Jetstar International - upgrading to Star Class at check in.

[KrugBoi]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone knows how much it costs now to upgrade at check in to Star Class. A couple of years ago we did this at check in and paid about $300 each pp which was much better value than paying for the published Star Class online.

But I remember reading somewhere that they now charge the full difference between economy and the published SC fare. Has anyone paid for an upgrade recently at check in? Thanks

 

[notzac]

While I've never done this, I'm lead to believe it's different depending on the route. What route are you interested in?

 

[KrugBoi]

Nothing in particular comes to mind. I was just curious as I'd heard about an increase in price for check in upgrades. It's definitely a nice perk to upgrade for around the price I paid if there is a seat available.

 

[rambisyouth]

Last time I upgraded it was $300 at the airport but I was told you can call up 2 weeks before your flight and it's $250.

 

[S.A]

It was JPY25,000 from NRT-SYD in Feb 2010 (my travel companions did this). At the airport.

 

[mannej]

It was JPY25,000 from NRT-SYD in Feb 2010 (my travel companions did this). At the airport.

I thought there was some Japanese government regulation which banned the practice for flights from Japan?

Well that is what I have read on here from certain members

 

[rambisyouth]

There was but my understanding is that has changed in the last few months.

 

[S.A]

I can't shed any more light on local regulations, but in addition to this year I'm aware from other people I've travelled with that they have successfully upgraded in Japan coming back to Australia for the last few years.

Mind you, JQi weren't very well set up to take payment for upgrades by credit card at NRT (this year). The process was:

1. Line up in the economy check-in line.
2. Get to the front of the queue and enquire about availability in Starclass. Once confirmed, get sent to the ticket/service desk to start the upgrade process.
3. Get sent to a separate cashier's desk to take payment and issue of receipt (this is where the main delay was - it took the best part of half an hour for it to be processed).
4. Get receipt and go back to ticket/service desk. Referred back to check-in agent for issue of boarding pass and collection of luggage.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

We have done this a few times travelling to Honolulu, first time was $250 each last time was $500 each on the way back though was lucky enough to score upgraded seats at Honolulu airport for $160US each but you need to be first in the queue.

We have also been fortunate enough to keep the boarding passes and receipts and then claim the points and status credits though I know others have not been so fortunate.

 

[Keith009]

Do they upgrade only from certain fare types, or must you buy Jetflex fares? And presumably you get Starclass QFF SCs and points after upgrading?

Thinking of going to Bali sometime, and neither GA nor going via SIN particularly appeal...

 

[meloz]

Do they upgrade only from certain fare types, or must you buy Jetflex fares? And presumably you get Starclass QFF SCs and points after upgrading?

Thinking of going to Bali sometime, and neither GA nor going via SIN particularly appeal...

I upgraded a work buddy 4 weeks ago who was travelling on a jetsaver BKK-MEL-SYD for $280 AUD. He received J sc's and point for both legs.

Meloz

 

[Keith009]

Fab, thanks for that!

Though I might still buy Jetflex anyway, so I still get points and SCs in the event that I don't get the upgrades through (emex rows are also a benefit I believe?). Unless the cheapest fares are truly laughably cheaper.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Fab, thanks for that!

Though I might still buy Jetflex anyway, so I still get points and SCs in the event that I don't get the upgrades through (emex rows are also a benefit I believe?). Unless the cheapest fares are truly laughably cheaper.

What is the fare difference between JeTflex and just buying StarClass? I doubt it would be much more than what the cost of an ODU is anyway. Probably better off just buying starclass on the original booking.

 

[Keith009]

What is the fare difference between JeTflex and just buying StarClass? I doubt it would be much more than what the cost of an ODU is anyway. Probably better off just buying starclass on the original booking.

Last I looked it was approx $600 per pax, each way. Probably not as 'rewarding' as upgrading from Jetsaver.

 

[ejb]

Fab, thanks for that!

Though I might still buy Jetflex anyway, so I still get points and SCs in the event that I don't get the upgrades through (emex rows are also a benefit I believe?). Unless the cheapest fares are truly laughably cheaper.

Risk travelling in whY, that does not sound like you at all.

IME Bali flights have high loads in *C so the odds of an ODU are slim.

I would certainly slash out and pay for the *C at booking.

ejb

 

[Keith009]

Risk travelling in whY, that does not sound like you at all.

IME Bali flights have high loads in *C so the odds of an ODU are slim.

I would certainly slash out and pay for the *C at booking.

ejb

Fair point. Might wait for a *C sale in that case.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Do they upgrade only from certain fare types, or must you buy Jetflex fares? And presumably you get Starclass QFF SCs and points after upgrading?

Thinking of going to Bali sometime, and neither GA nor going via SIN particularly appeal...

No we upgraded each time from the cheapest flight (JetSaver) just make sure you keep your receipt for the cash you hand over plus the boarding passes and then scan and send to Qantas on your return, like I said we have been lucky each time to be awarded the points and SC's but initially had received calls from Qantas to say that we were not eligible so its a bit hit and miss...

 

[yohy?!]

Looking at dates in August for SYD-DPS return...Starclass is $20 CHEAPER than jetflex:shock: on top of that there's only a $370 difference between Starclass and the Jetsaver light...

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

I prob wouldn't both with a day flight, but a night flight in *class might be worth it.

Need a good way to determine just how full the flight is likely to be.

If relatively empty i'd rather try and get a row of seats to myself.

If relatively full then *class is an attractive option, but then the fulle rhte flight the less likely an ODU is going to be.

Interesting about being able to ring up 2 weeks before the flight for the upgrade.

I might have to try that and see how it goes on my Japan flight. Might mean a better chance of getting the points and SCs

 

[markis10]

I prob wouldn't both with a day flight, but a night flight in *class might be worth it.

Need a good way to determine just how full the flight is likely to be.

Seat counter is a good start, but reality is there is no way you can work out the real flight load until very close to departure, last minute changes can make a lot of difference, I have seen a wide open flight sell out in the last 24 hours.