Upgrading "eligible family members" –*how strictly is it enforced?

[werdnum]

Hey folks,

I'm flying with a friend, and I was thinking of upgrading.

Since I've got points to burn, I figured I'd spend the points. However, when I go to put the upgrade in, it asks me what his relationship to me is.

I understand that QF technically only allows you to upgrade "eligible family members" (I'd link to the page, but AFF won't let me), but is anybody familiar with how strictly this is enforced? I was thinking of putting him down as a half-brother or brother-in-law and seeing what happens. I presume this requirement is in to make sure that upgrade requests are done in a bona fide way – i.e. nobody commercially offers people upgrades for money. Since that's not happening, and we're flying together, do you think they'll mind?

Thanks!

 

[Princess Fiona]

No personal experience but if the upgrade comes through I cannot imagine CSA will ask for proof at check-in.

 

[werdnum]

No personal experience but if the upgrade comes through I cannot imagine CSA will ask for proof at check-in.

I'd be awfully surprised, but then they might try to catch me out at checkin or something silly. I wonder if they actually store the relationship you declare, or just have it there to pay lip service to T&Cs. If they're trying to flog upgrades to people on lower fare buckets, I imagine it's in their interests to let us burn the points.

 

[serfty]

Some things are better not discussed ...

 

[JetLagged]

From actual experience - given the very narrow degree of separation between us all - put him down as a cousin (allowable under the T&C) - and you are more than likely doing the right thing. So depending on where you stand, or sit, you are being ethical, and Qantas will accept your word. No-one nis going to stop you spending your money (with points counting as $ for Qantas revenue).

As I said, have done this in the past and no, no-one has asked for proof of relationship. Why, r u going to carry around a whole load of birth and marriage certificates?

 

[wingspan]

I wonder if they actually store the relationship you declare

I don't think this is the case. Because I've used different relationships for the same person on different occasions and was never questioned.

 

[werdnum]

From actual experience - given the very narrow degree of separation between us all - put him down as a cousin (allowable under the T&C) - and you are more than likely doing the right thing. So depending on where you stand, or sit, you are being ethical, and Qantas will accept your word. No-one nis going to stop you spending your money (with points counting as $ for Qantas revenue).

As I said, have done this in the past and no, no-one has asked for proof of relationship. Why, r u going to carry around a whole load of birth and marriage certificates?

Well, they actually specify "first cousin" on the list. I don't think they'll ask for proof, I'm expecting maybe a question or two, tops.

 

[el_rooto]

I don't think this is the case. Because I've used different relationships for the same person on different occasions and was never questioned.

I think they store the spouse/husband/wife one.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

They store mother as well - I requested an upgrade for her on one booking, and then when submitting an upgrade for a different flight with her (with the pax name exactly the same), the 'mother' option was pre-selected (and it wasn't my web browser that auto-selected it)


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

 

[Dantine]

When I have called up in the past to change FF bookings for myself and travel companion in the past, they have asked me to reconfirm my relationship to them, so if you do something dodgy, make sure keep your story straight.

 

[haydensydney]

Presumably its in place for QF to prevent "laundering" of points or for members to flog off flights for payment (black market styles).

If it was abused excessively, I think QF would notice this (with some form of IT monitoring) - QF could also go down the SQ route whereby a member can choose five "nominees" for redemption on each account, and these nominees can't be changed for 12 months either.

I wouldn't worry about it.... I've done it heaps of times for stingy friends (or cousins?) and they have never been pulled up.

 

[v8Statesman]

As always, be willing to accept 8.1a

If you are a status member, that can be traumatic!

Frequent Flyer - About the Program - Terms & Conditions

 

[NM]

I find it strange that "self" is not an eligible family member. And yes, there is a valid reason to use it, but it's not offered as an option.

 

[werdnum]

I find it strange that "self" is not an eligible family member. And yes, there is a valid reason to use it, but it's not offered as an option.

I'm curious. Where would it be required? The T&Cs treat upgrading somebody else as a special case of upgrading yourself – "you may assign benefits" etc.

 

[v8Statesman]

I'm curious. Where would it be required? The T&Cs treat upgrading somebody else as a special case of upgrading yourself – "you may assign benefits" etc.

If crediting the flight to another airline. But wanting to use QFF points to upgrade the flight.


Sent from my Telstra iPhone using the Australian Frequent Flyer application.

 

[NM]

I'm curious. Where would it be required? The T&Cs treat upgrading somebody else as a special case of upgrading yourself – "you may assign benefits" etc.

When Flying using my AA FF number for miles earning, lounge access etc, but wanting to use QFF points to upgrade. I find it too risky to do last minute changes of FF programs in the booking as that can lead to crediting to the wrong program which can be very hard to fix later.