Best ways to get bumped up to business with Qantas?

[tnhtnh]

Hi all

I'd love to get some thoughts on what are the best strategies on getting a gate upgrade from Economy to Business. What has the group tried - what worked, what didnt?

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Regardless of the answers, congrats on your first post.

 

[mannej]

If you are trying to get upgrades at the gate (are you referring to domestic or international?) I think the prudent advice is to manage your expectation to expect to travel in the class booked.

 

[cove]

Just lodge the points upgrade request at the time of booking rather than hoping for an upgrade because economy is over booked.

 

[Hvr]

Join Chairman's Lounge.

 

[Pushka]

Wish upon a star maybe?

In over 10 years of loyalty to Qantas and Platinum status and LTG we’ve had just one upgrade.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Join Chairman's Lounge.

Become a Member of Parliament. Oh wait, that's the same thing

 

[Denali]

Well... If you read my next travel blog on news.com, dressing up for check in, witty conversation with the check in agent and complimenting gate agents will always get you an upgrade

Well, that's what I've seen plagiarised a dozen times.

 

[Forg]

tnhtnh, Qantas has a policy of not giving people free upgrades, even those who’ve spent thousands (even millions) of dollars with Qantas.

It’s not totally impossible, but the chances of it happening are really really slim. You basically have to fluke a flight which is overbooked in economy & all economy passengers turn up, where business isn’t full, and where there aren’t a lot of more-regular Qantas customers booked in economy. Or a full flight, except with available seats in business, and when you sit down your seat breaks. It’s a near impossible scenario really.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Buy a Business class ticket, 100% guaranteed upgrade at the gate to Business Class,

 

[williamsf1]

Have status
be traveling alone
be nice to EVERY person you have contact with

 

[dajop]

By a Business class ticket, 100% guaranteed upgrade at the gate to Business Class,

No not quite accurate. Probably 99% guaranteed. There’s always a chance of a downgrade. Ask EmilyP‘s parents. (Nb: This is reference to an old thread where poster’s parents were downgraded to economy).

 

[get me outta here]

I agree, travel alone.

 

[RooFlyer]

No not quite accurate. Probably 99% guaranteed. There’s always a chance of a downgrade. Ask EmilyP‘s parents. (Nb: This is reference to an old thread where poster’s parents were downgraded to economy).

Not 99% 'guaranteed'. Not guaranteed at all ( to fly in J if you have booked paid J). You can always get bumped down.

 

[DC3]

.... Ask EmilyP‘s parents. (Nb: This is reference to an old thread where poster’s parents were downgraded to economy).

EmilyP. Although we never got the final update on that one, did we? But yes, parents badly treated. Easy targets.

 

[Flyer]

No not quite accurate. Probably 99% guaranteed. There’s always a chance of a downgrade. Ask EmilyP‘s parents. (Nb: This is reference to an old thread where poster’s parents were downgraded to economy).

Is there a thread about that? Sounds like it may be an interesting read.

 

[get me outta here]

And, is EmilyP still a member?

Is there a thread about that? Sounds like it may be an interesting read.

 

[Happy Trails]

Is there a thread about that? Sounds like it may be an interesting read.

Here it is:
Downgraded from Business Class.

 

[OATEK]

And, is EmilyP still a member?

The EmilyP saga begin here.

 

[Denali]

Will say my solo traveller friend often gets bumped to J or a Y row to herself and she travels OS at least every month.