UpgradeMe pricing and success

[Moopere]

Thanks for responding. I _really_ need to look at this. Normal Flexi for PER-MEL return is about $589x2 = 1178 and to up to J is 9900x2 = 19,800 points, for me that represents about $1772. Savers are routinely under $500 return, but lets say 500$ + 60,000 points up to J or about $2300 to me. Flexi will earn 80SC return, Saver only 40. But geez, if I could hook at J return for $1140, really makes you wonder if the additional 40SC's are worth $15 each (!!!!!!).

 

[bartley69]

If you travelling with a family member (which I am) I have there points and SC's going to me so I will get 40 each way with saver which makes it awesome.

The only downside is this is not guaranteed, its all to weather your bid is accepted or not. But so far I've bidded on 3 flights and been successful all 3 times...its a tough one, I don't mind the risk of missing out when there is potential to get return j for $1140! If you want it guaranteed, you have no other option but to go flexi and use points. But I've won every time I've tried so I'm getting brilliant value so far!!

 

[Milefest]

If you travelling with a family member (which I am) I have there points and SC's going to me so I will get 40 each way with saver which makes it awesome.

The only downside is this is not guaranteed, its all to weather your bid is accepted or not. But so far I've bidded on 3 flights and been successful all 3 times...its a tough one, I don't mind the risk of missing out when there is potential to get return j for $1140! If you want it guaranteed, you have no other option but to go flexi and use points. But I've won every time I've tried so I'm getting brilliant value so far!!

I've had a 100% success rate on applying the minimum bid. The flights I select generally aren't during peak which could be why I've never lost one.

It's a great system to let pax experience the premium cabins and utilise the available seats with the potential to lure them in for a revenue seat for the next time they travel. I know that it's worked on me

 

[jackthomas]

Never used the premium bid system on VA, only ever used points to upgrade but I placed a bid for a BNE-SYD flight in 2 weeks. Minimum bid was $140 and put a bid in for $155.. Anyone got any experience with the route? Just saw that I'm booked on an E190 which could affect it a little...

I wouldn't usually bother for such a short route but something made me want to....

 

[Milefest]

Never used the premium bid system on VA, only ever used points to upgrade but I placed a bid for a BNE-SYD flight in 2 weeks. Minimum bid was $140 and put a bid in for $155.. Anyone got any experience with the route? Just saw that I'm booked on an E190 which could affect it a little...

I wouldn't usually bother for such a short route but something made me want to....

J on E190 is my favourite for that route. I tend to pick seat 1 or 2A as you'll get the window and be on the aisle. As the J cabin is only 6 seats you get much more attentive service.

 

[jackthomas]

J on E190 is my favourite for that route. I tend to pick seat 1 or 2A as you'll get the window and be on the aisle. As the J cabin is only 6 seats you get much more attentive service.

Not holding my breath on it being approved but fingers crossed!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

J on E190 is my favourite for that route. I tend to pick seat 1 or 2A as you'll get the window and be on the aisle. As the J cabin is only 6 seats you get much more attentive service.

I also like J on the E-Jets. The seats are slightly smaller than the J seats on a 738, but I like that. I don't like either of the A seats though, as the overhead bin is too small and you tend to feel more exposed, but that's a personal preference rather than a problem.

 

[jackthomas]

I also like J on the E-Jets. The seats are slightly smaller than the J seats on a 738, but I like that. I don't like either of the A seats though, as the overhead bin is too small and you tend to feel more exposed, but that's a personal preference rather than a problem.

Should have probably worded my comment better. I also really like the E-Jet J, Especially when in the A seats that are single. I more mean loads/chances of upgrade clearing on the E-JET...

 

[Geoff1978]

I am not sure if this is the correct place to ask, but I have complimentary platinum upgrades and want to use one this weekend. I note that you can only use them on flights where there are rewards flights available.

Before I call the call centre, is there a way on the website to check if there are rewards flights available?

Thanks

 

[kevrosmith]

I am not sure if this is the correct place to ask, but I have complimentary platinum upgrades and want to use one this weekend. I note that you can only use them on flights where there are rewards flights available.

Before I call the call centre, is there a way on the website to check if there are rewards flights available?

Thanks

Yes there is. Select Points + Pay on the front search screen, and you want something to be showing as available in the Business Reward column.

 

[Sbv72]

I thought against upgrade for upcoming BNE-ADL sector on the E-Jet, but now may reconsider.

 

[bartley69]

I had a saver PER - MEL and the min bid was $300. If you buy a flexi does the min bid start lower or would it still be $300?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I had a saver PER - MEL and the min bid was $300. If you buy a flexi does the min bid start lower or would it still be $300?

I believe that is the case.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I believe that is the case.

Which?

......

 

[Quickstatus]

Platinum Complimentary upgrademe

Had 2x Flexi fares F bucket. MEL-SYD

Was in lounge 1 hour before flight

Realised that I had 2 comps to use before looming anniversary

EF indicated only 2 vacant J seats
Velocity said no Z buckets available

Went to desk and easily converted the Comp UpgradeMe to 2 business class.


I had thought Comp upgradeMe from a Flexi was only available if Z seats were available.
However it appears that sans online Z seats a successful Comp UpgradeMe can be attained depending on timing of request in lounge.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Which?

......

Oops .....I meant I believe the min bid starts lower for flexis than savers. I do not have any experience but I recall someone posting that they noticed the difference when booking for themselves and a +1 on different PNRs. Same time, same flight but one flexi and one saver with different start bids.

 

[Cynicor]

My min bid PER-SIN and vv was 440 for easter 2016 on Amex (velocity) free flights.

Which incidentally means they are still allowing flights to SYD on this card from PER.

 

[i_hate_the_tulla_freeway]

Evening Ladies and Gents

Frequent stalker and occasional contributor to this site. Today I have a proper question. I know ...

Tomorrow I'm going to book a $199 saver fare from CNS to SYD for early December. The flight is nonstop. I'm travelling on my own dime and the J quote is $800+. Not going to happen for a 3 hour flight. But I would like to know what the minimum upgrade me bid is for a cheap saver fare CNS - SYD if anyone has recent experience using it on this sector. I'm figuring it will be $200 - $250, but if anyone knows I'd appreciate a heads up.

I've had good success with minimum upgrade me bids in the past and J traffic out of CNS would be light so that all looks promising, but CNS is just out of my regular orbit so don't have first hand knowledge.

Thanking you

 

[Mattg]

Offered an upgrade on MEL-NTL the other day with a minimum bid price of $120. I didn't bid, but I'm almost certain it would have been accepted if I did as the J cabin was practically empty.

 

[JohnK]

Offered an upgrade on MEL-NTL the other day with a minimum bid price of $120. I didn't bid, but I'm almost certain it would have been accepted if I did as the J cabin was practically empty.

I seem to recall the minimum bid was much higher last year. I have been ignoring the emails as there wasn't any value. Have things changed or only some routes?