Domestic upgrades

[Jabiru]

I've booked two 'red e-deal' economy fares for partner (SG) and I (WP) to travel from BNE to SYD on QF551 in August. We know it's a short flight and wouldn't usually bother, but on this occassion we were hoping to use points to upgrade to business as this is the beginning of an overseas holiday, departing from SYD in business class (separate ticket), so what the heck! We thought we'd do this now before the increase in points for domestic upgrades kicks in later this month. The ticket class is "E" and the conditions state that "flight upgrade awards are eligible on this fare".

Trouble is, when I apply for the upgrade online the QF website advises: "There are no domestic upgrades available at this time". On Expert Flyer it seems there are no other seats sold on this flight in economy or business, which is unsurprising given we are booking 8 months in advance!

I don't often use points for domestic upgrades so I'm not sure what the deal is. I had assumed that a number of domestic upgrades were available on all domestic flights where business was offered, and they were available from when a ticket has been confirmed and paid for? Obviously I am wrong, so would be grateful for some insight from those in the know. Thanks!

 

[ozonslo]

Call Qantas. This happened to me recently. Got advise from here to call them up and arrange it. I did and it was no problem.

 

[mannej]

If there is U available, call QF and request the upgrades. They will sort it very quickly over the phone for you provided there is the available inventory.

 

[Jabiru]

Thank you both. I did as you suggested and indeed, it was sorted very quickly and with apologies from QF for the inconvenience. I was thinking there must have been some existing clause or some changes that I'd missed, so I really appreciate your prompt advice. Cheers!

 

[Jgs110]

I've been having trouble this last couple of days upgrading a fare that expert flyer is indicating plenty of J seats available - maybe it's a website issue?

 

[Ewing]

I've been having trouble this last couple of days upgrading a fare that expert flyer is indicating plenty of J seats available - maybe it's a website issue?

It's been ongoing for at least a month.

The cynical side of me suspects it might be "fixed" when the increased redemption rates take effect.

 

[ozonslo]

When I mentioned this to Qantas whilst booking an upgrade, the person I was speaking to said something like this:
Go to the qantas home page and scroll down to the bottom of the page - see VIEWING TIPS - click on this and a page opens with various options on it. All the options should be ticked, if that is so, then she said everything on qantas would work. And you would be able to select upgrade and it should work. Hope that helps, but I havn't tried it get to upgrade (my options are all ticked and active). Hope that helps. Perhaps others my have further solutions.

 

[mannej]

That isn't quite true - there have been a few threads where the viewing tip suggestions have been made, yet the site doesn't work as it is intended.

 

[ozonslo]

Yep mannej, still doesn't work, so you are correct the operators solution in not quite true.

 

[Jgs110]

ended up calling as suggested, the lady said there were (of cause) plenty upgrade seats available... couldn't offer a reason as to why it wouldn't work on the website.
What's this about increased redemption rates??

 

[Ewing]

What's this about increased redemption rates??

The amount of points required to upgrade is increasing from Jan 14.

System is still broken. I just called and upgraded another fare over the phone - this operator was aware of the issue with the site and apologised.