I’m travelling to New York for work in mid-January 2019 however my employer is only paying for an economy fare. For the best chance to snag a points upgrade to business class (I’m only a bronze FF), is it better to;
1. Book flexible economy and request a points upgrade; or
2. Book flexible economy, call up Qantas and pay the difference to a sale premium economy, and then request a points upgrade.
Is a flexible economy ticket viewed more favourably than a sale premium economy ticket?
A premium economy sale ticket would work better as my experience is that bumping up one level is given a priority over bumping up 2 levels i.e economy to business. Also as a bronze FF the strike rate is low so if the PE to business doesn’t come off then at least you have a half decent seat.
I think that the primary criteria for allocating points upgrades is Status. As a basic Bronze you will have a low chance of any upgrades, regardless of your fare type. There will be too many Platinums seeking a points upgrade ahead of you. Yet it is not unknown for a Bronze to get an upgrade. My advice is to pay for the seat that you really want.
If you can afford it, I would suggest paying the difference between flexible economy and business sale. That way you will have a confirmed business class seat. Paying for premium economy and then upgrading would make not much difference to you as a Bronze FF with very slim chances of upgrades. If you pay for a confirmed business class seat, you can earn a considerable amount of status credits helping you with your status with Qantas. That in turn will help you with your chances of upgrades in the future.
A premium economy sale ticket would work better as my experience is that bumping up one level is given a priority over bumping up 2 levels i.e economy to business. Also as a bronze FF the strike rate is low so if the PE to business doesn’t come off then at least you have a half decent seat.
Errol - id suggest getting a PE ticket if you could. As lowly bronzes we got upgraded NYC - LAX - MEL last year.
Patrick,
What are your thoughts on upgrade opportunities for a Silver and a Bronze on a two class A330 (MEL - HKG?) weekdays better than weekends?
The day depends. One trick may be to see what days sale fares are still on offer or what days have lower fares. These are usually days of lower demand. Fridays are business people coming home after a work week. Sunday’s are business people going to Monday meetings. Saturday’s or Wednesday’s may be quiter days in the business class cabins. Generally though I try to get there or home on a Saturday for a recovery day before work. But each to their own. Check prices and sales as that may be a clue.
A premium economy sale ticket would work better as my experience is that bumping up one level is given a priority over bumping up 2 levels i.e economy to business. Also as a bronze FF the strike rate is low so if the PE to business doesn’t come off then at least you have a half decent seat.
Errol - id suggest getting a PE ticket if you could. As lowly bronzes we got upgraded NYC - LAX - MEL last year.
Patrick,
What are your thoughts on upgrade opportunities for a Silver and a Bronze on a two class A330 (MEL - HKG?) weekdays better than weekends?
As my name suggests, I am a QC Silver and managed x2 MEL-HKG upgrades last year, one on a Wednesday and on a weekend
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Qantas points upgrade from flexible economy
Eshrol
Eshrol
Member since 07 Nov 2018
Total posts 3
Hi all
patrickk
patrickk
Qantas
Member since 19 Apr 2012
Total posts 731
Errol,
Phil Young
Phil Young
Qantas
Member since 22 Oct 2012
Total posts 253
I think that the primary criteria for allocating points upgrades is Status. As a basic Bronze you will have a low chance of any upgrades, regardless of your fare type. There will be too many Platinums seeking a points upgrade ahead of you. Yet it is not unknown for a Bronze to get an upgrade. My advice is to pay for the seat that you really want.
djtech
djtech
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Sep 2018
Total posts 375
If you can afford it, I would suggest paying the difference between flexible economy and business sale. That way you will have a confirmed business class seat. Paying for premium economy and then upgrading would make not much difference to you as a Bronze FF with very slim chances of upgrades. If you pay for a confirmed business class seat, you can earn a considerable amount of status credits helping you with your status with Qantas. That in turn will help you with your chances of upgrades in the future.
SimonFrost
SimonFrost
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 10 Jul 2013
Total posts 70
Errol - id suggest getting a PE ticket if you could. As lowly bronzes we got upgraded NYC - LAX - MEL last year.
patrickk
patrickk
Qantas
Member since 19 Apr 2012
Total posts 731
The day depends. One trick may be to see what days sale fares are still on offer or what days have lower fares. These are usually days of lower demand. Fridays are business people coming home after a work week. Sunday’s are business people going to Monday meetings. Saturday’s or Wednesday’s may be quiter days in the business class cabins. Generally though I try to get there or home on a Saturday for a recovery day before work. But each to their own. Check prices and sales as that may be a clue.
Aidan
Aidan
Member since 05 Dec 2018
Total posts 94
ForeverSilver
ForeverSilver
Member since 06 Jul 2018
Total posts 16
Errol - id suggest getting a PE ticket if you could. As lowly bronzes we got upgraded NYC - LAX - MEL last year.
As my name suggests, I am a QC Silver and managed x2 MEL-HKG upgrades last year, one on a Wednesday and on a weekend