Qantas Upgrade to Business Class/Premium Economy

Qantas Upgrade is a service offered by Qantas Airlines that allows you to upgrade your seat to a higher class of service. This can be a great option for you if you want to enjoy additional comfort and luxury during your flight without necessarily paying the full price. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the Qantas Upgrade service offers a range of options to suit your needs. From extra legroom to access to premium lounges, upgrading your seat can enhance your travel experience and make your journey more enjoyable. 

The Basics of Qantas Upgrades 

If you’re a frequent traveler or just someone who loves flying in style, you may be curious about the upgrades offered by Qantas, Australia’s largest airline. In this section, we present in a nutshell everything you need to know about Qantas upgrades, including how to upgrade and the restrictions on upgrading. 

• You can upgrade with Qantas in several ways, such as:
  • With your Qantas Points (Classic Upgrade Rewards)
  • By bidding for an upgrade (Bid Now Upgrades) with cash, Points, or a mix of both
  • Domestic on Departure Upgrade Rewards for elite status frequent flyers travelling within Australia
• Upgrades can only be requested on confirmed and paid tickets on eligible flights operated by Qantas with the flight number QF on the ticket, and occasionally on codeshare QF flights operated by another airline. 
• Upgrade restrictions
  • You cannot upgrade Economy Sale fares (booking classes E, N, O, and Q) on international flights.
  • You cannot purchase an upgrade outright, but you can buy a ticket for a Premium Cabin if available. 
  • You cannot upgrade straight from Economy to First Class. To upgrade to First Class, you must have a Business Class ticket. If you’re flying Economy Class, you can upgrade to Business Class and if seats aren’t available, you may be offered an upgrade to Premium Economy (if you agree).
• Bid Now Upgrades are prioritized on bid value but processed after all requests for Classic Upgrade Rewards have been processed. 
• You can request an upgrade as follows:
  • Classic Upgrade Rewards can be requested till 10 hours before departure for international flights and up to 5 hours before departure for domestic flights. 
  • For Bid Now Upgrades, you will receive an email invitation within 7 days of departure if you’re eligible to bid, along with instructions on how to place a bid. 
  • Domestic On Departure Upgrade Rewards can be requested for domestic flights within Australia from 3 hours before flight departure (after you’ve checked in till boarding starts).
• If your upgrade request is successful, you will be informed as follows:
  • For Classic Upgrade Rewards, you will receive an SMS informing you whether your upgrade was successful.
    • On domestic flights, Platinum One and Platinum members will be informed starting 3 days before departure time. Gold, Silver, and Bronze members will be informed starting 24 hours before departure. 
    • On international flights, Platinum One members will be informed starting 7 days before departure. Platinum members will be informed from 3 days before departure time. Gold, Silver, and Bronze members will be informed from 24 hours before departure. 
  • For Bid Now Upgrades, you will receive an email about 24 hours before departure informing you that your bid offer has been accepted. 
  • For the Domestic on Departure Upgrade Reward, you will be informed immediately after your request has been processed in the airline’s app. 
• Even if you’ve been upgraded successfully, the Qantas Points and Status Credits that you earn will be based on your original and not the upgraded fare. 
• If your upgrade request is successful:
  • Before check-in, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of the upgraded fare, including lounge access (if available). 
  • All the passengers included in the upgrade request will be upgraded. If you want only some passengers in your booking to be upgraded, you must either split your booking or call Qantas for assistance before travelling.  
• You can only request an upgrade at the airport with the On Departure Upgrade Reward on domestic flights if you hold a confirmed and paid ticket and you’re an elite status member (Qantas Club, Points Club Plus, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum One).

Qantas Bid Upgrade 

You can upgrade your flight with Qantas Bid Upgrade program, offered on select flights and tickets. If your flight booking qualifies for a bid upgrade, you can make an upgrade offer with cash, Qantas Points, or a mix of cash and Points. 

How to check your eligibility for a Qantas bid upgrade?

You can check whether you’re eligible to bid for an upgrade by entering your flight booking details on the Bid Now Upgrades page. Alternatively, you can use the airline’s app. You can also use the link above to review, modify, or cancel your bid. 

How Bid Now Upgrades work?

