What is the upgrade logic on multi-leg flights when first leg is full but not the second?

[logicallysynced]

Sorry if this has already been asked (search is a bit finicky sometimes), I have an upgrade request in on QF1 from Y+ (WP).

On EF the loadings show J0 from SYD-LHR and SYD-SIN, but J9 on SIN-LHR. If there is no availability on the combined legs, but there is availability on one leg, does the system offer the upgrade for that second leg still - even if booked through the whole way (ie. Y+ on SYD-SIN and upgrade to J on SIN-LHR)?

If so, does the upgrade confirmation come through for that scenario at the same time pre-dep from SYD (24-48 hours for WP)? Or could we request at the lounge/gate in SIN for example?

Note - no upgrade at gate option because 2x pax.

 

[opusman]

There's no way to upgrade just one leg in advance, so I doubt the system would do it automatically.

 

[logicallysynced]

There's no way to upgrade just one leg in advance, so I doubt the system would do it automatically.

I’m aware the upgrade request is for both legs when requesting, I’m trying to work out if it will process the second leg still if the first leg is full but the second isn’t - after requesting both.

 

[sudoer]

I’m trying to work out if it will process the second leg still if the first leg is full but the second isn’t - after requesting both.

No

 

[logicallysynced]

Rang Qantas in the end and got through to Hobart. They said both sectors are considered and if one doesn’t have availability but the other does, they will still offer the upgrade for that second segment only.

Interesting enough, they also hinted that upgrade priority takes not only status and fare bucket into account, but also how long the person has been a FF member for.

 

[oz_mark]

My understanding, from somewhere in the past, is that they may upgrade the second leg onl;y, but they are unlikely to upgrade the first only (which would result in you having to go back to your original class for the second half)

 

[mick]

I'm not sure this is relevant but when QF used to fly QF108 JFK-LAX-SYD (yes, a long while ago now) I got upgraded from Y to PE for the JFK/LAX leg and was handed a J upgrade from LAX/SYD. I had all boxes ticked and was a solo traveller - IIRC, I was only PS back then, too.

 

[serfty]

@logicallysynced As indicated you know you would not be eligible for gate upgrades as there is more than one PAX in the booking. With that, you both would be upgraded for the entire journey or not at all.

Even if you were solo, the terms indicate any gate upgrade would only happen on the second segment.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/use-points/classic-upgrade-rewards.html?int_cam=au%3Aupgrade%3Aarticle%3Aclassic-upgrade-rewards%3Aen%3Ann

Before opting-in to be eligible for an upgrade up to the gate, please note:

For upgrades at the airport, if you're travelling continuously on a flight that stops in one or more ports (with the same flight number), you'll only be eligible for an upgrade on the last leg and only if that last leg has a flying time longer than three hours. Points will only be deducted for the portion of your flight that was upgraded.

 

[logicallysynced]

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/use-points/classic-upgrade-rewards.html?int_cam=au%3Aupgrade%3Aarticle%3Aclassic-upgrade-rewards%3Aen%3Ann

I don’t think this applies because I couldn’t choose upgrade at gate due to multiple pax on PNR.

 

[serfty]

I don’t think this applies because I couldn’t choose upgrade at gate due to multiple pax on PNR.

I was in the process of editing. Please read update.

In reality your only way of upgrading even just on the second segment is to split the booking.

 

[logicallysynced]

I was in the process of editing. Please read update.

In reality your only way of upgrading even just on the second segment is to split the booking.

Right, apologies.

In any case from my call earlier with Hobart team and other peoples experiences here on this thread - it seems it’s not all segments or nothing though?

Will report back findings when the flight happens.

 

[RnD]

Was upgraded on the first segment only, Per to Edi for 2 pax at the gate a few weeks ago on a velocity reward on QR with my QF WP number added to the booking. Not sure if the rules are different for velocity! There was no paid upgrade available at check in.

 

[AIRwin]

Was upgraded on the first segment only, Per to Edi

PER-DOH on A380?

 

[RnD]

Yes

 

[RnD]

Yes

When they said they there was a change to my seats I started to get cranky as I booked exit row. Then realised that it was upstairs.

 

[serfty]

In any case from my call earlier with Hobart team and other peoples experiences here on this thread - it seems it’s not all segments or nothing though?

I would discount such call center comments; what they stated to you directly contradicts the terms and conditions as published by Qantas.

(This is not to say the "upgrade fairy" might not wave their magic wand.)

 

[sudoer]

Was upgraded on the first segment only, Per to Edi for 2 pax at the gate a few weeks ago on a velocity reward on QR with my QF WP number added to the booking. Not sure if the rules are different for velocity! There was no paid upgrade available at check in.

Sounds like an op-up on Qatar rather than a classic upgrade request on Qantas, which is what OP is asking about.

 

[logicallysynced]

I would discount such call center comments; what they stated to you directly contradicts the terms and conditions as published by Qantas.

(This is not to say the "upgrade fairy" might not wave their magic wand.)

Does it contradict it though? The T&Cs only address upgrades at the gate/airport, they don’t specifically state you can’t get a leg specific upgrade before check-in.

 

[RichardMEL]

I submit that whatever QR does is not very relevant to QF's processing of points upgrade requests - very different imo.

 

[serfty]

Does it contradict it though? The T&Cs only address upgrades at the gate/airport, they don’t specifically state you can’t get a leg specific upgrade before check-in.

If not specified in the T&C's, then it does not exist officially.

By the T&C's if booked on QF1 SYD-LHR, by the T&C's you can only get upgraded SYD-LHR (before check in) or SIN-LHR ("at gate [airport]").

For upgrades at the airport, if you're travelling continuously on a flight that stops in one or more ports (with the same flight number), you'll only be eligible for an upgrade on the last leg and only if that last leg has a flying time longer than three hours. Points will only be deducted for the portion of your flight that was upgraded.

If you are hoping for something else, I would not be relying on what told to you by call center operators.