is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it ?

[aussieUSflyer28]

Hi Fellow travellers,

I have been offered by Qantas to upgrade from Premium Economy to Business class for 45,000 points for QF 108 from Los Angeles to Sydney.

So my question is - is it worth the 45,000 points or is premium economy fine for this flight and provides adequate space/comfort etc

Look forward to any advice or tips

cheers
AussieUSFlyer28

 

[BensAdventures]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

Welcome to AFF!

This type of question is asked quite frequently and answers from different people vary, but there are two factors worth noting.

Firstly, QF108 will be operated by the 747, not the A380, so business class (J) isn't quite as good, mainly because the seats don't lie completely flat, they are angled flat and plane is much older. I must say though that I was on this same flight (Dec 2010) in J and I slept quite well. I've done this flight also in Premium Economy (PE) and I slept ok. The seats are wider, better legroom, much better food and better recline. I don't mind it, but if work wants to keep paying for J, then fine with me!

The other point, is as far as I'm concerned, if you have plenty of points why not try! Be aware that it is still not assured that you'll get the upgrade anyway.

Enjoy the trip!

Ben

 

[markis10]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

Welcome to AFF!


The other point, is as far as I'm concerned, if you have plenty of points why not try! Be aware that it is still not assured that you'll get the upgrade anyway.

Enjoy the trip!

Ben

Not necessarily, if the OP has been offered an upgrade via phone then that is more than likely a guaranteed upgrade as opposed to the opt in lottery we normally play.

Welcome to AFF to the OP BTW, as for the original question, it comes down to what you value in terms of point use, LAX-SYD is such a long flight that you are getting value IMHO.

 

[JetLagged]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

I agree withmarkis10 - if you have the points, then definitelygo for the upgrade - also as noted, pity it isn't on the A380 as the overall product is so much better. But if arriving in LA relaxed, comfortableand ready for the day is what you weant and need, then definitely go for it.

 

[NM]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

For me, if I had the points available I would crtainly use them for such an upgrade.

 

[RB]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

With the length of flight & time differences I would see this as one of the more worthwhile flights to upgrade.

 

[Flying Fox]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

If you had the points I would do it. This sector and any of the 10+ hour sectors would be my preferences for upgrades!

 

[Heleigh]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

I would and you also get J lounge SYD if you don't have status or qantas club

 

[GCC]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

Definitely worth it if you have enough points. The PE cabin's on some 747's are getting old too and the upgrade to J makes a big difference on such a long flight. I would actually have a harder time justifying this on an 380 as the PE cabin is nicer on that aircraft.

 

[Blackadder]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

To echo the comments of others i would definitly take the upgrade, the access to the lounge at LAX, while it can be crowded it is less crowded than what it is outside in the terminal.
While the Skybeds Mark I aren't completely flat in J, more than adequate for decent sleep and to feel fresh for the arrival into Sydney.
Also J gives you a express exit through Customs and Immigration which can be useful to save some time.

 

[docjames]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

Adding to the chorus of definately take the upgrade.

 

[Crowne11]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

Take the upgrade

 

[flychrisfly]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

IMHO points are for upgrades, so take the upgrade.

 

[KLN]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

Upgrade! For sure!

 

[aussieUSflyer28]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

thanks for the tips everyone - if you get upgraded do you still earn points for the flight though ?? or do you use the points it takes to upgrade and then don't earn any for the flight like you would if you didnt upgrade ??

 

[Heleigh]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

If you use points - the SC are based on original paid class.

 

[smarty11]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

Adding to whateveryone else has said already.. take the Upgrade.. It will be worthit.. It is such a long flight that you will notice the difference when you can have a decent 5-7 hours sleep and arrive fresh in Sydney..
You will get points and SCs based on your fare class of booking..

The only downside I see is that yo might get used to it and then flying in Y or even Y+ won't be the same again:

Enjoy!

 

[aussieUSflyer28]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

thanks do you know if there is anyway you can find out where you are in the list for people requesting upgrades or you just have to wait to on the day when you check in?

 

[wtolmie]

Re: is the upgrade from premium economy to business class from LA to Sydney worth it

IMHO - thats what points are for !!! Upgrades !!!

 

[medhead]

thanks do you know if there is anyway you can find out where you are in the list for people requesting upgrades or you just have to wait to on the day when you check in?

There was some speculation on this earlier in the thread. Did qantas ring you and offer the upgrade? If so then it is likely you are guaranteed to get it.
But if it is just a case of being on the upgrade list (not sure why qantas would ring to offer this as you can do it yourself) then you just have to wait to see if you win the lotto. So might help out but I think it is possible to know if you get the upgrade between 24 and 5 hours before the flight.