Question about VA Platinum free flight or upgrades?

[PERLHR]

I'm sure it's obvious but as it's the first time for me I just want to check. Departing Perth and wanting to go to Queenstown. As flights will have to be "via" somewhere as no one fly's anywhere really from Perth, do I need to phone VA to see about availability on chosen route and wouldi have to consider using all 4 freebies and since I want to go as a couple I'm wondering if it is viable? Also is this in biz class or just down the back for ages? I just don't think VA from what I have read makes it clear. Perhaps even they try and make it complicated rather than being available on line?

 

[paros_fan]

I've just booked the flights, called to upgrade just 1 passenger so they had to split the reservation. So upgraded my partner first. Now hoping another business seat becomes available soon. I've checked straight away and so far nothing. Will check again in a couple hours.

 

[PERLHR]

I've just booked the flights, called to upgrade just 1 passenger so they had to split the reservation. So upgraded my partner first. Now hoping another business seat becomes available soon. I've checked straight away and so far nothing. Will check again in a couple hours.

Just seems like a palava....

 

[paros_fan]

Update: I kept checking every hour-ish and probably after about 3-4 hours I noticed that the outbound flight suddenly had a business reward seat but still not the return. So I called and said I wanted to use my upgrade voucher and the agent checked my details, opened my reservation and said she would check availability... To my surprise, she said there was a seat on both flights!
And now its all booked...

Bit of a painful process and annoying that the reservation had to be split into separate PNRs but at least its done

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Excellent news. Seems to confirm that at least in some circumstances there will be a second seat. Good pick up by onemileatatime!