Airline Upgrades
Who would like to sit up the front of the plane in Business Class, or just get an upgrade to Premium Economy for a change? I’m sure everyone’s read an article with advice along the lines of ‘Check in early’ and ‘Dress Nicely’. Unfortunately, unless you are extremely lucky, these will not nab you a flight upgrade.
However, all is not lost. There are alternative ways to upgrade, so flying in Premium Economy or Business Class is within reach of almost everyone! To give you an example, read my post How I flew Business Class to Europe for $50
First off, it’s important to note that not all flights can be upgraded. On Air NZ, which we focus on, short-haul international flights (e.g. Australia) may use aircraft without Premium Economy and Business Class. If you want to upgrade, when booking your flight ensure it is flying on a Boeing 777/787 and not an Airbus A320/321
Operational Upgrades:
An operational upgrade is the type most people hope for. This is when Economy class is overbooked, and some passengers need to be moved up a class into vacant space. Most of the time it will be a single class upgrade, so an Economy passenger will move into Premium Economy. If Premium Economy is also full, then a Premium Economy passenger will move into Business Class.
It’s very rare for Economy Class passengers to be bumped straight to Business Class if the aircraft has Premium Economy.
These upgrades are also normally prioritised by status. On Air NZ for example, you’re most likely to be upgraded if you hold Elite, followed by Gold, then Silver down to regular customers. The same goes for Star Alliance Gold/Silver members.
The next selections are then often based on the ticket. If you paid more for a full flex type ticket, then you’re next in line to be upgraded, compared to someone who purchased the cheapest Grabaseat or discount ticket.
Typically, you are also far less likely to be upgraded if you are traveling with others, especially children. In addition, having a special meal request will normally remove any chances of getting an upgrade.
Airpoints:
If you follow our guide on Air NZ Airpoints here, you might have a good collection of Airpoints to spend. Surprisingly, it’s better value not to spend them on Air NZ flights if you want to fly a nicer cabin class. See our guide on Star Alliance redemptions here.
There are of course other loyalty program out there, but for most New Zealanders Airpoints is the easiest and most accessible.
Air NZ Status (Recognition Upgrades):
If you manage to reach Air NZ Silver status, you’ll be given one free recognition upgrade. This will allow you an upgrade of one cabin class for any single flight sector. This includes any long-haul flight, so you can go from Economy to Premium Economy, or from Premium Economy to Business class for free.
If you redeem it on a short haul international (i.e. to Australia), then you will be able to go straight from Economy to Business class (if available).
With Gold Status on Air NZ, you get 2 free upgrades. This can get you from Economy to Business Class on any long-haul flight. It’s important to note if you go from Silver status to Gold status without using your upgrade (or requesting it, you don’t need to have flown yet) the upgrade you received previously will disappear.
These are also not guaranteed, as paying customers and high-status members will always have priority. It’s best to request this upgrade the moment you book your flight. However, you will generally not know if it’s successful until 6 days prior, and sometimes even until check in. If it is not successful, the upgrade will be returned and you can apply it on another flight.
OneUp/Paid Upgrades:
Air NZ also offers the ability to ‘bid’ on an upgrade prior to departure. These one class upgrades are processed after Recognition Upgrades, and you can pay either with Airpoints or by card.
There is no guarantee of success, as it depends on number of available spaces, and the offers of other passengers. However, when submitting a bid online through Air NZ there is an indicator giving you an idea of the likelihood of success. This however is just a guide, and often you can see success for ‘weak’ offers depending on demand and other bidders.
If you have a higher loyalty status, your bids are also given a free ‘bonus’. This will effectively increase the value of your bid at no extra cost to you. Silver receives an extra 10%, Gold 30% and Elite 50%.
If your bid is unsuccessful you won’t be charged any extra. Many other airlines also offer similar programs, or a fixed fee close to departure time to upgrade.