UpgradeMe pricing and success

[Mattg]

I bid the minimum amount of $50 on yesterday's MEL-CBR flight and it was accepted ~24 hours before departure.

I wouldn't normally bid on such a short flight as I already get lounge access, priority boarding, etc. with Gold status. But at that price, I didn't mind paying for the larger seat and some lunch on board.

 

[serfty]

There's cheap all around.

Today I flew VA MEL-SYD on a flight that was not scheduled until late last week.

Choice $69, Flex $299, Business Saver $299.

Booked $69 - it was 10K Velocity to upgrade from Choice - I used a WP Upgrade instead (I had 6 expiring end of March).

Lunch was good!

 

[Major]

Didn't know you can upgrade Choice with your WP upgrades

 

[serfty]

Didn't know you can upgrade Choice with your WP upgrades

There's a promo at the moment - makes sense given Flex and Discount Business pricing on many routes are similar.

Velocity Platinum Complimentary Upgrades

I have always checked to see if a business award on the same flight is available before booking as these book into the same fare class as an upgrade. Once the eticket is received I have called and the upgrade was successful.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Buzzard]

Recently upgraded to J for a $100 bid BNE - ADL. I was happy.

 

[MooTime]

There's cheap all around.

Today I flew VA MEL-SYD on a flight that was not scheduled until late last week.

I too booked SYD-MEL flight last week for Tuesday (2 days ago), was a newly scheduled flight & had I couldn't been mistakenly on a Rexy flight, just 20 or so onboard.

Seems VA adding more flights, just early on they are sparsely filled.

NB; Mattg, nice to meet you in the nice new bright MEL lounge.

 

[RAM]

Ok, maybe I am a cycnic (pragmatist?) - but could Bain be conducting a clever marketing exercise through these current very good value minimum upgrade prices?

Just as some above have posted about how happy they are to have 'scored' the upgrade & spread the message - what is the cost for Bain/VA II?

Without the upgrades then those seats would have remained empty vs with upgrade Bain flies the same weighted plane & gains some extra revenue as well as positive press (social media that is).

With all the on-again-off-again CV issues - are offers such as these enough to tip more people into the 'I will risk it' boat? I suspect so. Equally it will be frustrating Q massively, since Q has (currently) decided to follow the "Telstra" approach of "We charge more because we're the best."

Come 2022, & hopefully no real CV issues, the yields for VA II & Q domestically will be revealing.

A good example is Etihad who when they introduced the bidding for upgrades in mid 2010s (IIRC) the cost to upgrade at the airport from el cheapo Y to business was $750 for SYD/LHR. Within two years it was over $1,400 or so.

 

[odysseus]

Or it could just be symptomatic of loads.

If you've only got 20 pax on the busiest corridor flights, and where one of the key benefits is 'space', people can see from seat maps lots of seats available, so even that reason goes away - they'll actually possibly have more space staying where they are. Plus there's obviously little demand (only say x% of people bid to begin with, so x% of 20 is going to be only a few people), so prices necessarily come down if they want to get any upgrades at all. Thirdly, if people have paid $69-99 for the base fare, how many are going to think yeah $150 is worth it as the minimum bid for the upgrade - after consideration of all the previous points?

 

[serfty]

If you've only got 20 pax on the busiest corridor flights, and where one of the key benefits is 'space', people can see from seat maps lots of seats available, so even that reason goes away - they'll actually possibly have more space staying where they are.

In the case quoted above, the late added flight had about 80% seats occupied. Most of the others during the afternoon were close to 95% with Y mainly 4 or less.

 

[The-Aviator]

Got 2x $70 upgrades (minimum bid) on MEL-SYD. Had only paid $69 for the economy fare to begin with and was keen to try the new business offering. Was glad to at that price!

 

[CorporateFlyerMEL]

I have junior and + 1 on two separate bookings (but linked). Want to put upgrade bids (probably same amount) for upcoming MEL-MCY in on both bookings - but I am right in saying there is a risk that 1 passenger will be upgraded and the other one not?

 

[TMP]

I have junior and + 1 on two separate bookings (but linked). Want to put upgrade bids (probably same amount) for upcoming MEL-MCY in on both bookings - but I am right in saying there is a risk that 1 passenger will be upgraded and the other one not?

Yes, that is a risk. Even with the bookings linked they will be treated separately for the UpgradeMe process.

 

[odysseus]

As above, it's a risk. I've heard that if one is upgraded, it's possible to request a switch onboard with the cabin crew if who getting upgraded is the issue. But certainly if the issue is just that you can be in separate cabins that is a risk.

 

[Brissy1]

I'm in the Brisbane va lounge atm (yes another thread for that), my upgrade to J seat to syd "bought" with points (10000). After requesting the points upgrade, got the email upgrademe $ invite.
Just wondering if anyone has bid both to max likely hood of getting J? Any any issues?

 

[jase05]

I'm in the Brisbane va lounge atm (yes another thread for that), my upgrade to J seat to syd "bought" with points (10000). After requesting the points upgrade, got the email upgrademe $ invite.
Just wondering if anyone has bid both to max likely hood of getting J? Any any issues?

Did you try upgrading at check in or in the lounge?

 

[Brissy1]

Immediately after booking the Y ticket several days ago. As humble silver with va, upgrade only confirmed 48h (edited)before dep.

 

[odysseus]

They're separate programs. While it's fine to submit both, if you were to get one via VA first as you did, you're best to cancel the upgrademe offer if you made one to avoid any risk of assignment later.

 

[ozstamps]

Virgin offered Townsville-BNE for today to $55 low each, on cheapie fare buckets.

No lounge there, but decent value I thought as a fairly long flight.

Fight up Wednesday had a Cajun chicken option that I really liked, as I am a serious Chilli fan ..... I suspect for some way too hot.

 

[Brissy1]

They're separate programs. While it's fine to submit both, if you were to get one via VA first as you did, you're best to cancel the upgrademe offer if you made one to avoid any risk of assignment later.

Thanks. Didn't know that one can cancel.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Fight up, heh.
You mean f(L)ight up.
Did you have some plonk/nice white/red or at least a drink to drown the spiciness?
Edit: haven't flown in months, it placates the family that I don't fly anywhere, which is a pity.
As mentioned, I now only have the option of watching others videos on youtube, sad, innit?
Personally, I would prefer to use P+P on either Aust airline, so at least I know when I book, that I have a 99% of a J/subclass J seat.
Except VA to PER, when that opens, they still have their 320s, ick, no J.
Of course, not withstanding that QF also have Qlink's A320 as well, no J either.
Last one from me on this, if you look at asking fare for J on some routes, its as low as $399!
Might as well use P+P straight from start of booking to secure a J/subclass of J seat., if not on a 320.