Upgrade to J on AC with Krisflyer Miles?

[Egg]

Hi everyone,

Wondering if someone can help...

I am planning a trip to Canada in September - SYD-YVR return, preferably going out on Air Canada AC34.

I have Amex MR points to transfer to my Krisflyer account, but there are no available award seats in J on Air Canada (Star Alliance member).

It seems that Air Canada does not allow Award Upgrades via Krisflyer, however Air NZ does. Air NZ also codeshares AC34 - SYD-YVR. There are business class award upgrade seats showing on the Air NZ numbered flight.

So it seems that if i purchase a Y ticket on Air NZ, I can upgrade to J with my Krisflyer points. It seems though that I cannot purchase an Air NZ ticket SYD-YVR direct, presumably because I'm not going via NZ. So I would have to purchase Air NZ AKL-SYD-YVR and then upgrade, which would probably be OK - but are there any repercussions if I dont actually fly on the AKL-SYD leg? Will they still let me on the plane in Sydney?

A bit convoluted but hopefully that makes sense to someone. Possibly there is an easier way...?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[trooper]

When you say a "Y" fare I hope you mean it! :mrgreen: *A upgrades are - AFAIK - only available from the very high fare classes.... Y & B??

Next problem.. It may well be that a *A upgrade on NZ must be on NZ metal... wouldn't be at all surprised...:shock: Bloody good question that!

Next problem.... Almost all airlines will cancel the rest of your itin if you no-show for the first segment. (Yes, I am sure there are/have been exceptions made, but AKL-SYD would be a tough call I reckon! :mrgreen

Sorry..... I think you have a tough road in front of you...

 

[Egg]

Thanks Trooper! I'm glad I asked!

It's back to the drawing board then...

 

[dajop]

I am planning a trip to Canada in September - SYD-YVR return, preferably going out on Air Canada AC34.

I have Amex MR points to transfer to my Krisflyer account, but there are no available award seats in J on Air Canada (Star Alliance member).

.

Would you consider other options for getting J award seats? Apart from using the AC direct service to YVR, there is NZ (fat chance of getting award seats with them) or UA via SFO or LAX. Not sure if Krisflyer would allow a single redemption via Seoul or Beijing, they are also options.

 

[Egg]

Would you consider other options for getting J award seats?

Yeah, i would be happy with United cos it only adds a couple of hours but no luck there on J either, or on Air NZ.

Other option which is available is to go over on Cathay via QFF and come back on AC via Krisflyer... but Cathay leg is pricey... and lengthy!

I guess there are a few ways to get there so hopefully one of AC, UA, Air NZ or Qantas/AA will do the right thing and release me a seat!

Cheers.

 

[Egg]

It may well be that a *A upgrade on NZ must be on NZ metal... wouldn't be at all surprised...:shock: Bloody good question that!

Oh yeah, i forgot to say that it appears that it does not need to be on an Air NZ plane cos Expert Flyer shows 2 Business Award Upgrade seats for Air New Zealand; and 6 Business Award Upgrade seats appear on the same flight for AC.


Speaking of award upgrades, I notice from what i have read on this site that points upgrades on Qantas are not guaranteed to get you a seat in the higher class, but are decided on the day of flight depending on capacity. Is the same true for SA upgrades or do you get a confirmed seat in the upgraded class when the ticket is issued?

Ta.

 

[albatross710]

Speaking of award upgrades, I notice from what i have read on this site that points upgrades on Qantas are not guaranteed to get you a seat in the higher class, but are decided on the day of flight depending on capacity. Is the same true for SA upgrades or do you get a confirmed seat in the upgraded class when the ticket is issued?

Ta.

AFAIK SIA awards are confirmed when you book. If the inventory is available for the higher class award then SIA will arrange the confirmed upgrade from the Y ticket. The upgrade awards comes from the same inventory as a J awards.