FFP Upgrade Advice

[Travel Guru]

Although I know alot about travel and airfares after almost a decade in the industry, I'm always willing to humble myself and turn it over to someone with more knowledge on a subject and this is one of them.

I've got a client who is SG, wants to book 2x economy tickets for his kids (who I assume are NB's) and use his points to request an upgrade to Y+

My query is (and I'm fairly sure on the answer but wanted to get some fellow AFF'ers advice to clarify), if he's booking them, does his status weigh into the upgrade request at all or is it irrelevant? (just want to check as I usually book everything but if there's some benefit in him booking direct then I'll let him as its only Y bookings).

The other lingering question i'm left with, does he have to transfer the points to his sons accounts or can he request the upgrades on their behalf using his pool of points in his account?

Thanks for your advice (would appreciate if replies were limited to factual responses where you're 100% sure and not just your opinion).

TG

 

[SeatBackForward]

This is on the QF site when you log in to "my Bookings":

Upgrade a Family Member

Upgrades can be requested online for eligible e-tickets. To request an upgrade for a paper ticket, contact your local Qantas office

 

[markis10]

Priority to upgrades is only based on the FF member flying, unless it's P1:

If you are not travelling but use your points to request an upgrade for an eligible family member, the upgrade will be awarded according to the eligible family member's priority - not the status of the Qantas Frequent Flyer whose points are being used. An exception is made when Platinum One members, though not travelling, redeem points for an upgrade on behalf of eligible family members. In this case the eligible family members will enjoy the same high priority as a Platinum One member.

 

[NM]

Priority to upgrades is only based on the FF member flying, unless it's P1:

While this is what the site says, I don't believe (from my personal experience) that its as clear cut as it states. It may well work out that way if the passenger has a QF FF number in the booking. But in my case I have upgraded myself when my AA number is in the booking (and hence no QFF status as far as the booking is concerned) and have 100% success with upgrades using points from my QFF Gold account. So in my case I believe the status of the account from which the points were being taken was influencing the priority of the upgrade success.

So if the passengers have no FF status in their own right, it may be best to no include their NB numbers in the booking and have it added at check-in at the airport after the upgrade wait-list has been processed.

 

[Travel Guru]

Thanks guys, appreciate the responses.

TG

 

[Kangol]

But in my case I have upgraded myself when my AA number is in the booking (and hence no QFF status as far as the booking is concerned)

How does that work?