Trying to upgrade with Cathay Pacific

[Stephenc007]

Myself and my wife are booked for HKG - London return leaving next Thursday, June 15th. After calculating I could have around 100k AsiaMiles (100k AMEX & 100k Qantas points), I have attempted to upgrade with Cathay to at least premium economy with no luck. Apparently, I have booked into economy light and not economy essential meaning I would have to pay for an upgrade to eco essential but can bid for an upgrade to premium economy (strange). A bit dissapointing as I paid $7000 for these flights. This is the main message from the agent:

Upon checking the inventory for the availability to upgrade your fare brand into essential, I am sorry to tell you that there is no longer available for all of the cabin classes for your outbound flight, but there is only available for return that would cost AUD 665.90 for fare difference and AUD 225 for the rebooking fee per passenger.

Does anyone have an idea's how I can get this done without being ripped off? Not keen on paying the above fees to remain in economy.

 

[bam71]

I feel your pain, but it’s not a rip off per se, it’s their T&C’s. To upgrade you need to have the correct economy fare type … QF is the same, as are many other carriers ….. not helpful but …

 

[Stephenc007]

I feel your pain, but it’s not a rip off per se, it’s their T&C’s. To upgrade you need to have the correct economy fare type … QF is the same, as are many other carriers ….. not helpful but …

Yeah i've done some more reading and the economy light thing is pretty new and legit albeit weird IMO.