QF trialling upgrades at the gate in SFO

[DAC1]

Apologies if this is elsewhere (I couldn't find it) but saw this this morning

https://www.uscreditcardguide.com/qantas-secret-businesspremium-economy-upgrade-program-ex-sfo/

Would be interesting if this trial was rolled out elsewhere

 

[pauly7]

SFO was always a Y heavy port - that's one of the reasons it was originally axed, they could fill Y any day of the week but the premium traffic just wasn't there - so they switched routes. So this isn't really a surprise they are doing this.

 

[mviy]

Good to know in case I can only get a discount Y seat. Though I'd prefer to apply for a points upgrade where possible.

 

[Sdtravel]

I'd still prefer the points and status credits if im paying real money for this.

This sounds like an under the table deal where you get moved at the gate for a "donation" to the gate agent.

Perhaps the route isnt profitable so they are looking for a small cash boost to get it over the line.

 

[Pleb Status]

At ~AUD2000 ow from Y (if true), QF are certainly not giving the J seats away at the gate.

I would have thought that most pax looking to upgrade would have applied for one prior to the gate and not many Y pax would be willing to fork out $2k on a whim.

 

[serfty]

...
I would have thought that most pax looking to upgrade would have applied for one prior to the gate and not many Y pax would be willing to fork out $2k on a whim.

I suspect this is more for those who don't have QFF points but a few USD.

 

[Guvner]

At ~AUD2000 ow from Y (if true), QF are certainly not giving the J seats away at the gate.

I would have thought that most pax looking to upgrade would have applied for one prior to the gate and not many Y pax would be willing to fork out $2k on a whim.

Especially given they most likely would not have J catering..

 

[Pleb Status]

I suspect this is more for those who don't have QFF points but a few USD.

Yes, I did forget that QF requires you to use at least some amount of QFF points to submit an UpgradeMe cash bid. That requirement rules out all non QFF pax and those with extremely low points balances from the bidding process.

 

[odysseus]

Yes, I did forget that QF requires you to use at least some amount of QFF points to submit an UpgradeMe cash bid. That requirement rules out all non QFF pax and those with extremely low points balances from the bidding process.

Actually qf members need points, but non-qf members can bid cash only.

 

[siri]

Good move by Qantas and they should take this to the whole International route.. Once flying from US , I saw almost 90% bus class empty and why bother with such a model when you can get good will and money/points from customers.
I remember when I fly United, they always upgrade before even my request at the check in..
I believe Qantas IT system is now getting to know what customer flexibility means.. Few IT CIO's gone and hope new guy take this further.

Apologies if this is elsewhere (I couldn't find it) but saw this this morning

https://www.uscreditcardguide.com/qantas-secret-businesspremium-economy-upgrade-program-ex-sfo/

Would be interesting if this trial was rolled out elsewhere

 

[muppet]

At ~AUD2000 ow from Y (if true), QF are certainly not giving the J seats away at the gate.

I would have thought that most pax looking to upgrade would have applied for one prior to the gate and not many Y pax would be willing to fork out $2k on a whim.

Agreed. Makes it about $5,500 return with an economy ticket included and no guarantee - there are sales to SFO for around that price in J that incl. lounge points status blah blah!

It could be sort of okay for people that only want the upgrade on the night flight home, happy to travel in Y on the way over.

 

[pauly7]

Good move by Qantas and they should take this to the whole International route.. Once flying from US , I saw almost 90% bus class empty and why bother with such a model when you can get good will and money/points from customers.
I remember when I fly United, they always upgrade before even my request at the check in..
I believe Qantas IT system is now getting to know what customer flexibility means.. Few IT CIO's gone and hope new guy take this further.

Wow J 90% empty on QF from US?! Which route and when?! I fly every couple of weeks on the LAX and DFW flights and they are normally very full.

 

[serfty]

San Francisco

 

[leetripper]

Curious that apart from tomorrow and Wednesday this week, Qantas doesn't offer a single QFF points-only reward seat on this route in J until 2nd January 2018.

 

[Brissy1]

I've been looking at using points for J travel to Europe. Same issue, Qantas don't seem to make J seats available until a few days before travel

 

[mviy]

The award seats are released nearly a year out and go quickly

This could suit business travelers. Some firms insist on paying for airfares themselves and only allow discount economy. If you have the cash to pay for the upgrade at the gate this could be quite attractive.

 

[Sdtravel]

Even so for those who chase status its a drawback to depart with such cash and still not get any points or SC's.
Technically not a points upgrade so i dont see why a cash only upgrade cant get something.

 

[Brissy1]

Even so for those who chase status its a drawback to depart with such cash and still not get any points or SC's.
Technically not a points upgrade so i dont see why a cash only upgrade cant get something.

and a bit mean that it apparently doesn't even get you into a lounge

 

[mviy]

If you have status you'd have lounge access anyway, though it sounds like you might have to leave the lounge to apply for this?

 

[Tonkatough]

Not sure if this was a separate or related 'deal' but just last week I was offered a J upgrade for BKK-SYD for A$685 with no additional points required.

Didn't matter what class of Y ticket as the offer was being made to all the Y passengers at check-in before even looking at tickets.