"sale" vs "saver" - impact on upgrade

[Infrequent]

(Sorry in advance for asking about what's likely "common knowledge", but its been soooo long since I've booked domestic QF flights that I'm clueless!)

Is there any advantage to booking "saver" fares versus "sale", when it comes to upgrading a domestic flight with points? I assume less points required, but what about availability of upgrades?

Are these fares always upgradable to J with points when booked well in advance, or is it a "join the queue" situation (aka "You've got bronze? ... You've got buckleys!").

Thanks in advance.
Yours...
Truly Infrequent!

 

[madrooster]

On domestics you can upgrade any type of fare, including sale. The only time there is a difference is if it's a flexi economy domestic - these cost less to upgrade.

 

[Ewing]

Doesn't make a difference.

If you have to waitlist though I find it doesn't ever check for upgrade availability until really close to departure so I always set an ExpertFlyer alert for U availability on the flight. If it comes through then I login to my booking, cancel and re-apply the upgrade, and it always clears instantly.

 

[Infrequent]

Thanks for that - no need to waste the extra cash if I can get sale fares.

Is waitlisting common for early bookings, or is upgrade availability good to start with (if this isn't a "too many variables" kind of question")?

Thanks for your patience!

 

[sxc]

Doesn't make a difference.

If you have to waitlist though I find it doesn't ever check for upgrade availability until really close to departure so I always set an ExpertFlyer alert for U availability on the flight. If it comes through then I login to my booking, cancel and re-apply the upgrade, and it always clears instantly.

Does this apply for international flights too?

 

[justinbrett]

Does this apply for international flights too?

No. International upgrades are not confirmed until ~12-48 hours before, depending on status.

 

[sxc]

No. International upgrades are not confirmed until ~12-48 hours before, depending on status.

Thanks - I have seen international flights I have been waitlisting for have U availability but been told I can't get an upgrade for it.

Does this mean that if someone in the meantime tried to do an outright redemption, they would be able to take it?