How to Buy QF Flights Eligible for Upgrades

perthwa on 04/02/2016 - 11:32

I have never bother at looking at upgrades previously when buying QF flights but now that i have clock enough points for upgrades can someone please share with me how it works? Ie which type of flight do i need to buy as the minimum to be eligible for upgrades using points? When do i get to upgrade- Straight after i Purchase the Flight or just before my Departure?
Will i definitely get an upgrade?

What's a classic reward seat?

Sorry for the tons of questions. I had a look at the QF website but as usual i find it easily to understand if someone explains as if we are having a conversation

Thanks a lot!

Travel

Comments

  • MelbBargainChaser77 on 04/02/2016 - 13:20
    +1

    As far as Im aware you need to purchase the fully flexible fare, sale or red - e deal fares are ineligible for upgrade. Then after you purchase this you put in for the upgrade immediately. You will NOT definitely get an upgrade. This will depend on if there is seats available, how many requests have been put in before you and most importantly your QF status. In a perfect world your upgrade might be confirmed immediately, or right up until time of departure. If you receive no SMS from the upgrade fairies confirming your upgrade, most likely you've missed out. Which then defeats the purpose of paying a premium for a fully flexible fare. In my experience domestic upgrades are fairly commonly granted, its those international seats that can be as rare as hens teeth if you dont hold status.

  • Randxyz123 on 04/02/2016 - 13:54
    +1

    Alright when you book a flight you'll see different types of fares for different prices. There is normally a link that says something like "about this fare" click that and you'll see all the conditions such as if it is upgradeable, can be cancelled and if so what is the penalty if there is one etc.

    Classic reward = pay with points. These are pretty flexible tickets(I think the penalty for cancellation is a few thousand points). I'm pretty sure they are not upgradeable.

    Whether or not you get a upgrade will depend on how busy the flight is and your FF status. You may or may not know till 24 hours before departure. Annoying I know.

    If you pay for a fully flexible fare you earn more points so all is not lost.

  • perthwa on 04/02/2016 - 21:39

    So if i apply for an upgrade roght after purchasing an eligible ticket, do i need to pay for anything extra? Or its just a deduction of my FF points.
    Im.a poor FF status so i guess the chances of getting an upgrade is next to none. Will my FF points get returned to me then if i don't get the upgrade or i lose them?

    Doesn't seems like a fair way of allocating upgrades based on FF status. I dont think status should come into play. Should be first come first serve.

  • perthwa on 04/02/2016 - 21:41

    One more question. Is this upgrade process also call bid for upgrade? Or that's a different thing entirely?

    • Randxyz123 on 04/02/2016 - 22:48

      I think that is only with Virgin Australia and Etihad…

  • Peck on 04/02/2016 - 22:46

    I am not well experienced with Qantas. However with Emirates I always look at ALL airlines options for buying a one way economy ticket in one direction, and a straight out Business Class the other way on my FF miles on Emirates. And so I sit in economy for my day trip leg, and sleep in a guaranteed Business Class seat for my night leg. Usually less miles than an Upgrade, but might cost a little more over all.

  • theoracle30 on 21/02/2016 - 13:14

    This might be a bit late, but if you have the amount of points and want a confirmed Business class seat, the best idea would be to book a Classic Award in Business right from the start, depending on availability of course.

  • keepa on 23/02/2016 - 12:48

    Check out australian frequent flyer forum. There's a wealth of knowledge on there relating to your questions. There are also people who can look up availability of flights to give you a better indication on what the chances of an upgrade are.

  • anna10 on 23/02/2016 - 18:18

    If you have no status with QF it is highly unlikely you be getting an upgrade as all the other people with status will be offered them ahead of you. That is the Platinum +, Platinum, Gold, Silver and then bronze.

    Do you actually have any points - if so how many, perhaps we can make more suggestions.

    And yes, you put in for an upgrade from a qualifying flight immediately.

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