The OPUP Lottery...QF073 this Saturday...

[MarcB]

So I'm (with plus 1) off to the US this Saturday on QF73. I have been checking E/F over the last few weeks to get an idea of the loading.

We were pretty lucky last year with our US trips in that we received 2 UPGs to Y+ (skybeds) from O class using points (BNE-LAX return) and 3 OPUPs (NY-JFK: O to Y+ in skybeds, LAX-BNE: Y+ to J and SYD-SFO: O to Y+ in skybeds). I am not especially hopeful of another freebie, but after showing loadings of 1 in all J classes and 9 in everything else for weeks, all of a sudden today, it has changed to this:

J1 C0 D0 I0 W9 R9 T9 Y1 B0 H0 K0 M0 L0 VC SC NC QC OC XC E0

I've seen this on the day of the flight before, but not 4 days out. Interestingly, flights both sides are still showing 9's for all Y classes.

Anyone want to get my hopes up with predictions. Last year I was Gold - and I still am with my anniversay having clicked over at the start of this month. The plus 1 was bronze last year (we were always upgraded together), but is now silver.

Are the OPUPs still happening like they were last year? Should I be waiting for a call from QF to let me use points on my O class fare??

 

[MarcB]

Further update...E/F now showing this:

J1 C0 D0 I0 W9 R9 T9 Y4 B3 H2 K2 M2 L2 V2 S2 N2 Q2 O2 XC E0

 

[JohnK]

Where are the experts when you need them?

What that says to me is that the flight is very light on premium economy bookings and Qantas is prepared to sell 2 economy seats at any price and the I guess op-up someone from economy to premium economy.

By the way that is an extremely impressive op-up record in one year for a Gold and Bronze. I wish you luck but I would not count on that trend continuing on every flight.

 

[MarcB]

Where are the experts when you need them?

What that says to me is that the flight is very light on premium economy bookings and Qantas is prepared to sell 2 economy seats at any price and the I guess op-up someone from economy to premium economy.

By the way that is an extremely impressive op-up record in one year for a Gold and Bronze. I wish you luck but I would not count on that trend continuing on every flight.

Indeed JohnK, where are those experts!

I agree that we have been very lucky - I don't think it would have happened that way on any other international flights - just those US flights with, too few status pax perhaps. In any event, availability on E/F has changed again. Now showing:

J2 C0 D0 I0 W9 R9 T9 Y9 B9 H8 K7 M7 L7 V8 S7 N7 Q3 O1 XC E0

I think this confirms your view that they are selling Y with the intention of upgrading pax as necessary. Interesting that PE is so empty when it's skybeds...I'd be happy to use points - don't see the point in buying S class at another $1500 each to do it though...

On the upside - currently allocated PE seats in Y so somewhat more comfortable than a standard Y seat.

 

[MarcB]

By way of update. No upgrades but did manage to keep my PE seat on the way over. Unfortunately, the aircraft for the return flight was changed and PE was used as PE. I was pre-allocated the first row of Y (40A/B) with a blocked 40C so not too bad given the extra leg room etc. Also managed to catch the attentions of a J crew member who took a special interest in us for the remainder of the flight - lavishing us with J amenities and booze! Brilliant.

 

[JetLagged]

Not as good as an OPUP, but still glad to hear you were looked after!

Welcome back!