Rather than start a new thread, I thought I would add this here, flew QF89, Brisbane to Noumea last Saturday, my wife was in J class on a separate though linked booking, I requested an upgrade with points as soon as I made my booking in Y, didn't hear anything so I presumed cabin was full, thought I ask at the gate out of curiosity, sorry no upgrades are available I was told.
I counted at least 4 free J seats, swimbo agreed, certainly spare seat next to her. Why didn't Qantas want my points for the upgrade, I guess they would prefer that I spent the points on toasters.
If they are unlikely to give an upgrade on a short flight like that, what chance does one have of getting upgrades elsewhere? Makes me think twice about trying to use points for an upgrade in the future.
Anyone know the reasoning that is used for upgrades? In this case they will probably come back and say that catering wasn't available