Flight Upgrades

Flight Upgrades is a popular topic at the Australian Frequent Flyer. Much of the discussion is about upgrading to a premium cabin class of travel.

Qantas A380 Economy Class seats

How to Get a Qantas “Comfort Row” to Yourself

If you’re stuck in Economy on a long overnight flight, there’s not much better than getting a whole row of seats to yourself. Did you know that, on one Qantas flight, the airline will actually sell you the remaining seats in your row for a small fee? It’s much more cost-effective than upgrading to Premium … Continued

27 May 2019 Qantas
Qantas 747

Lucky Upgrade for Hawaii-Bound Jetstar Passengers

Thousands of lucky Jetstar passengers received a pleasant surprise on their flights to or from Hawaii over the past few weeks. Instead of flying on a cramped Jetstar Dreamliner, passengers booked to fly between Sydney and Honolulu have instead been flown on a Qantas Boeing 747 and received the full Qantas service. Some lucky passengers … Continued

17 Apr 2019 Jetstar
Economy business class queues

Swapping Seats Across Cabin Classes

It’s not uncommon for people in a group travelling together to swap seats on the plane. But is it allowed to swap seats with somebody you know that is travelling in a different cabin class? AFF member maidmarion will soon be flying with Air New Zealand to the Cook Islands. There are three family members booked … Continued

13 Apr 2019 In Flight
Qantas 787 Business Class

Qantas Upgrades: Who Gets Priority?

On Qantas domestic flights, upgrades are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is a Business Class Classic Reward seat available on your flight, the upgrade is yours. But Qantas international flights work somewhat differently. On international Qantas flights, upgrading with frequent flyer points is like entering a lottery. The only difference is that … Continued

18 Mar 2019 Qantas
upgrade bid

How Plusgrade’s Upgrade Bid System Works

Since launching in 2009, Plusgrade has made quite an impact on the airline industry. Plusgrade now facilitates online Business Class upgrade auctions for around 70 airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and Etihad Airways. And the company continues to grow. If you’ve ever received an invitation to bid for an upgrade on your upcoming … Continued

5 Reasons NOT to Transfer Velocity Points to KrisFlyer

You may already be aware that point transfers from Virgin Australia Velocity to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer will become more expensive from 1 January 2019. The current transfer rate of 1.35:1, which applies in both directions, will increase to a 1.55:1 rate. Given the upcoming devaluation, you may be tempted to transfer some or all of … Continued

30 Nov 2018 Virgin Australia
Singapore Airlines A380

Should I Transfer Velocity Points to KrisFlyer Now?

On 1 January 2019, transfers between Velocity Frequent Flyer and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer will become more expensive. It’s currently possible to transfer points between each program at a 1.35:1 rate. But next year this will increase to a 1.55:1 conversion, representing around a 15% devaluation. Given the upcoming changes to KrisFlyer transfers, you may be … Continued

Economy business class queues

The Death of Free Upgrades

You’ve probably heard the myths that dressing up, arriving at the airport early or flattering the check-in staff will help you get an upgrade. This advice is repeated time and time again in trashy “news” articles. But the reality is, airlines are extremely unlikely to give away free upgrades just because there are seats available … Continued

Qantas first 787

Melbourne-Perth in Qantas Premium Economy

Qantas has started selling Premium Economy tickets on its daily Boeing 787-9 tag flight between Melbourne and Perth. Qantas passengers also have the opportunity to redeem Qantas points for a Premium Economy award or upgrade on this route. Qantas flight QF9, which continues to London, has become a popular choice for flyers travelling from Melbourne … Continued

21 Oct 2018 Qantas
Bill shock resort fees surprise restaurant

Virgin Overcharges, Threatens Membership Termination

A Virgin Australia customer was recently overcharged by more than $4,000. But, despite acknowledging the error, Virgin initially refused to refund any of the money. This customer claims that an airline representative even threatened to cancel their Velocity Frequent Flyer membership and revoke their Platinum status if they submitted a credit card chargeback claim. The … Continued