Qantas launches new upgrade system for Frequent Flyers

DON’T have enough points to snag an upgrade? There’s now a new way of scoring a seat in business class thanks to this industry first.

DON’T have enough points to snag an upgrade? There’s now a new way of scoring a seat in business class if you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer.

Qantas has launched an invitation only bidding system, Bid Now Upgrades, that allows invited Frequent Flyers booked in Economy and Premium Economy to make an offer for a business class upgrade using a combination of money and points.

“This is designed for Frequent Flyers who don’t have a balance high enough to request an upgrade using points alone.

“For a member who doesn’t have enough points to submit an upgrade request for their whole family, Bid Now Upgrades offers an alternative chance to travel at the front of the plane with their spouse and children using a combination of money and points, ” said Qantas Loyalty CEO Lesley Grant.

Qantas Frequent Flyers now have even more chance of scoring an upgrade.

Bid Now Upgrades will be gradually introduced across the Qantas network from this week and is the first industry system to offer customers an upgrade option using points and money.

Ms Grant said Bid Now Upgrades will not change the process or priority for Frequent Flyers submitting Classic Upgrade Rewards more than 24 hours out from their scheduled departure.

“This new initiative will in no way impact the chances of members securing a Classic Upgrade Reward — these will always be confirmed first regardless of their Frequent Flyer tier and they remain the best value option,” she said.

This leg room could be all yours for a mix of points and cash.

How does it work?

1. Customers invited to participate in Bid Now Upgrades will receive an email, seven days before departure, enabling them to make an offer for an upgrade within a set range of points and money.

2. Minimums are from 3,000 Qantas Points for a domestic upgrade and from 5,000 Qantas Points for an international upgrade. A minimum dollar amount will also be required.

3. Customers’ Bid Now Upgrades offer can be modified or cancelled at any time up until 24 hours before departure, but customers don’t see each other’s offers.

4. Customers will be notified via email approximately one day before departure if their offer has been successful or not.

5. If a customer is not successful, they pay nothing and keep their current seat.