Upgrade to first from business on LA to Syd - worth it?

[impartiality]

It's gonna cost me 45,000 points - is this a waste of time or is the experience really worth it? I will be going on the A380.

Curious to know what people think.

I am gold at the moment, but will be platinum when I decide to upgrade or not. Maybe the extra points and SC are worth considering?

 

[samh004]

As you’ll be upgrading you wont be getting any extra points or SC’s, you’ll only be getting points/SC’s for the fare you’ve booked and paid for. Being a Platinum will give you a higher chance of getting the upgrade if there are seats though.

I haven’t been on the A380 yet, and only ever travelled once in First class, but for a flight of that length, it seems like a bargain to only part with 45,000 points for F.

If you like the finer things in life, then I’m sure you’ll notice the difference between J and F.

 

[coyote25]

I agree - 45k points for an upgrade to first would be well worth it. You'll earn points back on the original business fare so if possible go for it.

 

[NYCguy]

An upgrade to F on a 14 hour flight is always worth it, without question. I'd be able to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep in F, and arrive at the horror of SYD in the morning feeling refreshed and alert.

I believe that QF 12 traditionally has quite healthy loads in F, but with the world economy the way it is... Look, you might well get lucky, since you are up near the top of the pecking-order.

You'll earn 16855 points for the sector as a WP, so the upgrade will really only cost you 28145 points.

 

[JetLagged]

I definitely think that it is worth it - and yes, with your P status, you're ahead of others in the running. I've paid to op-up to F a number of times (both 747 and 380) and find you get to your destination so much more relaxed, and the sleep is so much more appreciated with the lambswool underlay - not to forget the better level of anaesthetic served!

 

[impartiality]

Thanks guys, think I'll go for it

 

[coolumbla]

one word
YES!

 

[cove]

Yes it is a good place to be.

Figure out the take off video.

Enjoy the quiet sleeping space.

 

[NowBoardingQF1]

worth it...? yeah....

 

[simongr]

You'll earn 16855 points for the sector as a WP, so the upgrade will really only cost you 28145 points.

Ok - just to be pedantic the cost is 45K irrespective of what he earns for the flight. If he didnt upgrade then he would earn 17K and not spend 45K. If he does upgrade he spends 45K and earns 17K. Either way the cost of an upgrade is 45K.

BUT - I would do this in a heartbeat! I am in fact hoping to do it later this year....

 

[coolumbla]

my last four or five flights in J have resulted in a points upgrade to f
Twice in an A380
CArefully picked flights to not be in peak times
I think its the best value use of points to upgrade!

Next one to BKK looking good with A3 F3 on seatcounter
Flight back looking ordinary with 0 in all buckets!


C

 

[NYCguy]

Ok - just to be pedantic the cost is 45K irrespective of what he earns for the flight. If he didnt upgrade then he would earn 17K and not spend 45K. If he does upgrade he spends 45K and earns 17K. Either way the cost of an upgrade is 45K.

Yes, I understand this, but the net cost to the FF account is 28145 points for the one-way sector.

 

[Hvr]

Worth every point and more. I upgraded from J to F on a leg of my recent trip, SYD-SIN. This had the added benefit of giving me access to the F lounge in SYD. The A380 is a wonderful plane and sitting up the front was the cream on the cake.

A previous upgrade (Oct 08 SYD-BKK) in the 744 was also worth it.

Would do it again in a heartbeat.

For me it is the best use of points.

 

[impartiality]

Never got back to the forum on this.

Have to say that I think First is overrated - Business really gives you the best bang for your buck.

The grog is definitely superior, the bed is fantastic, but aside from that - well, it just wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I didn't think the food was any different to business.

Not sure if it's worth the points. No wonder Qantas are cutting back on their First seatings - it just don't justify the cost to do it.

 

[Dave Noble]

Never got back to the forum on this.

Have to say that I think First is overrated - Business really gives you the best bang for your buck.

The grog is definitely superior, the bed is fantastic, but aside from that - well, it just wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I didn't think the food was any different to business.

