
I am QFF Silver - One World Ruby and i was told by the lovely check in lady that it was due to being a one world member on a flight with over sold economy section. I also think it helped that i was second in line to check in at the business class counter (got to use every benefit you can no matter how small they are)

On the down-side I had to return to economy cabin from Hong Kong to Melbourne and it made the seat seem oh so much smaller!

 

[littl_flier]

Thanks for sharing your experience sdevans11 and Welcome to AFF!

I'm pleased CX look after just more than WP's and look after their pleb's as well. Although, they probably should be looked after first I guess.....

Congrats on the upgrade and hope you had a nice trip.

Cheers,
littl_flier

 

[NM]

Hi all. Have been viewing the forum for some time and found it great value but have not really had anything to add untill now.

Welcome to AFF, sdevans11

On the down-side I had to return to economy cabin from Hong Kong to Melbourne and it made the seat seem oh so much smaller!

Hmm, sounds like the addiction to premium cabin travel has already kicked in. What has CX created?