Air New Zealand Air Points - Upgrading to Premium Economy -- possible?

Can someone enlighten me on the policies of ANZ and upgrading to premium economy?

Here's the deal: I am booking a one-way ticket from BHM-CHC. This isn't bookable directly through the ANZ site, as far as I can tell.

I can book a premium economy seat from LAX-CHC (on a 747, which seems to be the ONLY WAY people here recommend premium economy) for $1900, but I am still left to book my seat from BHM to LAX and I don't particularly like to end up with separate tickets b/c of the chance of flight delays, etc.

Travelocity is showing me a price of $1006 for economy for the entire route. If I buy that, is there a way to upgrade to premium economy? I don't mind paying for it; just want to make sure I get my entire route covered. I really don't care about having any premium seating from BHM to LAX, either.

I am platinum on Delta (but alas, skyteam has pitiful service to the pac rim) but have no status on Star Alliance any more. I do have about 40K miles with United at the moment if that would get me anything in terms of an upgrade -- not sure about Star Alliance's rules about upgrading on one airline w/points from another or about class of ticket requirements for upgrade.

Any help you can give me would be appreciated!

You could buy the Travelocity ticket then call NZ to upgrade (with cash) to Premium Economy for the long haul sector. I don't think there is any easy way to use miles to upgrade except NZ Airpoints, which would not necessarily be guaranteed anyway.

I suggest you call NZ directly or a travel agent to book a single ticket premium economy fare - it will add a small service charge to the fare, but it will get you what you want.

Thanks -- so let me ask this -- I can actually call ANZ and they don't have policies about a particular class of ticket or whatever in order to pay for an upgrade?

If I tried the same with Delta, I'd be paying the fee to change the ticket plus the difference in fare, etc.

Several years ago when I was flying in Asia, I recall being able to pay at the airport for premium economy and there didn't seem to be rules about class of ticket. Does ANZ operate the same way?

Just book directly with Air NZ or a travel agent instead of trying to do it online.

I know that I can call ANZ or a travel agent ... however, I do travel quite a bit and am fairly accustomed to the ins and outs of air travel.

The $1006 Travelocity fare is a very good one -- I just want to know if an upgrade is possible if I book it.

Maybe the answer is no, but the fare is so good that I sit in economy anyway ... just hoping someone was familiar with ANZ policies.

To upgrade you'd need to pay the fare difference plus a service fee. Save the hassle and just book outright with Air NZ or a travel agent.

I would not brother booking with expedia, By the time you pay the change fee & the fare difference its going to cost the same as calling NZ in the first place to pay for it. Depending on the agent they may sometimes waive the booking fee, when you are unable to book online.