WP on CX/KA Shanghai-HKG

[Isochronous]

I am a QF WP and I have heard that CX are usually pretty good at upgradng WPs/OWEs.

I need to fly Shanghai-HKG soon. I am closer to Hongqiao than Pudong but PVG seems to have more times, and especially is more convenient for the return leg exHKG.

I need to leave Shanghai on April 1 or 2 and return on the 5th or 6th. How do I check loads to maximise my chances of an upgrade from discount Y? (I've used FlightStats in the past but never tried ExpertFlyer, which I see mentioned around here a lot) I assume I should aim to be on an A333 rather than a KA A320 so there are more J seats available; there is also a 77W from PVG (CX369) that leaves at 1735 - how does that compare to the A333?

Also are my chances better on a CX A333 than a KA A333?

Many thanks!

 

[Isochronous]

I'm booked on KA859 2 Apr SHA-HKG and CX360 6 Apr HKG-PVG, both on A333s in V class.

How do I get the earliest/lowest BN to maximise upgrade chances?

 

[JohnK]

I am a QF WP and I have heard that CX are usually pretty good at upgradng WPs/OWEs.

What do you mean by pretty good?

I had 0 op-ups from 5 flights in economy until recently when I was upgraded to premium economy at check-in but only after asking for my original pre-allocated seat back instead of a middle seat I was re-allocated. In the confusion she somehow gave me an op-up.

Don't get your hopes up too high and if you happen to get an op-up then enjoy it....

 

[Happy Trails]

I'm booked on KA859 2 Apr SHA-HKG and CX360 6 Apr HKG-PVG, both on A333s in V class.

How do I get the earliest/lowest BN to maximise upgrade chances?

On line check in at T-48 gets you the low BN but I don't fancy your chances of an upgrade on those routes, there are likely to be plenty of MPCs ahead of you in the pecking order.

 

[Isochronous]

Fair comment about the MPCs on board - but I've heard so many CX upgrade stories I wondered if they had a strategy to target and poach QF WPs by smothering them with some love.

Just checked flightstats and KA859 on 2-Apr is still showing 9 in Y and 9 in J (the same as before I bought my ticket, which is weird). Interestingly CX360 HKG-PVG on 6-Apr is showing J9 Y0. So one can assume there will be upgrades happening on that flight (whether I'm lucky enough - unlikely, but who knows)?

 

[JohnK]

Just checked flightstats and KA859 on 2-Apr is still showing 9 in Y and 9 in J (the same as before I bought my ticket, which is weird).

You do realise that Y9 could possibly be Y123 and J9 could possibly be J47? And with your purchase of 1 seat it may now be Y122 and J47....

 

[oz_mark]

Fair comment about the MPCs on board - but I've heard so many CX upgrade stories I wondered if they had a strategy to target and poach QF WPs by smothering them with some love.

Just checked flightstats and KA859 on 2-Apr is still showing 9 in Y and 9 in J (the same as before I bought my ticket, which is weird).

Airlines can set a maximum number that the GDS will show. Some airlines use 9, and all that can really be said is that it means 'at least 9'.

Other airlines might use 4, or 7.

Showing the exact numbers might give too much commercial information to other airlines!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Fair comment about the MPCs on board - but I've heard so many CX upgrade stories I wondered if they had a strategy to target and poach QF WPs by smothering them with some love.

Just checked flightstats and KA859 on 2-Apr is still showing 9 in Y and 9 in J (the same as before I bought my ticket, which is weird). Interestingly CX360 HKG-PVG on 6-Apr is showing J9 Y0. So one can assume there will be upgrades happening on that flight (whether I'm lucky enough - unlikely, but who knows)?

generally the HKG-PVG/SHA aircraft are full to capacity in all classes. They have a large board at PVG showing all the flights of the day and 90% of the time you'll see 'full' against both J and Y class beside the flight number not only for your flight - but the next 3 or 4 flights as well. Delays are extremely common and so are roll forwards to accommodate those delays. I don't think I have ever been upgraded on that sector, even as a platinum, and I've done more than my fair share of them. (HKG-BKK however I've had a couple of upgrades there)

 

[Isochronous]

Illumintng comments about the GDS, thanks for that.

I got BN 4 - one of the highest I've ever had (the highest was 2 when I checked in about 30 hours in advance for an AA leg at MEL flying DFW-AUS)

 

[legroom]

On line check in at T-48 gets you the low BN but I don't fancy your chances of an upgrade on those routes, there are likely to be plenty of MPCs ahead of you in the pecking order.

What's BN again?

Boarding Number ????

 

[JohnK]

BN = Boarding Number or the sequence in which a person checks-in for flight.

Some people are of the theory the lower the number the better chance of an op-up but at the end of the day lots of factors need to come into play including status and PCV etc.

I do not bother except for the novelty value of having BN=001.

 

[legroom]

BN = Boarding Number or the sequence in which a person checks-in for flight.

Some people are of the theory the lower the number the better chance of an op-up but at the end of the day lots of factors need to come into play including status and PCV etc.

I do not bother except for the novelty value of having BN=001.

Thank you

I cannot recall seeing BN with QF.

Is this something CX-specific ?

Anecdotally, I was first in the Q a long time ago in whY, thinking that it would help. Only to be told to go to the back of the bus.

Pre-AFF days, of course.

 

[Hvr]

Thank you

I cannot recall seeing BN with QF.

Is this something CX-specific ?

Anecdotally, I was first in the Q a long time ago in whY, thinking that it would help. Only to be told to go to the back of the bus.

Pre-AFF days, of course.

BN is shown as SEQ number on QF.

 

[legroom]

BN is shown as SEQ number on QF.

Thank you

BN = SEQ

A new thing to add to the memory bank - again

 

[JohnK]

I cannot recall seeing BN with QF.

Is this something CX-specific ?

QF uses SEQ NBR
CX uses BN
VA uses SEQ
MH uses SEQ

 

[SQ421]

Fair comment about the MPCs on board - but I've heard so many CX upgrade stories I wondered if they had a strategy to target and poach QF WPs by smothering them with some love.

Was travelling with a WP last week and they did get an individual greeting along with "if there's anything I can do, please let me know" from the CSM. I was quite obviously traveling together with the said WP (but was a lowly SG then) and didn't even get a hello. So maybe cathay is trying to show QFWPs some love.

 

[JohnK]

So maybe cathay is trying to show QFWPs some love.

They used to do the greeting quite regularly as a Platinum flying in business.

It does not happen that often now and I do not expect it. Nor does it make me feel better. Nor would I alter my flying patterns in the hope of an op-up.

 

[Fantic125]

The last few times I've flown KA or CX I've been greeted by the CSM, but no op-ups though.

Be flying KA next Monday (HKG-PVG) in Y and see if there's any luck.