Qantas Bid for Upgrade—Points to Remember

• Eligibility. You won’t be able to bid for an upgrade if you’re travelling internationally on an Economy Sale fare (E, N, O, and Q). 
• If you’re eligible to bid for an upgrade, the upgrade will be to Business Class. If your upgrade bid for Business Class is declined, you may be provided with the option to bid for an upgrade to Premium Economy. However, right at the start, you cannot bid solely for a Premium Economy upgrade.
• If you’re holding an eligible Business Class ticket, you can only upgrade to the next higher class, i.e., First Class. 
• You can upgrade with cash to a Premium Cabin, or with a combination of cash and Qantas Points if you’re a Qantas Frequent Flyer.
• You can place a Bid Now Upgrade request within 7 days of departure.
• You can place, modify, or cancel your Bid Now Upgrade request up to 5 hours before departure for domestic flights and up to 10 hours before departure for international flights. After this time, you cannot withdraw your bid.
• If you cancel your Bid Now Upgrade after it has been accepted, or fail to board your flight post-acceptance, the upgrade amount bid by you (cash or Points) will be forfeited and the original seat booked by you may not be available. 
• You will be informed about the status of your bid (accepted or not accepted) by email within about 24 hours of departure. 
• You can make, modify, or cancel your Bid Now Upgrade request through the link provided in your invitation to bid email, by clicking on the Bid Now Upgrades page, or through the airline’s mobile app. 
• If your bid offer is accepted within 24 hours of the first flight’s departure, the seat selection fee, pre-purchased baggage fee, and extra legroom seat fees are not refundable, unless your ticket is refunded for safety, operational, or security reasons as well as if you’re entitled to refund under the Australian Consumer Law. 
• You can bid for an upgrade in several ways:
  • Through the link provided in the Bid Now Upgrade offer email. Simply click on the link, choose the flight segment eligible for the upgrade, and make your upgrade offer. 
  • By cash, and if you’re a Qantas frequent flyer, Qantas Points (or a mix of both). 
  • When making a cash-only offer, you’ll need to move the slider within the bidding range to indicate the value of your upgrade offer. 
  • When using Qantas Points, enter how many Points you wish to upgrade with. If using a mix of cash and Points, enter the number of Points you want to offer and then use the slider to indicate how much cash you want to offer. Make sure both Points and cash are within the specified range provided on the page. 
  • If you’re eligible to bid for an upgrade, go to the Bid Now Upgrades page, enter your payment and contact details in the boxes, and submit your offer after reviewing it. 
  • If your trip starts outside of Australia and you have booked your ticket through a travel agent, contact your travel agent to help place your upgrade offer.
    

Qantas Bid Upgrade Tips

Qantas bid upgrade tips can be a game-changer for travellers looking to experience the luxury of Business or First Class without breaking the bank. Below are 10 tips to increase your chances of securing an upgrade on Qantas flights.

1. Be strategic with your bid. Consider bidding slightly higher than the minimum amount to enhance your chances of winning an upgrade.
2. Choose off-peak flights. Bidding during less busy travel periods may give you a better chance of winning an upgrade.
3. Check the seat availability. If there are many empty seats in Business or First Class, your bid may have a higher chance of being accepted.
4. Be a loyal customer. Frequent flyers and members of Qantas’ loyalty program may receive priority on upgrades, so take advantage of any opportunities to earn points and status.
5. Bid for multiple passengers. If you’re traveling with others, consider bidding for all passengers together to increase the likelihood of securing upgrades for everyone in your party.
6. Be flexible. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, times, or even destinations, you may find more opportunities for upgrades available.
7. Keep an eye on email notifications. Qantas may send out last-minute upgrade offers via email, so make sure to check your inbox regularly and act quickly if you receive one.
8. Use points strategically. If you have accumulated Qantas frequent flyer points, consider using them to supplement your bid and increase its appeal.
9. Enter the correct details. Be sure to enter your correct email address. If you have booked your ticket through a travel agent, check if the agent has received an invitation to bid email on your behalf (especially within 7 days prior to departure).
10. Double-check your eligibility. If you haven’t received an invitation to bid email, visit the Bid Now Upgrades page to check if you’re eligible to bid for an upgrade. 

