New to Upgrades

[HH1204]

I assumed that if I have enough FF points then I can just redeem for an upgrade and off I go. I am now thinking its not that easy !! I have enough points to upgrade SYD to YVR from economy to Business, but am I correct in assuming that my upgrade won't be confirmed until just before departure and I am " competing" with other FF members who are a higher tier FF or have a higher booking class. My booking class is L, which I believe is a discount economy fare and I am only a bronze FF. Should I just not bother and book myself a cheaper ( non upgradeable ) ticket ?? Thanks for reading.

 

[mviy]

Welcome to AFF!

It depends on flight loads and how many ahead in queue. There’s a thread where you can ask about the flight loading and upgrade probability. Whilst members can’t check the upgrade queue as only select QF staff have access to that, we can look at flight loads.

In the upgrade success results we do see sometimes that Bronze members get upgrades but you are last in the queue for points upgrades.

See Flight Availability/Loadings & Upgrade Probability Help Desk

And Qantas Upgrades - Successes or Failures (post results)

Though all it could take is for say a sporting team to book out business for example and what looks good could suddenly turn into no chance.

Also there’s a new thing confirmed upgrades to use cash to upgrade but with original points and status credits that you might get offered.

Booking a non-upgradable fare will earn you less status credits meaning you would need more flights to level up status if you intend to do that.

As a Platinum member (and lower at other times) I have had mixed success with upgrade requests over the years and a couple of rare free op-ups on domestic.

 

[bam71]

You are correct. Just because you have the points doesn’t mean you get the upgrade. Check the T&C on the website regarding upgrades.

 

[mviy]

For confirmed upgrades I believe I read you won’t get offered those if you book a non-upgradable fare.

 

[Mwenenzi]

HH1204 Welcome to AFF

I assumed that if I have enough FF points then I can just redeem for an upgrade and off I go. I am now thinking its not that easy !! I have enough points to upgrade SYD to YVR from economy to Business, but am I correct in assuming that my upgrade won't be confirmed until just before departure and I am " competing" with other FF members who are a higher tier FF or have a higher booking class. My booking class is L, which I believe is a discount economy fare and I am only a bronze FF. Should I just not bother and book myself a cheaper ( non upgradeable ) ticket ?? Thanks for reading.

So have applied for an upgrade? Can also apply for upgrade to PE as well as business, if the aircraft has PE.
QF link-- https://www.qantas.com/en-au/manage-booking/upgrade
You are indeed in competing with others. You will ranked low compared to others with higher status, Just the way it is.
Do not set your expectations high (or medium). A probability you will be sitting in the seat you paid for. Some will pay cash $ for exit row
Qantas upgrades are referred to as the QF lottery.