Maximise My Chances of an Upgrade - Classic Upgrade Rewards v. Bid Now Upgrades

Hi All,

I've got two work trips to Sydney coming up the following two weeks, and will be returning home on QF499 each week on the A330.

I'm interested in trying out J on the QF A330 and am considering requesting for an upgrade on both of my A330 flights, though, I'm only a Bronze member, and would be low on the pecking order of people wanting to upgrade.

Given that I've only started flying a lot recently and only have ~10k points in my account, I was wondering what the best strategy would be for me to score an upgrade, especially considering that QF499 is the last QF domestic flight of the day out of Sydney and I suspect that QF probably aren't able to fill out all those J seats for a flight that is relatively undesirable for the average business traveller.

Mainly, I'm curious as to whether I should apply for an upgrade through Classic Upgrade Rewards, or through Bid Now Upgrades. I'm leaning towards applying for a Classic Upgrade Reward for my first A330 flight, and then to bid on the other A330 flight, though, by that time, I'll only have around 2400 points and am also not sure as to how much cash I need to cough up in order to maximise my chances (~$150 perhaps)? Would I also be right in assuming that QF499, on the A330 nonetheless, would have good J rewards availability for someone like me?

And, if possible, I'd also like to snag a window seat if my upgrade is successful.

Thanks for your help and let me know if you have follow-up questions.