Does anyone know the reasoning behind the points costs for upgrades to International Business with Velocity?

Does anyone know the reasoning behind the points costs for upgrades to International Business with Velocity? It is the same amount of points (45,000) to upgrade from either Full Economy or Premium Economy. Is their any priority given to PE guests over Economy guests when applying for an upgrade or are there a certain number of upgrades available per class, meaning more available to PE therefore a slightly higher chance of achieving one?

I would assume it's because the fare difference between a full economy and a premium economy is pretty small. In terms of who gets chosen, it's only open to plats and golds so I would assume a 'first come first served' arrangment, regardless of which cabin you are coming from, or whether your are gold/plat.....

I haven't tried the system at all, but I get the impression this upgrade is an over-the-phone instant award similar to domestic upgrades (if there are still seats available, etc....), rather than the Qantas system of applying & hoping for the best on the day.

This is not from experience but how I have read the rules & regs - I would be interested to hear if anyone has used their points to upgrade on the international long-haul flights at all?

No, it's space available -- first-in, best dressed. Full-fare economy and Premium Economy seats get the same treatment.

So, before you book your flights, call them up and ask about upgrade availability, and THEN book based on what's available.

@444desiro. I phoned up today and got two upgrades to Business class from Sydney to Abu Dhabi. Took about 5 minutes and another 5 minutes later had tickets re-issued to me by email. Was great and Virgin agent was very friendly and accommodating!

Yes, but what if there isn't many seats available in Business Class.How accommodating will they be?

Well, maybe it is like reward seats or cheap fare seats, there are a number of them allocated and once they are gone, they are gone. It's not a FF's god-given right to be able to get an upgrade.