Aussie travellers can now use their Qantas frequent flyer points to upgrade to business class on Oneworld partner LAN’s Sydney-Auckland-Santiago flights.
To upgrade, passengers must have booked their flights through Qantas as a QF codeshare – that’s QF321 from Sydney to Santiago (via Auckland) and QF322 when homeward bound – rather than directly with LAN as LA800 or LA801.
Australian Business Traveller also understands that upgrades are possible on the shorter Sydney-Auckland journey or when flying from Auckland through to Santiago, also on a Qantas QF flight number.
Upgrades aren’t available on any other LAN flights beyond the Sydney-Santiago route, including onward connections within South America even when booked under a QF flight number.
Qantas frequent flyer upgrades on LAN: how it’s done
Similar to the process on Qantas international flights, frequent flyer upgrades on LAN won’t be confirmed straight away and are instead waitlisted and considered closer to departure.
You’ll also need the same number of points as you would to upgrade on Qantas’ own Sydney-Santiago services, being 72,000 points from Economy Saver fares to business class, or 45,000 points from Economy Flex to business class.
Business class upgrades from the cheapest Economy Sale fares aren't offered.
Upgrade and relax in business class aboard LAN's Sydney-Santiago flights
Head to the ‘manage my booking’ section of the Qantas website to request your upgrade, which will be assessed before you arrive at the airport.
There's no option to also have your request considered at check-in, in the lounge and at the boarding gate – something that frequent flyers enjoy only when travelling on Qantas-operated flights to maximise their chances of success.
When asked if frequent flyer points upgrades were in the pipeline for Qantas codeshare flights operated by other airlines such as Emirates, a Qantas spokesperson told Australian Business Traveller only that “this is something we’ve been able to negotiate with LAN specifically”.
The frequent flyer improvements come just as LAN’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners begin flying to Australia.
Read: LAN Boeing 787 debuts on Sydney-Auckland-Santiago flights
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Apr 2013
Total posts 387
Now I hope Qantas/Emirates codeshare flights allow this soon
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 May 2012
Total posts 371
Hope it comes to all QF code share flights soon. Hopefully this LAN deal is only the first of many,
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 211
The lack of ability to upgrade on Emirates flights is a major drawback in the 'special' relationship when you live in the west. No opportunity to upgrade to anywhere except domestic fligths or add an extra half a day travel to use a QF flight and try your luck when heading to Europe - no thanks. Let's hope the deal with LAN is the start of things to come.
Qantas Platinum
04 Dec 2012
Total posts 48
Contrary to what has been mentioned in the article. I have been able to upgrade to Business on QFF points for the Sydney-Auckland leg only.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Jun 2015
Total posts 1
We got upgraded to business from Auckland to Santiago...2 adult,2kids(1infant)
it was awesome experience.I was a bit worry because of the little one will be crying.
but she was just sleeping whole flight.
the service was awesome,food was great and the seat/bed amazing
i don't want to fly economy anymore:)
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Qantas launches frequent flyer upgrades on LAN