Capturing a QF international upgrade award

[JohnM]

I'm hoping some members can enlighten me on maximising the chance of capturing an international upgrade award on QF.

I have booked a DONE4 commencing 1 Sept. this year. Normally, I would pay for it about 3-4 weeks out from departure. However, this year I feel like trying for a points award upgrade to F on QF SYD-JFK.

I see on the QF web site that, provided a paid and confirmed ticket is held, it is possible to register for an international upgrade award from 90 days to 24 hours before departure and that allocation is according to membership level. However, it says nothing about any advantage accruing from registering early (and therefore having to pay the fare early).

Question is: does paying as much as 90 days before departure in order to register for an upgrade at that maximum time increase the chances of obtaining the upgrade? In other words, the nub of the question is: as a WP, do I rank over another WP who registers after me?

Also, does the system discriminate in any way between WP's who may be travelling on different fares in the same cabin (ie. between a full J fare and a D fare in Business?).

Thanks for any insights.

 

[Reggie]

JohnM,

Yes you would be in line before all golds, silvers and bronzes, and you would be ahead of platinums who request the upgrade after yourself. Chairmans Lounge members however would still be in front of you.

Regarding the upgrade of a D or a full J, it is my belief it is based on your FF level and order in which the request was made, not the fare type.

 

[simongr]

Buy early and request the upgrade early. Time and status are the key. I would suggest checking ExpertFlyer.com - Empowering the Frequent Flyer to get an idea of how many seats are available for sale in F/A to get an idea if an upgrade is even possible.

Cheers

S

 

[serfty]

Failing that, SeatCounter - The Booking Class Availability Machine is FOC and gives information, albeit slightly limited when compared to E/F.

 

[NM]

Regarding the upgrade of a D or a full J, it is my belief it is based on your FF level and order in which the request was made, not the fare type.

Correct, the fare paid does not influence the waitlist priority.

In my experience, the biggest thing you can do to maximise you chance of an upgrade is to choose a day which is likely to have fewer paying F passengers and few high status people who have joined the waitlist before you. I find it best to avoid travel on a Friday through Monday, and look for Tuesday to Thursday.