Upgrading AA flights with QFF Points

[_TheTraveller_]

Just received this in the platinum newsletter. Not sure if anyone noticed this? I tried searching the on AFF but didn't see anything.

I recall QF mentioning this was being developed so I'm glad that it's out. It'll be interesting to see how this work in reality.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/use-points/partner-airline-upgrades.html

 

[SeatBackForward]

Definitely new, and the FAQ is quite detailed.

Doesn't however give much by way of ranking/ordering of upgrade requests.

 

[SYD]

I assume this is part of the broader roll out of OW alliance wide upgrades (there's another thread here). They were pretty poor value.

But the implementation in QF is very new. I have an upcoming AA SFO-JFK flight booked as a QF CR in whY. Quite recently I clicked on the "Upgrade" button and was told "Unavailable" (no surprise) but when I just clicked through on the link, it accepted the QF PNR and took me thru to AA.

"Only" 85,200 pts each to upgrade from whY to Biz (on a 3 class A321). Think I'll stick with the front row of MCE we were able to select for free!

 

[SeatBackForward]

They were pretty poor value.

If I'm not mistaken the alliance wide upgrades on Star Alliance are only available on the more flexible (read: expensive) fare buckets in each class?

 

[justinbrett]

I assume this is part of the broader roll out of OW alliance wide upgrades

Unless it’s preceding the “QF joining AAdvantage” announcement

 

[SYD]

Unless it’s preceding the “QF joining AAdvantage” announcement

If the QF fuel-fines come down to AA levels, bring it on!

 

[jimmy hutspah]

OT, but I can’t for the life of me find the AA MCE thread which would be handy to continue the positive enhancement discussion but I booked the flight back in Jan (no MCE during the booking process - QF usually gives you a one off seat selection during booking process but not afterwards. You have to go via AA and their PNR).

I went back in shortly after via AA and saw the pay to play for MCE but it was only a week or two latter that I checked again and it was free.

It’s most definitely back, I’ve got 8 AA legs coming up on a trip in Oct, a mixture of AA rev fares and QF CR fares, and all have allowed me to select MCE for free.

Back on topic, 39k points to upgrade for a 3 hour flight DFW - PSP? Not sure it’s worth it, given the MCE perks already.

 

[Mwenenzi]

I assume this is part of the broader roll out of OW alliance wide upgrades (there's another thread here). They were pretty poor value.

Thread here

G

Thread 'AA miles for Qantas upgrades?'

Mar 6, 2024

More competition for "upgrades"....

Get Upgraded

upgrade.plusgrade.com

Needs more analysis but I'm sure the AFF collective can do a better job than me.
First thoughts are "how the hell is this going to affect lower status QFF members"? Is this the first incarnation of "OneWorld upgrades?"

• Guvner
• Replies: 16
• Forum: American Airlines | AAdvantage

Edit
Would be better if discussion about AA MCE for pax with QF status is moved to another thread, Deserving its own thread
Topic of this thread "Upgrading AA flights with QFF Points"

 

[SYD]

Thread here

G

Thread 'AA miles for Qantas upgrades?'

Mar 6, 2024

More competition for "upgrades"....

Get Upgraded

upgrade.plusgrade.com

Needs more analysis but I'm sure the AFF collective can do a better job than me.
First thoughts are "how the hell is this going to affect lower status QFF members"? Is this the first incarnation of "OneWorld upgrades?"

• Guvner
• Replies: 16
• Forum: American Airlines | AAdvantage

Edit
Would be better if discussion about AA MCE for pax with QF status is moved to another thread, Deserving its own thread
Topic of this thread "Upgrading AA flights with QFF Points"

There is another MCE related thread but I cannot find it! (see post #13). I tried AFF search, Google search, and scrolling through QF and AA threads….

Edit:
Mods - this thread has some discussion on the return of AA MCE for QF status PAX.

Post in thread 'Qantas status on AA flights'
Qantas status on AA flights

 

[ChrisFlyer]

The rates to upgrade seem higher than what it costs to just book a reward seat on the same flight on the same route. So you're basically being charged for another flight, and then some - after you've already paid for the first ticket. Might be good for people who otherwise have no use for a growing pile of points, but would be about option Z on the list of good things to spend Qantas points on!

 

[jimmy hutspah]

The rates to upgrade seem higher than what it costs to just book a reward seat on the same flight on the same route. So you're basically being charged for another flight, and then some - after you've already paid for the first ticket. Might be good for people who otherwise have no use for a growing pile of points, but would be about option Z on the list of good things to spend Qantas points on!

That’s right, I paid 13k points for a Y fare DFW - PSP, it’s quoting me 39k extra points to then upgrade. Total = 52k points. But a CR standalone fare in F is only 29k points. Crazy.

 

[SYD]

That’s right, I paid 13k points for a Y fare DFW - PSP, it’s quoting me 39k extra points to then upgrade. Total = 52k points. But a CR standalone fare in F is only 29k points. Crazy.

It’ll be interesting to see if paid fares are less points? But still not expecting a bargain compared to CRs - assuming you can get one.

 

[jimmy hutspah]

It’ll be interesting to see if paid fares are less points? But still not expecting a bargain compared to CRs - assuming you can get one.

Nope. I just checked a paid DFW-ORD fare I have coming up; also 39k points to upgrade.

 

[shuuy]

I’m going to speculate that the upgrade provider values QF points at 1c USD, and these awards compete with cash upgrades possibilities offered to all.

(Eg SFO-JFK transcon upgrade for ~US$870)

 

[Mattg]

The rates to upgrade seem higher than what it costs to just book a reward seat on the same flight on the same route. So you're basically being charged for another flight, and then some - after you've already paid for the first ticket. Might be good for people who otherwise have no use for a growing pile of points, but would be about option Z on the list of good things to spend Qantas points on!

Very true that the upgrades are poor value.

However, to actually book a Classic Reward in Premium Economy/Business/First in the first place, there obviously needs to be availability. Sometimes easier said than found.

 

[serfty]

One thing here is that these days, good luck getting one.

There are rarely spare seats up front 24 hours before an AA domestic flight.

The seats are monetised months and weeks before the flight, AAdvantage status based upgrades from a week before happen as well.