Qantas Points Upgrade 

Upgrading with Qantas Points is a great way to make the most of your loyalty program benefits. With a Qantas Points upgrade, you have the opportunity to enjoy the luxury and comfort of premium cabins, even if you initially booked an Economy or a Business Class ticket. 

How to request a Points upgrade (with Classic Upgrade Reward)

You can request a flight upgrade with Points by phone or online through your frequent flyer account. 

To request a Qantas upgrade with Points online, follow the steps below.

1. Go to Qantas.com
2. Log in to your account 
3. Go to Bookings 
4. Choose Upgrade for your flight booking
5. Follow the prompts to upgrade 
6. Pay with your Qantas Points 

Note 

• You can also request a Points upgrade through the Qantas App.
• Be sure to request your Points upgrade at least:
  • 5 hours before departure for domestic flights 
  • 10 hours before departure for international flights 
• On select international flights, you may be able to request a Qantas upgrade with Points at the check-in counter or gate. 

How many Qantas Points need to upgrade to Business Class?

How many points you need to upgrade to Business Class on Qantas will depend on your flight distance and fare class. For details, refer to the tables below or use the Qantas Upgrade Points Calculator on the airline’s website. Remember, availability for upgrades is limited and you should book as early as you can. 

Qantas Upgrade Using Points—Economy to Premium Economy (International) 

The number of Points you’ll need for a Qantas flight upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy on international flights is provided in the table below. 

Qantas Upgrade Using Points—Economy to Business (International) 

The number of Points you’ll need to upgrade from Economy to Business Class on international flights is shown in the table below. 

Qantas Upgrade Using Points—Business to First Class (International) 

The number of Qantas Points required to upgrade from Business to First Class on international flights appears in the table below. 

Qantas Business Class Upgrade 

Unlike other airlines that permit one-class upgrades with Points, Qantas allows you to upgrade from Economy right up to Business Class, including flights offering Premium Economy seats. 

• On domestic flights within Australia, you can upgrade any paid ticket with your frequent flyer Qantas Points.
• On international flights
  • You can upgrade all paid tickets except the lowest-priced Economy Sale tickets in booking classes E, N, O, and Q.
  • You may be offered the option to upgrade to Premium Economy if your Business Class upgrade is not cleared. If you agree, select Yes to be upgraded.  If don’t agree, select No to retain your original seat in Economy Class. 

Benefits of upgrading to Business Class

The major benefits of upgrading to Business Class on international flights include:

• Priority check-in desks
• Dedicated boarding lanes 
• Dedicated disembarkation 
• Priority baggage handling
• Complimentary lounge access 
• Fully-flat seats
• Personal inflight entertainment system
• Complimentary snacks 
• Signature pajamas and amenity kits featuring 

For details on how many points you need to upgrade to Business Class, refer to Points to Upgrade to Business Class on International Flights (above).

Qantas Upgrade to Premium Economy

You can upgrade to Premium Economy on domestic and international flights. Although more comfortable than Economy Class (especially on long-haul flights), Premium Economy is only available on select routes. 

If you’re travelling on international routes on flights with Premium Economy, the lowest-priced Economy Sale fares (E, N, O, and Q) don’t qualify for upgrades. Only higher-priced tickets, flexible tickets, and Classic Flight Rewards qualify for upgrades.

The number of Points required for upgrading to Premium Economy increases with flight distance and your ticket’s price. Costly tickets on short-haul flights require the least number of Points and lower-priced fares on long-haul flights require more Points to upgrade. For details on how many points you need to upgrade to Premium Economy, refer to the table titled Points to Upgrade to Premium Economy on International Flights.

Benefits of Upgrade to Premium Economy 

• Dedicated check-in desks
• Priority boarding lane 
• Dedicated disembarkation
• Extra space
• Wider seats
• More legroom 
• Dedicated cabin crew and personalized service
• 32 – 40 seats in the cabin
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Amenity kits on overnight routes

Frequently Asked Questions About Qantas Upgrades

Are you a frequent flyer with Qantas Airlines? If so, you may have questions about how to upgrade your flight and make the most of your travel experience. In this section, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Qantas upgrades. From eligibility requirements to the booking process, we’ll cover everything you need to know to score that coveted seat in Business or First Class.