PR bidding for Upgrades

[albatross710]

Anyone had any experience bidding for upgrades on Philippine Airlines flights to/from Australia?

There are a few threads on FlyerTalk about NA destinations

I have a few flights BNE-MNL-BNE on their new direct service which I got at AUD513 return. The upgrade bid opens at USD430 (AUD560) with a Strong chance and by USD490 indicates an Excellent chance of success.

Contrary to my earlier thoughts about PR J I'm thinking if I bid USD440 a decent overnight flight might be worth it.

I wonder if the Mabuhay Miles earn will go to J earning?

Anyone had any experience bidding for upgrades on Philippine Airlines flights to/from Australia?

Alby

 

[albatross710]

Earns at full Y accrual not J, just found in T&Cs.

23. myPALupgrade Passengers shall be entitled to full Economy Class mileage accrual.

 

[albatross710]

Woohoo. I was successful with the Upgrade Bid at the minimum price. Well worth the price and enjoyed access to

Priority checkin, Qantas Club access (as a PR pax)
The inflight experience was miles ahead of my prior PR J experience of a few years ago. The A340 had a good experience.
Inflight amenity pack was also very suitable
Foods were very good and the inflight crew engaged with the pax.
Bags came off quickly and I had actually cleared immigration, bags & customs within 25 minutes form touch down. A record Mania time for me.

A couple of observations:
Once the upgrade came through, online seat allocation and checkin was no longer available. Of course, the online check-in email still arrived at -24hrs.
Onboard two of the inflight entertainment units I as offered didn't work, so I just switched to my own iPad.
Seat is not a total lie flat, but certainly good enough to justify upgrade bid for the return trip.

All up it was actually a good experience delivered at Filipino service levels.

Alby

 

[BensAdventures]

Good result! I flew PR business from BKK-MNL recently on their lie flat (almost) seats and found it a good experience for a mid level airline.

 

[albatross710]

Also had success on the return journey at the minimum price point.

My observation is that while the A340 continues operating the BNE-MNL route, the upgrades can be had at the minimum price point.

 

[albatross710]

For BNE-MNL & NMNL=BNE they have increased the minimum bid to USD500 for Discount Economy Saver & Economy Super Saver.