Upgrading BA international flights

[GCC]

Mrs G has an upcoming BA flight SYD- LHR- SYD, booked in premium economy. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with upgrading BA intl flights, either online or at the airport?

As Mrs G will only be about 60 SC's short of re-qualifying for SG after this flight, we are also wondering whether an upgrade to J (if it is possible) will earn SC's in the original class or as a J ticket?

 

[JohnK]

Are you going to upgrade using Avios? You cannot upgrade a BA flight using QFF points. From memory BA used to offer cash upgrades to/from premium economy but not sure whether they still offer them or the participating airports.

And in theory the SCs earn will be for original booked class of travel not upgraded class. YMMV.

 

[andye]

Not aware of recent success rates or availability but there are a number of different ways to upgrade.

Pro-active upgrade. This is where BA offer an upgrade via Manage My Booking (or at airport) for a cash fee. If you accept you will get the BA Tier Points and Avios for the higher class. Recent experience suggests you would also get the higher class of QF SCs/points though this is not guaranteed

Upgrade using Avios. TP/SCs and Avios/points for originally booked fare. Number of Avios required is changing (increasing) after 28 April and will vary between peak and off-peak seasons. Not a lottery like QF

Upgrade with Asia Miles. This is possible on a BA ticket but I understand there needs to be return upgrade availability

 

[GCC]

Thanks for the replies. Mrs G is QFF SG, we have no Avios so that isn't an option. We are thinking specifically of cash upgrade via website or at airport, but main reason to do so is for QF SC's.