upgrade from Y+ to J?

[AnnMarie]

In April, I will travel with hubby and my 3 year old on QF JFK/LAX/SYD/MEL/BNE/Coffs Harbour then SYD/LAX/JFK in PE.

We purchased PE as T class - what are the chances of an upgrade to business (don't laugh!). Keep in mind that we have next to no accumulated points (ok, laugh) and what little we have are with AA.

But it is a real question - any shot at an upgrade?

 

[jamesatfish]

Welcome to AFF!

You don't mention whether you are applying for a points upgrade, or whether you are seeking an op-up (free, unsolicited upgrade).

If the former, then your lack of status with QF will count against you, but the lighter premium loads at that time of year (especially SYD-LAX) will work in your favour. As mentioned in other threads, there is a QF Business sale to the US for travel in April, and QF is willing to open Business & First availability for award travel on plenty of flights at that time, so they're more likely to grant points requests for upgrades than they might normally be during peak periods.

If you're after an op-up, then I'd suggest the chances are pretty much zero. If there is a need for QF to move Y+ passengers into J then they'll most likely process points requests first (SYD-LAX-SYD is a popular route for upgrade requests), followed by op-ups to passengers based upon status and fare class. With no QF status you'll unfortunately be at the very bottom of that list - and as a group of 3 that reduces your chances even more.

On the domestic Australian flights you'll likely never get an op-up but points upgrades are fairly easy to obtain (and can be confirmed well in advance of travel).

I'd suggest you just look forward to the Y+ cabin and service and enjoy your trip down under.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Welcome to AFF

.but it is a real question - any shot at an upgrade?

For 3 of you: with no QF status & nil QF miles absolutly zero (or even less than zero). Unlike USA airlines upgrades are not given away

Y+ will be a lot better than Y on a US domestic airline. Enjoy the flights

 

[AnnMarie]

Thanks very much for the sincere replies to what might seem a silly question.

We do intend to enjoy Y+ but having previously flown J to and from Oz...well...it IS very hard to go back...as you all know. (oy..it's almost impossible...)

So,next question - If I were to join Qantas Club, would that membership (plus my sunny disposition and a few points) get me an upgrade to J at the gate?

 

[jamesatfish]

Joining the Qantas Club would only change your flight experience by giving you lounge access before your flights - it would not affect your real-world chances of an upgrade (points or otherwise) on the international flights.

In theory a QC member might be higher up the list than a non-QC member for international upgrades but you'll still be behind anyone with status based upon flights taken on QF. In practice your chances of either type of upgrade are sufficiently slim that the QC membership won't matter.

You can request a points upgrade at the Qantas Club counter for domestic flights only - international upgrades are confirmed in advance of the check-in period. Again you're more likely to get this type of upgrade as long as you've got sufficient points - even for 3 passengers.

 

[AnnMarie]

Sorry I ask these questions as they occur to me, and clearly I am "jonesing" to go J class. Could I pay cash to upgrade? Meaning a small fee (I know I could change my ticket to J class, paying difference in fare and change fees). I guess I'm asking if there is a way to purchase points or pay at the gate? Do I sound desperate ?

 

[samh004]

You said you were with AA, do you have any status with them?

 

[jamesatfish]

Sorry I ask these questions as they occur to me, and clearly I am "jonesing" to go J class. Could I pay cash to upgrade? Meaning a small fee (I know I could change my ticket to J class, paying difference in fare and change fees). I guess I'm asking if there is a way to purchase points or pay at the gate? Do I sound desperate ?

To give you some perspective, Qantas (and indeed the other Australian domestic carriers) do not operate in the same way as US-based airlines when it comes to premium cabins. You will most likely be used to an airline whose policy is to fill the cabins from the front to the back - meaning that if an F or J seat is available it will be filled one way or another, whether through points / miles upgrades, op-ups, 'fire-sales' at the gate, standbys from earlier flights or any other means.

Qantas has the opposite policy - if you want to fly J or F, you pay for J or F up front either with points or cash. Qantas does make some upgrade seats available for people who wish to use points to move up to the next cabin, but these are limited in number, are allocated on a priority basis and are not confirmed until just before you fly. Qantas will happily fly with an empty premium cabin even if the Y cabin is full and there are passengers who have requested an upgrade and have the points to use. If the Y cabin is overbooked and J is empty it is just as likely that Qantas will push Y passengers to another flight in Y than to op-up them to J.

If you're used to the US-based way of doing things, this will likely come as a surprise, but that's the way our local carriers operate.

With that in mind, if you're flying Qantas and definitely want to fly J, you'll need to pay the J fare. The cost to upgrade will be the cost of the J fare less the cost of the T fare you have already paid. This will be the case if you upgrade now or at the airport ticket counter.

 

[NM]

Sorry I ask these questions as they occur to me, and clearly I am "jonesing" to go J class. Could I pay cash to upgrade? Meaning a small fee (I know I could change my ticket to J class, paying difference in fare and change fees). I guess I'm asking if there is a way to purchase points or pay at the gate? Do I sound desperate ?

Qantas does not offer "paid" upgrades except if you wish to pay the difference between the purchased fare and the fare for the cabin to which you want to be upgrade (plus any change fees associated with the original fare rules).

Enjoy Premium Economy. Its a good product for a long flight. The meals and beverages are basically the same as business class (means presentation is different, but similar actual food) and the seats comfortable though not a bed.

 

[Mwenenzi]

To give you some perspective, Qantas (and indeed the other Australian domestic carriers) do not operate in the same way as US-based airlines when it comes to premium cabins.
<snip>
Qantas has the opposite policy - if you want to fly J or F, you pay for J or F up front either with points or cash.
<snip>.
If you're used to the US-based way of doing things, this will likely come as a surprise, but that's the way our local carriers operate.

Indeed its the way most, if not all, carriers outside on the USA operate:- you get what you pay for.