Air New Zealand Air Points - NZ upgrades

I'm keen to know if upgrade availability on NZ flights (especially trans-tasman) are space available (as per most North American airlines) or if they only make a fixed quota available (as per most Asian airlines)

Trans-tasman I am slightly more likely to fly QF (for the points on cheaper fares) but the ability to upgrade on cheaper fares on NZ has appeal and there does seem, on most flights, spare capacity

Jeff

On the transtamans it mainly depends on aircraft as some aircraft has way to many J class seats for demand

733 0 J class (used on the odd transtassie flight)
320 8 J Class seats
744 46 J Class 31 Y+ Class
763 24 J Class
772 26 J Class 18 Y+ Class

Neither.

As with awards some seats are made available initially, and inventory may be added to or taken away later depening on loads, groups, etc. Ie it is managed the same as availability for paid fares are managed.

As for chances of getting an upgrade that really depends on your flight. A peak hour business day flight between Auckland and Sydney - little hope on standby or complimentary, but may be a chance with confirmed upgrades. Don't forget the same flights that are in demand for business travellers are also in demand for passengers connecting to/from USA on business class awards. Whereas a middle of day flight on large a/c on that route, or a flight on other trans-tasman routes, has better chance.

Thanks for that

So it seems that I could be denied an upgrade even with J seat availability (although unlikely if there are lots of seats)

I fly trans-tasman almost exclusively for leisure leaving WLG on a saturday and returning the following day where I guess there would not be so much upgrade competition

Jeff

I've never had a Tasman upgrade not clear and the aircraft subsequently go out with empty business seats.

Also, 100% success on MEL-WLG upgrades clearing (usually at the time of request), 0% success on MEL-AKL upgrades except for op-ups!

Flew EK AKL-MEL tonight in J, can't say I was that impressed.

Flew EK AKL-MEL tonight in J, can't say I was that impressed.

OT but the first is way better (and much cheaper than NZ or QF business, despite also including free limo transfers at both ends each way).