Upgrade with points to los angeles to business

[Jeremy Kronk]

Hi all.
I have read all i cannow just wanting to confirm with any tips from experts
I know how it all works with Qantas but having recently been flying with Virgin I am now Platinum

So my questions are
How can you confirm availability better for an upgrade from premium to business going sydney to los angeles?
Do you buy a premium saver or straight premium for better chance?
Can you buy a premium with free cancellation then see if can upgrade and then if not cancel and try another day either side?

Any other tips suggestions etc
Hope this makes sense

 

[deva22]

upgrades come out of the same pool as straight reward flights.
so just search for points + pay on your desired route/day, if there's availability, you can upgrade and get instant confirmation.
Probably best to call the plat line to confirm before booking.

 

[clipped_wings]

We booked and paid cash for our SYD-LAX Premium Saver seats when husband was still Silver. Months later, he attained SG and we checked the same flight for reward seats in Business. There was availability on the way back but nothing on the way out. So we rang and grabbed the return leg upgrade and asked to be waitlisted for the SYD-LAX sector. We got confirmation 3 days out that we had been upgraded to Business, but you have to actually phone them to select your preferred seats as they put you anywhere.

Best 180,000 points we ever spent.