re: Discussion/Q&A on Best QF Status Run Options
Please excuse my ignorance , but are the "F" bookings on a standby basis? Hence the "lower" fare? How does this affect the net result of SC earn if you don't get the desired seat?
And any other explanatory information you have for Someone like me with NFI how these things work!
Instant upgrade fares traditionally book into economy, with an 'instant upgrade' at time of booking to first class.
In the event of IRROPS, three options will present themselves. You'll be protected where possible in F on the next flight, or if F is sold out, you will be protected in the original class - economy (assuming space is available, normal IRROPS rules apply).
If you are protected in coach, you have the option to decline the economy seat and wait for the next service where F is available (which could be the next flight, or several flights later, or even the next day).
Because most American based carriers offer free upgrades to elite members, the waiting list at airports for first class seats can be very long. I've seen upwards of 50-60 passengers on the upgrade list for an ORD-LAX B767 flight. Your position on the waiting list will be determined by a number of factors including fare paid and status. I flew on a YUP once booked in Y class which was subject to IRROPS. I was at the top of the waitlist for the next flight because Y class was the highest fare bucket.
At whatever point it is before departure (I thought around 15 minutes, but it might be earlier), any passengers who are ticketed but have not boarded in F - their seats can be reassigned to those on the waitlist.
What happens if you have to fly coach? You can approach QF for an original routing credit. Many have reported success with this. How will it work under
simpler and fairer where QF might now look at the ticket and see the fare class if coach? I dunno. They may decide at some point to say 'well, this was an instant upgrade, so we'll only credit you economy'. That kinda mucks up your potential SC earn.
Instant upgrade fares are confirmed in F - they're not standby. Until something goes wrong. I usually build in a buffer for multi-sector flights, not taking the immediate connection, but the one after. This can make your day a fair bit longer, but if you can manage it, provides a fair bit of peace of mind.
The important thing is to check the fare rules. The whole blurb about IRROPS and being accommodated in coach doesn't seem to be there anymore, but the following still remains for some fares (highlighting the need for an economy underlying seat to be available):
NOTE - THE FOLLOWING TEXT IS INFORMATIONAL AND NOT VALIDATED FOR AUTOPRICING. ECONOMY FARE WITH AN INSTANT ONE-CLASS UPGRADE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE TO FIRST/BUSINESS. APPLICATION CLASS OF SERVICE THESE FARES APPLY FOR ECONOMY CLASS SERVICE. CAPACITY LIMITATIONS SEATS ARE LIMITED BOTH ECONOMY AND FIRST CLASS BOOKING INVENTORIES MUST BE AVAILABLE AT TIME OF BOOKING. THESE FARES PERMIT A ONE-CLASS UPGRADE AT THE TIME OF BOOKING.
www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au
