platinum upgrade me membership benefit

[Jemm82]

Hi everyone,

A quick probably fairly obvious question in Regards to the Platinum upgrade me benefit (x4 fares upgraded from Flexi Fare to business);

When I search flights using pay with points option, 3 types come up for business fares “business reward”, “business saver” and “business”. Now I’ve used these upgrades in the past (few years ago now) and I know you need there to be reward seats in business available to get the upgrade. However, does this need to be “business reward” or will “business saver” also do the trick? I’m sure the last time I actually used this benefit there was only one type for business rewards

Thanks for any help.
Jem

 

[Must...Fly!]

Technically, business reward, but as a platinum the rules do not always apply.

 

[sometime_flyer]

I think you'll find there has to be Business Reward seats available in order to access a Plat Upgrade. Business Savers are actually revenue fares that are converted to Points values hence the MUCH higher Points values for Business Saver vs. Business Reward.
I understand that there is some relaxation of the rules if requested in the VA lounge an hour or so prior to departure, but not much flexibility before that.

 

[Jemm82]

Technically, business reward, but as a platinum the rules do not always apply.

Thank you for your responses. I thought as much.

You’re both right also- my husband just happened to try this a moment ago before his flight in the lounge. He was upgraded no problem although there was no reward availability online.

Appreciate your help.

 

[Bagpuss]

For reference:
Platinum Upgrade Me uses the "Business Reward", so when booking the fare, it's best to make sure there is availability by doing a dummy rewards booking.
If there is availability, the Lounge will upgrade subject to a seat being available.
If you go into the booking and select to waitlist, this method will actually deduct the points required to upgrade.