Not sure if it's worth the points. No wonder Qantas are cutting back on their First seatings - it just don't justify the cost to do it.

mmm..I would agree about QF F not being that impressive and given the quality of QF F not surprised that they are cutting back on provision of it. On the 747 it can be worth upgrading from business on a night flight for the flat bed. Doesnt mean that no 1st classes are worth buying tickets for though.

Introdiuce a 2nd rate 1st class product and cannot be surprised that the sales of 1st drop. QF F was great compared to competition when 1st introduced, but now even with the revamp it lacks

 

[JetLagged]

On the 747 it can be worth upgrading from business on a night flight for the flat bed. Doesnt mean that no 1st classes are worth buying tickets for though.

Dave, don't forget that many fo the 747 fleet are being revamped to include the same lie-flat beds that the A380s J section now enjoy. A vast improvement over the old J class seats - the slope annoyed the hell out of me.

I'd be interested to hear which other airlines F class (partiocularly One World) are so superior to QAN - not suites, but basic F - and which ones distinctly inferior. Have been in BA F for LHR to JFK- and was singularly unimpressed by standard of cabin and amenities - and entertainment was so restricted it was a joke.

IMHO the added benefits of a true lie flat bed for a nights sleep - when coupled with the doona and underlay in F, make the product truly superior. The food is no different than the J menu, the drink might be of better quality: but the sound sleep ina really quiet cabin is well worth it!

 

[Dave Noble]

I'd be interested to hear which other airlines F class (partiocularly One World) are so superior to QAN - not suites, but basic F - and which ones distinctly inferior. Have been in BA F for LHR to JFK- and was singularly unimpressed by standard of cabin and amenities - and entertainment was so restricted it was a joke.
!

Why does it have to be One World? I have no particular allegiance to an alliance when it comes to buying tickets these days

Well... for a starters Emirates... Suites are not just on 1 type of aeroplane but on various and no surcharge for using them; all the flights from Sydney have them iirc, plus Perth and some of Melbourne. even the non suite product I find easily superior to QF. Add to that the reasonable 1st fares I can get with them on my European trips, they trounce over QF/BA; Happy to pay for 1st if the carrier is good, not prepared to pay for a substandard one

As far as 744s being refitted with flat beds in QF; when it happens that will improve the product and make them appealing for US trips; not really so for Europe

 

[dajop]

Have to say that I think First is overrated - Business really gives you the best bang for your buck..

I must say on my extremely limited sample size (2) I must agree with you. Probably tarnished by most recent experence (the previous one was in 2003), about 18mths ago I was given an op-up from SIN-LHR from J to F on QF 9 (744). It took 55 minutes after takeoff (no turbulence, seat belt signs off straight away) for them to bring me a drink. That simply was not what I expected in F, I am used to J on SQ where drinks come in the first 20-25 mins (in fact on one flight this year within the same time frame - 55 mins - I was being brought my 4th drink). The other thing that failed to impress me was the seat, without doubt better than skybed, but I found the feet area quite narrow and restrictive and again felt it no better to SQ's new J product. I am sure the new F on the QF A380 is much better though.

 

[JetLagged]

I must say on my extremely limited sample size (2) I must agree with you. Probably tarnished by most recent experence (the previous one was in 2003), about 18mths ago I was given an op-up from SIN-LHR from J to F on QF 9 (744). It took 55 minutes after takeoff (no turbulence, seat belt signs off straight away) for them to bring me a drink. The other thing that failed to impress me was the seat, without doubt better than skybed, but I found the feet area quite narrow and restrictive and again felt it no better to SQ's new J product. I am sure the new F on the QF A380 is much better though.

That is the OLD 744 seats, and you are quite right, dajop - the A380 experience is a vast improvement - in both J as well as F. That sounds like a bad flight - I've flown F on points upgrade a few times in last couple of years - on both A38- and 744 - and found that after the 1-2 drinks pre-flight that the other drinks came very regularly and very qucikly. Mind you, always mindful that too much alcohol at high alitudes is not the most conducive way to fly - but is sure makes it more pleasant!