KA upgrade

[Lucky_man]

Does any one know the rules for purchasing a KA upgrade at check in? I am planning to buy ADL-PVG WF tickets in TLSSA1 with a stop in HKG. The problem is that it means that the HKG-PVG sector is in Economy. I'd happilly pay the difference in price between the economy fare and the business class fare for that sector. And I think I may have done this once. But often they are keen to sell it to me but then can't change the booking (saying it is a special fare - but no real detail).

Beyond the fact that a seat must be available does anyone know what the restrictions are on 'upgrading' a sector on a multisectored ticket at check in.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Does any one know the rules for purchasing a KA upgrade at check in? I am planning to buy ADL-PVG WF tickets in TLSSA1 with a stop in HKG. The problem is that it means that the HKG-PVG sector is in Economy. I'd happilly pay the difference in price between the economy fare and the business class fare for that sector. And I think I may have done this once. But often they are keen to sell it to me but then can't change the booking (saying it is a special fare - but no real detail).

Beyond the fact that a seat must be available does anyone know what the restrictions are on 'upgrading' a sector on a multisectored ticket at check in.

Hi Lucky_man - TSSA1 is that biz or premium economy? Sorry to ask but i have been looking for combined premium eco / economy fares from Australia into China without luck (I'm happy for economy on second
sector).

 

[Lucky_man]

Hi Lucky_man - TSSA1 is that biz or premium economy? Sorry to ask but i have been looking for combined premium eco / economy fares from Australia into China without luck (I'm happy for economy on second
sector).

Mel_traveller - don't be sorry.

Premium Economy (the T in TSSA1 gives that away). No problem to book Australian Capital City to Major Chinese city via HKG on a return PE ticket. HKG-China City will be in economy. It can usually be on CX/KA/MU/CZ etc. Try to make it KA or CX if you want points and SC's for Oneworld.

I don't try to fight the website. I am happy to pay the phone booking fee.

Essentially you get the HKG return flight to China City for about $200. You can generally still get a stop over in HKG also. It can also be openjawed but this will sometimes test the QF agent.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks!

yes I was pretty sure the T was premium - but as recently as 4 months ago I tried with both my travel agent AND Qantas (over the phone) and neither could give me a PE fare MEL-HKG-xx_ (tried Beijing and Shanghai).

I ended up buying, as I always do, two separate tickets (did use the 'special PE fare of about AUD1700 to HKG ex MEL) with the sector to Shanghai costing around $460 (which is a little cheaper these days thanks to the better exchange rate).

Can I ask how much the your fare is?

I definately called QF to ask about this and there was nothing they could do so thiis is good news.

mel-t

 

[Lucky_man]

For Mel-pek as an example I get
TLNEA QF T Round-Trip 1953.00
TLSSA1 QF T Round-Trip 2304.00(AUD)
for Mel-HKG i get
TLNEA QF T Round-Trip 1460.00(AUD)
TLSSHK QF T Round-Trip 1772.00(AUD)

So not much benefit in joining the tickets at the momment. But at the momment in J for example HK is 8500 and Peking via HKG is 5500. None of these fares include taxes etc.

There are season restrictions etc that may limit when these fares are available.
Hope this helps.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

That does help... given the $500 difference to go beyond HKG it can be slightly cheaper to buy separate tickets at the moment. But the cheaper tickets I have been buying are on MU or FM, so if I could use CX or KA that might be good.

One of the major problems of course is that QF30 leaves for MEL at 0900 or whatever it is - impossible to connect same morning form China. My next ticket is via Syd just so i can leave China lunchtime and then exHKG in the evening.

Pain to have to fly via SYD but at least the connecting is booked in B class!

mel-t