Upgrades out of LHR......

[thadocta]

Hi there,

Just a quick query,

What happens with a points upgrade out of LHR - I have one in a few weeks time requested.

Reason I ask is that the APD is dependent on cabin class (not sure if it is cabin class flown or cabin class paid, which is why I am asking).

If a points upgrade comes through, is there anything further to pay for taxes?

Dave

 

[Mal]

My understanding is that Qantas covers the APD in this situation. Some airlines do pass on the surcharge if upgrading (American carriers do come to mind as an example), but I'm pretty sure Qantas doesn't.

 

[JetLagged]

My understanding is that Qantas covers the APD in this situation.

that has certainly been my experience when being upgraded out of LHR on QAN.

 

[thadocta]

Great, thanks.

Dave

 

[sr81]

Two points upgrades J to F. LHR-BKK and LHR-HKG-MEL.

I have never been charged additional fees.

 

[thadocta]

Two points upgrades J to F. LHR-BKK and LHR-HKG-MEL.

I have never been charged additional fees.

Bad example - in J you are already paying the higher level of APD, so no additional to be paid if upgraded to F.

In Y, you are paying the lower level, so if upgraded then the difference between the lower and higher levels is owing to HM Customs and Excise.

Dave

 

[digga]

Bad example - in J you are already paying the higher level of APD, so no additional to be paid if upgraded to F.

In Y, you are paying the lower level, so if upgraded then the difference between the lower and higher levels is owing to HM Customs and Excise.

Dave

Here's a better one perhaps - an O class upgrade to U, on a LHR-xSIN-SYD flight last year (during one of QF's "grab an upgrade on an otherwise un-upgradeable ticket" offers). 0 fees, just the standard 96000 (!!) points for a discount Y to J upgrade. Methinks you'll be safe.

 

[serfty]

Qantas absorbs the higher APD ... and it relates to Cabin Paid forr. So the additional is payable for points/instrument upgrades from "Y" where a redemption of some form is made to allow said upgrade.

"Operational/Involuntary" upgrades from the lowest class cabin are exempt from the higher APD rate; in these cases, there is no redemption/payment from the PAX involved.

 

[drewbles]

Qantas absorbs the higher APD ... and it relates to Cabin Paid forr. So the additional is payable for points/instrument upgrades from "Y" where a redemption of some form is made to allow said upgrade.

"Operational/Involuntary" upgrades from the lowest class cabin are exempt from the higher APD rate; in these cases, there is no redemption/payment from the PAX involved.

Out of interest, would not processing the upgrade until T-24 or less and then claiming it as 'operational upgrade' exempt QF from the APD? Surely it would be easy to justify if frequent over-sale of Y/Y+ cabins required op-ups.

I have no idea how the APD is policed, but it sees like an easy loophole for airlines to exploit when upgrades are processed only shortly before check-in opens.

 

[serfty]

The airlines have to keep their own records and pay the Duty based on that.

HM Revenue & Customs

[edit]Actually, it think the airlines are supposed to pay additional APD for Involuntary Upgrades from Y; as such is not listed in the exemptions.[/edit]