What are my chances?

[mrblack]

Hey everyone,

I have subscribed to expertflyer and checked my upcoming flight from Auckland to LAX to see what my chances of a complimentary upgrade to business is. I am on a Y+ ticket.

The seat map shows only 13 out of 30 of seats occupied in business. I did a search for class 'Business Upgrade' and a few seats come up with a 'Premium Only' marker on them.... does this mean that my chances are 'good' for lack of a better word?

 

[jpk]

Hey everyone,

I have subscribed to expertflyer and checked my upcoming flight from Auckland to LAX to see what my chances of a complimentary upgrade to business is. I am on a Y+ ticket.

The seat map shows only 13 out of 30 of seats occupied in business. I did a search for class 'Business Upgrade' and a few seats come up with a 'Premium Only' marker on them.... does this mean that my chances are 'good' for lack of a better word?

Its not space up front that gets you a free opup. Its overselling down the back that gets you moved fwd. What's it say for Y and W cabins respectively? I presume this is on NZ who IME dont upgrade unless they have to, same as all premium airlines.

I believe that Premium Only seats on EF tend to mean they can only be reserved by status passengers but I could be wrong.

 

[mrblack]

Hmmm there seems to be quite a few seats still in W & Y. Might check again closer to departure date.

 

[NM]

Am I right to assume you are flying with NZ? As far as I am aware, they are the only airline currently flying AKL-LAX with a Y+ service. However, I believe their 777 has 26 business class seats, not the mentioned 30. So I am a little confused.

 

[MelUser]

Most of us QF passengers go around hoping we get the good old points requested upgrade.

I can't think of anyone who hopes for the airline just to upgrade them randomly ("op-up").

Op-ups shouldn't never be expected or even desired, simply admired when one receives one!

 

[oz_mark]

I think the chances of an op-up are probably on the slim side, but anything is possible. I agree they should not be expected, just accepted when the op-up fairy smiles upon you!

 

[vt]

Op-ups are a god given right in the LOTFAP...whilst this side of the Pacific, QF and NZ have taught us that the luck of an op-up should be used for a lotto ticket.

Having said that, I am currently 2/2 Y to J on CX MEL-HKG in the last 6 months in their overnight service.

 

[Evan]

And i don't think in the LOTFAP there airlines are doing so well either, why should somebody pay for a ticket when you get the upgrade for free ?
Sometimes i get lucky, had a few op-ups recently and a few where the points have done the trick.
E

 

[trooper]

NZ5/6 AKL-LAX vv is currently a 747 with more C seats (46 IIRC) than the 777 operating NZ1/2...

So.. more C seats on that flight... but I'd recommend you be prepared to sit in your paid cabin.... op-ups are IME exceedingly rare on NZ .....it can actually be hard at times for NZ Golds (and even Gold Elites) to get upgrades to C supported by Complimentary certificates/Airpoint $.... as NZ often sells every seat in C...

So.. an op-up for a non-status pax? Hmmmm...

I'm 100% on upgrades this year (NZ Gold) but I choose my flights carefully!!! AND apply "upgrade instruments" or Airpoints.. every single time....

As has been mentioned... anything CAN happen.. but I wouldn't hold your breath...

P.S. The "Premium only" BP seats in the forward main deck cabin tend to be reserved for BP pax who are also elites in NZ's own program... presumably how I found myself in 4A one time... Nice! I'm not sure why you thought that had a bearing on an op up... unlesss you are NZG or E.... you didn't say....