[JohnK]

I have been looking at QF010 SIN-MEL on April 21 and looks like has plenty of availability in economy. When I allocated 37D there was someone already allocated in 37FG so I assumed that there would be a good chance that 37E would remain vacant. When I look at check my trip it seems as if someone has plonked themselves down in 37E. With 4 people sitting in that row flight would not be very comfortable for me and them. It may also mean that this seat is not allocated but is blocked from view in check my trip.

There is plenty of availability further back but I don't want to take the risk of changing allocated seat and have the same thing happen.

Would it be a good idea to try to upgrade to business class using 40,000 FF points? If used wisely, 40,000 points, on award redemption and taking into consideration taxes and charges is probably worth $800. As a mere PS before this flight I do not like my chances of upgrade coming through. Anyway as someone who does not easily acquire FF points it seems an awful lot of points to use on one flight.

I find it very hard to put a $value on a business class seat. As far as service, food and beverages goes they are probably worth $50 more than economy, assuming you don't go overboard guzzling. I cannot see how the seat itself would be worth $750 more, based on my calculations, than an economy seat for 7 hours use. But then there are the recliners? What $value do you place on avaiding them?

What do you think?

[odoherty]

Points are there to be used!

I say go for it.

[DPG]

JohnK this is a much easier question than the one I was asking a couple of days ago...

YES!

The difference between Economy and Business is enormous, and well worth the 40,000 Points!

Put your request in to upgrade as soon as possible, which gets you into the list!

You can always take it out later (up until 24 hours before) if you change your mind!

D P G from Istanbul

edited as my grammar is hopeless at the moment!

[Dave Noble]

Only you can answer that. Personally, I use most of my points on upgrades and , since the scheme changed in 2001, have only used points for upgrades ( other than for a oneway to Libya coming up in May where 18000 points seemed a good choice over AUD1000 ).


Dave

[Optics]

It all depends on your personal circumstances of course. You say you don't accrue points easily, so you need to ensure you use them wisely. If using these 40,000 points prevents a family holiday, then it is probably not worth it.

However, the Skybed seats are great and it is nice to be pampered a bit during the flight. If you are unsure, it is probably worth requesting the upgrade, as you can always withdraw later. If you don't request early, your chances are very low.

[odoherty]

Originally Posted by Optics

you can always withdraw later.

As long as it's not confirmed.

[Damien]

I believe the best way to use points is to upgrade from enconomy to business on a long flight. Go for it.

[Yada Yada]

JohnK - I'd also go for it. Economy for a flight that long sucks big time. :x

Note that you can purchase a business class seat outright for a SIN-MEL flight for 60,000 points, only 50% more.

[NM]

I too would be waitlisting for an upgrade. If it comes if then enjoy the comfort. If not, then you have the points in the bank for next time.

But its your decision as to whether you perceive this as the goal for which you have been saving the points.

[serfty]

Originally Posted by JohnK

... Would it be a good idea to try to upgrade to business class using 40,000 FF points? ...

JohnK,

IMO, upgrades from WHY to J are generally still the most cost effective use of FF points.

It's a pain for me that most of my WHY flights these days are in a non-upgradeable class (N, O, Q) and as such rarely have the chance to do so.

So, if your booking class permits it, I suggest you go for it.