I'm looking to purchase (pay in dollars) 2 x Hobart-London economy flights for my partner and myself for mid 2020, dates aren't locked in yet though. There are two flights which are available for a points upgrade to Business Class, which are MEL/PER/LHR on QF9 and SYD/SIN/LHR on QF1.
Does anyone have any information on which of these two services usually has a better chance of an upgrade from economy being available? I'd prefer the QF9 service for the new Business Class product, however will probably book the flight with the best chance of an upgrade. Thanks in advance.
You have more chance on QF1 simply due to the fact it’s an A380 vs the 787 on QF9. Referring to the above comment specifically, it is possible to get an upgrade on QF9, what they don’t do is release any classic rewards seats in business class, which is slightly different. Do you hold status? Holding out for a points upgrade can be risky if not.
I had an upgrade as a Plat going Per LHR (a Monday) a couple of weeks ago but not coming back (a Saturday). Not sure what your status is but try middle of the week via Singapore if there are two of you. The upgrade to business for two each way will be up around 400,000 points. Check it out with different fares with the calculator.
If you can spring for PE, you’ll be both more likely to get an upgrade (PE tix place you closer to the front of the upgrade line) and if you don’t you’ll be more comfortable anyway.... (and I’d go via SIN to better your chances too)
There are more seats on QF 1, and with Business upgrades to First, the chances are higher on the A380.
It is always a gamble. I have had good upgrade luck on MEL-SIN, and family in Syd 50/50 on SYD-SIN leg. However if you fly via Sydney you need the seat free all the way from SYD-SIN-LHR.
Coming back from London last year, I as gold and my colleague who was bronze both put in for upgrades. He got upgraded LHR-SIN then SIN-MEL, but I got donuts even though I was a higher status as I was flying all the way through to SYD on the same flight number. Clearly there was a seat available LHR-SIN, but not all the way through to SYD.
Therefore coming out of Hobart, consider HBA-MEL-SIN-LHR over HBA-SYD-SIN-LHR for a better chance of getting at least one leg upgraded.
I’ve tried for upgrades from PE to Business several times on QF9/10 as a Platinum member, including after their ridiculous announcement about upgrade availability recently. I’ve never gotten it. Each time I’ve booked a flex fare and tried to find capacity on Expert Flyer a couple of days either side and there is never any excess business capacity on that flight.
QF1/2 can be touch and go during high season but you’ve got Buckley’s on QF9/10 at any time of the year in my experience. Once you’ve done the Perth transit lounge once, that flight becomes really bleak - especially in the cramped new PE seats.
I’ve tried for upgrades from PE to Business several times on QF9/10 as a Platinum member, including after their ridiculous announcement about upgrade availability recently. I’ve never gotten it. Each time I’ve booked a flex fare and tried to find capacity on Expert Flyer a couple of days either side and there is never any excess business capacity on that flight.
QF1/2 can be touch and go during high season but you’ve got Buckley’s on QF9/10 at any time of the year in my experience. Once you’ve done the Perth transit lounge once, that flight becomes really bleak - especially in the cramped new PE seats.
Cheers Greg, thanks for your comment.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on
Qantas Points business class upgrade to London
Ryan K
Ryan K
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 30 May 2013
Total posts 161
I'm looking to purchase (pay in dollars) 2 x Hobart-London economy flights for my partner and myself for mid 2020, dates aren't locked in yet though. There are two flights which are available for a points upgrade to Business Class, which are MEL/PER/LHR on QF9 and SYD/SIN/LHR on QF1.
Kinkade
Kinkade
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 30 Dec 2016
Total posts 16
In my experience the most likely leg is SYD/SING and the least likely is PER/LHR.
s4172249
s4172249
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 18 Feb 2018
Total posts 39
You have more chance on QF1 simply due to the fact it’s an A380 vs the 787 on QF9. Referring to the above comment specifically, it is possible to get an upgrade on QF9, what they don’t do is release any classic rewards seats in business class, which is slightly different. Do you hold status? Holding out for a points upgrade can be risky if not.
patrickk
patrickk
Qantas
Member since 19 Apr 2012
Total posts 737
I had an upgrade as a Plat going Per LHR (a Monday) a couple of weeks ago but not coming back (a Saturday). Not sure what your status is but try middle of the week via Singapore if there are two of you. The upgrade to business for two each way will be up around 400,000 points. Check it out with different fares with the calculator.
SimonFrost
SimonFrost
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 10 Jul 2013
Total posts 70
If you can spring for PE, you’ll be both more likely to get an upgrade (PE tix place you closer to the front of the upgrade line) and if you don’t you’ll be more comfortable anyway.... (and I’d go via SIN to better your chances too)
Pmoo6054
Pmoo6054
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 02 Jul 2018
Total posts 9
There are more seats on QF 1, and with Business upgrades to First, the chances are higher on the A380.
Ryan K
Ryan K
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 30 May 2013
Total posts 161
Thank you.
Ryan K
Ryan K
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 30 May 2013
Total posts 161
Thanks everyone, very insightful. Cheers.
greg959
greg959
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 May 2019
Total posts 64
I’ve tried for upgrades from PE to Business several times on QF9/10 as a Platinum member, including after their ridiculous announcement about upgrade availability recently. I’ve never gotten it. Each time I’ve booked a flex fare and tried to find capacity on Expert Flyer a couple of days either side and there is never any excess business capacity on that flight.
Ryan K
Ryan K
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 30 May 2013
Total posts 161
Cheers Greg, thanks for your comment.