Upgraded to Business at the gate: how to maximise chances?

[Human]

Tonight I was upgraded to Business class at the gate for my SYD-MEL flight. It was pretty clear why Virgin did this: on the flight was what appeared to be an entire AFLW team plus entourage, and every seat was filled.

My question: was I upgraded because I happened to be one of the first Platinums who boarded (the Platinum in front of me was upgraded to Business as well), or had I been earmarked by the system to be upgraded beforehand, and even if I’d boarded later I would have still been upgraded?

In other words, what system/process does Virgin use to allocate operational upgrades (apart from the obvious that Platinum/Beyond members get first dibs)? Is it worth skipping some Lounge time for the sake of being one of the first to board, or does that make no difference?

Postscript: I have received 55 Status Credits for the flight even though I’d booked a Choice fare!

 

[twinaisle]

Need seats in Y so staff just chose.

 

[Human]

Need seats in Y so staff just chose.

Thanks for your reply.

When I scanned my boarding pass at the gate, the computer “beeped” loudly 4 times. The crew member said, “You’ve been upgraded to Business class”, then waited a few seconds and a new boarding pass printed out.

So the staff had chosen beforehand and entered that information into the computer?

 

[AIRwin]

Congrats on winning the Business Seat Lottery!

 

[Gold Member]

Need seats in Y so staff just chose.

I think it’s far more likely the upgrade was predetermined by an algorithm that prioritises status, ticket type, value spent etc.

 

[Harrison_133]

I think it’s far more likely the upgrade was predetermined by an algorithm that prioritises status, ticket type, value spent etc.

Pretty sure they just randomly select people based off status alone.

My most recent upgrade (due to oversold Y), I was travelling on a $99 choice fare to the Gold Coast. There appeared to be a few other Plats on that flight who could have been picked.

Not sure of their reasoning for selecting me specifically, I just happened to notice the seat change on the app.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Only had one opup with QF few years ago now.
I would say airlines put people into J, if they have to sit a group together, whether adults or children.
If for eg a kids sporting group of more than say 70/100.
When I was upgraded, it was at the gate too, so no lounge access.
But it was early in my membership of QF, so it was a nice touch.
Didn't have status with QF at that time.

 

[twinaisle]

If Y is full and there are staff travellers and there's seats in J then they'll upgrade Status guests. Went down onboard and upgraded a WP onboard once as we needed a seat in J. Was determined by status alphabetically that instance by GS.