Air New Zealand Air Points - Z class on Expert Flyer?

Hi - looking to upgrade from Y to J using comps as GE. EF is showing R as 0 - but Z as 4. Does this mean we have no show using the comps? Or does the Z code indicate that upgrade seats are available?
We're looking at going into either LA or San Fran the week before Xmas and flying home Boxing day. Is San Fran going to be easier, upgrade wise?

Recognition Upgrades pull out of R bucket, however I have had a time or two when I still managed to get one well in advance when R0 showed with Z4.

Given that there are 2-3 flights between LAX and AKL, that may suggest you have a better shot on that route, however all the flights including SFO tend to be quite full and hard to score u/g on checkin.

Good luck!

I have only ever had upgrades advance-clear at R0 on the Tasman.

I have only ever had upgrades advance-clear at R0 on the Tasman.My experience as a *E is the opposite.

If R > the upgrade clears immediately - as soon as a new e-ticket is issues, I can select seating.

It's been the same for A class transpacific.

Not sure it is, Serfty. I think we're saying the same thing. If R > 0 it should always clear for GE straight away (unless other GEs are requesting the same simultaneously). However,I have had TT upgrades clear well in advance even when R = 0, but never other sectors.

Not sure it is, Serfty. I think we're saying the same thing. If R > 0 it should always clear for GE straight away (unless other GEs are requesting the same simultaneously). However,I have had TT upgrades clear well in advance even when R = 0, but never other sectors.Fair enough - Since I have been aware of the importance of R (/A) class, I have only booked flights that I intended to upgrade on when R (or A) > 0 ...