Upgrades on QF11 and QF12 SYD <-> JFK

[Daver6]

When booked all the way through, how does the upgrade lottery work? Eg, I'm booked on QF12 JFK to SYD and put in a upgrade request from Y to J. Given there is a change of aircraft and people join the flight in LAX, who gets priority? Someone just bidding LAX to SYD sector?

Doesn't seem like there is a way to upgrade on just one sector either (which is fine, I'd be happy with both). I'd sort of imagine the JFK to LAX sector might be less busy then the LAX to SYD too.

Any inside knowledge of how this mystery works?

 

[mviy]

When booked all the way through, how does the upgrade lottery work? Eg, I'm booked on QF12 JFK to SYD and put in a upgrade request from Y to J. Given there is a change of aircraft and people join the flight in LAX, who gets priority? Someone just bidding LAX to SYD sector?

Not sure on that. For gate upgrades I don't think it'd make a difference. You'll only get upgraded on JFK to LAX if they'll also upgrade you on LAX to SYD. However if you miss out on JFK to LAX they may still upgrade you on LAX to SYD if you're travelling solo and requested an upgrade as late as at the gate.

Doesn't seem like there is a way to upgrade on just one sector either (which is fine, I'd be happy with both).

You can apply for all or nothing on the same flight number. If you only get LAX to SYD that's all you'll be charged for.

I'd sort of imagine the JFK to LAX sector might be less busy then the LAX to SYD too.

Most likely, yes. Whilst the plane from JFK to LAX is smaller QF isn't allowed to take passengers that only have a domestic itinerary.