points vs operational upgrades from J to F - how do you know / success rate?

[shuuy]

My P1 friends who pay for J.

How do you know when to use points to sit in F when going abroad vs. hoping/willing for an operational upgrade.

Last year, of 6 flights AU-US (and return), I was OpUp'ed 4 of them. Once I used points to go J-F.

Recently on a SYD-DFW, the plane was showing F6 A6, and J9 C9 D0. Wanted to sit in first so I burned some points to upgrade from business, although at T-3 the flight went to F0 A0 and J3 C3, with my original seat now occupied. (oops).

What are the experiences of other platinum one members?

 

[moa999]

This thread covers points upgrades
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....f-upgrades-successes-failures-post-56353.html

Opups I would say you have been very fortunate

 

[levelnine]

Opups are pretty rare. Have a look at how few are reported in the relevant thread: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....the-operational-upgrade-thread-18198-134.html. I don't think you can reliably count on them.

 

[RichardMEL]

If I want to sit there (wherever it is) I pay for it (or attempt with points upgrade). It's never a gimme, even for P1 IMHO. Relying on a P1 complementary upgrade, or at departure op up would be a risky game. Great it' worked for 2/3 of flights in your experience. but if my goal was F I'd put in for it.

Most P1's have an oversupply of points anyway so it's not really a big drain - even with the price increase.

 

[Princess Fiona]

If I want to sit there (wherever it is) I pay for it (or attempt with points upgrade). It's never a gimme, even for P1 IMHO. Relying on a P1 complementary upgrade, or at departure op up would be a risky game. Great it' worked for 2/3 of flights in your experience. but if my goal was F I'd put in for it.

Most P1's have an oversupply of points anyway so it's not really a big drain - even with the price increase.

Same as Richard. I wouldn't rely on P1 upgrades. I burn my points for upgrades. The only time I don't put in an upgrade request is when I don't really care if upgraded or not. Eg. Domestic on a 737.

 

[shuuy]

Flew AU - US on a 380 using points in J for and my better half.

F0 A0 at T-48, -36, -24.

1h before boarding was given F boarding passes in the lounge

 

[RichardMEL]

Flew AU - US on a 380 using points in J for and my better half.

F0 A0 at T-48, -36, -24.

1h before boarding was given F boarding passes in the lounge

Now that's what I call an OpUp. Obviously last minute changes, cancels whatever. Nice work and saved some points.

Again I would note free P1 upgrades are NOT OpUps, because they are done as a marketing, not operational, thing, and usually awarded a day or so out of the flight (sometimes closer in). Very different beasts. Personally I call them "Complimentary Upgrades" - I find the term OpUp ((as in Operational Upgrade) to be misleading and really when talking about P1 benefits and the odd upgrade they provide, a different phrasing should be used; Afterall OpUps can happen to anyone..... (but obviously the higher status the far more likely in the odd circumstance when QF actually gives them).

my 2 cents