Qantas touting for cash upgrades at gate?

[offshore171]

This is in today's SMH Traveller section:

Bad sign
At Narita Airport, I was surprised to see Qantas staff holding handwritten placards offering last-minute paid business-class upgrades reminiscent of a bazaar. Having already paid for an economy fare, I was approached and offered the final business-class seat to Brisbane for an additional $2500. While airlines understandably monetise unsold premium seats, the overt “upgrade hawking” felt oddly inconsistent with the polished image Qantas projects. By contrast, Philippine Airlines offered me upgrade bids discreetly online before departure. Are modern full-service airlines becoming increasingly transactional at the gate?
Joseph Ting, Carina, Qld

Has anyone come across this before with QF? Where does this fit into the upgrade order - do these upgrades get filled before or after pre-requested points upgrades?

 

[TheInsider]

This is in today's SMH Traveller section:



Has anyone come across this before with QF? Where does this fit into the upgrade order - do these upgrades get filled before or after pre-requested points upgrades?

All airports that offer international flights offer an airport upgrade currently.
It's always after all the points upgrades becuase these are processed before check-in anyway.

 

[offshore171]

All airports that offer international flights offer an airport upgrade currently.

Certainly get that bit.

But in terms of them actively touting at the gate, with hand written signs etc, and approaching people unsolicited, has anyone seen this in action?

 

[HMcM]

It's always after all the points upgrades becuase these are processed before check-in anyway.

Not always, QANTAS allows you to have put in for a classic upgrade and it can come through pre-check in or at the gate. So in theory these cash upgrades at the gate could come in before the points upgrade.

 

[TeaKozy]

Maybe the check-in agent had a former gig as an unlicensed taxi operator?…

 

[markis10]

Certainly get that bit.

But in terms of them actively touting at the gate, with hand written signs etc, and approaching people unsolicited, has anyone seen this in action?

There have been previous reports just recently, ex SIN IIRC

 

[Dmac59]

This is in today's SMH Traveller section:

….. Having already paid for an economy fare, I was approached and offered the final business-class seat to Brisbane for an additional $2500.

Given this “final business-class seat” was offered at the gate, one wonders whether the $2500 was negotiable.

 

[offshore171]

Maybe the check-in agent had a former gig as an unlicensed taxi operator?…

The Melbourne fake taxi touts are exactly what it reminds me of

 

[SydneySwan]

Given this “final business-class seat” was offered at the gate, one wonders whether the $2500 was negotiable.

Maybe, maybe not.

I recently flew on Sri Lankan Airways from SYD to CMB and had to wait at the service desk for about 25 mins whilst the airline staff tried to resolve an issue with my ETA. In that time at least 3 pax approached the desk and asked if there was a chance to upgrade to J. One made a cash offer, another promised to make it worthwhile (!). Names and contact numbers were taken and they were all told to wait whilst availability of any J seats was clarified. I didn't wait to see the outcome but noticed at least 2 of the pax travelled in J and there were at least 2 unoccupied J seats on the flight.

 

[peach iced tea]

At least you’re actually getting business class ?

 

[flyingfan]

Has anyone come across this before with QF?

Only at the check-in desks, not at the gate - this must be another level!

Post in thread 'Qantas Upgrades - Successes or Failures (post results)'

Jun 21, 2026

MEL-DPS Y→J successful at T-27
DPS-MEL had only J1 a week out. At check-in everyone was offered an upgrade for about $800. Someone must have said yes.

• flyingfan

Edited so as to not mislead

 

[moa999]

Think the best interaction I saw was in Scoot where a passenger had self-upgraded to a relatively empty Scoot in Silence cabin.

CSM pounced on them.
"Ah Sir, I see you've found our Scoot in Silence cabin. You are welcome to sit here but I will need you to pay the $$ upcharge fee"
Pax skunked back to the back

But I've heard both Scoot and Air Asia even make upgrade calls once the plane has boarded.

I mean if you sit next to a larger or uncouth person you might be tempted.

 

[AuSammy]

FJ was selling J upgrades in YVR last time we flew from there but did the sums and went - Nah! We had exit row seats and the upgrade price was not worth it for the sector (before anyone asks - I can’t remember what they were asking)

The curious thing was that we had requested J seats when in original booking process but told not available.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Agent of QF or actual QF staff tho?
Not sure if that thing was confined by QF?
Other airlines like D7 do have online to J upgrades for a fee, but it's online.

 

[elanshin]

There was a sign at SIN Check-in counters to ask about Upgrades. I didn't enquire on my flight though.