QF Upgrade to First

ozcolin

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I am travelling to JNB next week in J class and considering upgrading to F class on either leg.
I upgraded from J to F coming back from LAX in 2023 and I wasn't impressed QF doesn't nearly compare to EK or QR, the bed looks slightly bigger, maybe the food is better, I'm not a big champagne drinker, and I have enough quality PJs ha ha,! I don't need the SCs, and there's plenty of availability in F, looks like only 3 seats going and one 1st class seat has been sold coming back.
I know @Matt Graham said it was worth it for the day flight, but I'm still not convinced :)
I would just like your thoughts, if it's worth it or should I save my points for something else?
It will be 43k each way to upgrade.
Sell it to me :)
Thanks
 
I think it is worth it if you have the points. I'd only do the SYD to JNB leg though. In my (limited) experience the First class food is pretty good from Sydney but not from overseas ports, where it is basically indistinguishable from business class.
 
Yes Matt’s analysis has shown this is usually the best value for the points spend


$3,900 of value for 86,000 points

Let’s not confuse cost with “value” … it would cost $3,900 but I’m not sure we can say that’s its ‘value’

IMHO - I don’t recommend it as you’ve already flown F, so its not like a once in a lifetime thing - J bed is flat, that’s what QF is good at.

That being said I’m flying JNB F both ways next month, however that was a full P class redemption with no U class available. 🤣
 
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F has a better ratio of FAs to passengers and toilets to passengers.

Years ago I flew MEL-DXB-LHR return with successful upgrades to F both ways. At least one of the legs only had 4 passengers in F. Even though it was not much better than J in terms of catering, it was still better than flying J.
 
Thanks for your replies…
I agree it’s the value element more than anything, cost I haven’t really thought about.
Although I think I will leave my upgrade request for my outbound and see if Oz based QF staff and amenities are any better and the ‘specialness’, I will consider my options for my return…
Will let you know
Cheers 👍
 
Thanks for your replies…
I agree it’s the value element more than anything, cost I haven’t really thought about.
Although I think I will leave my upgrade request for my outbound and see if Oz based QF staff and amenities are any better and the ‘specialness’, I will consider my options for my return…
Will let you know
Cheers 👍
If you value space and sleep quality then I think there is huge difference between J and F on QF.
I’d rate the F bed once made up with the mattress pad etc as supremely comfy to sleep.
I don’t personally think there is a massive difference in the food and beverage, at one time there was but that was years ago. Many menus now have cross overs in the mains and the wine list rarely has anything to get excited about.

If you have a surplus of points or can generate them easily then yep I would opt for the upgrade just for the sleep every time.
 
If it was just me, no question I would upgrade, best way of using points. But now with a family, I may consider not doing it to save points for other flights involving me. So YMMV.
 
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Just an update… I upgraded both ways in the end…here was my experience

*Outbound* SYD to JNB QF63
I availed myself of all the perks flying that I normally wouldn’t get flying 1st Class.
Concierge - there was someone waiting for me when my taxi dropped me off, it’s a shame Qantas can’t have a chauffeur service like Emirates.
Check In - As a 1st Class passenger, whilst waiting in the queue you will be ushered to the 1st available desk.
Complimentary Massage - I have tried to book this before as Platinum, but this was the first time I could actual avail myself of it.
Lounge - there is a special area to enjoy your meal for 1st class passengers
Inflight service - seat 1A
As would be expected in 1st Class, nothing outstanding, good drinks and meal as well as comfortable bed. IMG_3524.jpeg

*Inbound* JNB to SYD QF64
Immigration/Security - there is no priority for business or first, as I had already experienced this shambles, I checked in very early and the checkin desks were available over 4hrs. You need to get there early, it’s probably the worst security I’ve ever encountered as a premium passenger! JNB is only interested in rewarding domestic passengers flying SAA with a premium service.
Lounge - there is no Qantas lounge, so you need to use the BA lounge, this is for all passengers with lounge access from OW Sapphire. Fortunately there is a lounge exclusively for 1st class passengers to enjoy a meal (menu attached). This is very appreciated as there is the QF and two BA flights leaving on that evening. I actually spent all my time in there, as it was too busy outside this lounge.
Inflight service - Seat 4K.
Bed, food and drinks good, amenity bag adequate as well as the pyjamas although if I was going to criticise the eye mask could have been of softer material.

All in all it was worth burning through 83K points for the double experience.
(I have attached some other pics as well)
 

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Thanks for this.
I went looking for a classic reward JNB-SYD in November and discovered F was available and having the points decided to grab it, not having experienced QF F in recent years.
What did you think of the BA lounge food compared to the dinner service onboard? .
 
*Inbound* JNB to SYD QF64
Immigration/Security - there is no priority for business or first, as I had already experienced this shambles, I checked in very early and the checkin desks were available over 4hrs. You need to get there early, it’s probably the worst security I’ve ever encountered as a premium passenger
🤔
 

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