Air New Zealand Air Points - Upgrade and Y+ questions

Thinking of taking advantage of good deal at the moment for HKG-LHR in Y+ for (2 pax for the price of 1 ) (or 2 for the price of 1.5 depending on the day chosen).

Seems to be mixed reviews in different threads on Y+ in the 777 cabin, although it does seem to indicate that the new Y+ is improved (back in 06 I flew KIX-CHC in business and took a sneak back at the Y+ cabin and wasn't overly impressed). Would this be correct.... ie. that it has improved?

Also is HKG-LHR a sort of route where upgrades are more likely to come through than routes ex-AKL? Have 2 gold comp upgrades to use, and thought this might be good use of them (and try to use airbucks to upgrade my partner at same time). Does the fact that it's only 10 days or so away mean that un upgrade is less likely (is it first come first served)?

Also we will be on the same PNR for flights, and I will be gifting the upgrade - I read elsewhere that I can request my Gold status be used for upgrade clearance for both of us if both upgrading on the same PNR (as opposed to Jade of my partner). Does this still apply if I'm using the comp upgrade and my gifting is (obviously) Airbucks?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Can't be much help on the upgrade success front, but anecdotally it has been noted that with lighter loads in premium cabins it is getting easier to get the upgrades.

Both the upgrades will go through as Gold priority as you are both on the same PNR, although I believe that comp upgrade vouchers taker priority over AP$ upgrades. Again the more expert NZ flyers will be able to help with what happens with 1 PNR but two different upgrade request types.

The upgrade is based on your status, then the type of upgrade, then the time of request.

They split the PNR anyway so the u/g requests can be processed separately if needed.

Seems to be mixed reviews in different threads on Y+ in the 777 cabin, although it does seem to indicate that the new Y+ is improved. Would this be correct.... ie. that it has improved?

If by improved you mean expanded on...yes. The Y+ cabin is now larger in the T7.


Also is HKG-LHR a sort of route where upgrades are more likely to come through than routes ex-AKL? Have 2 gold comp upgrades to use, and thought this might be good use of them (and try to use airbucks to upgrade my partner at same time). Does the fact that it's only 10 days or so away mean that un upgrade is less likely (is it first come first served)?

There is no route that has a significantly greater chance of an upgrade clearing as opposed to another, it totally depends on the loads, time of year, aircraft etc.
Requesting an upgrade as far in advance as possible is beneficial because someone who has the same upgrade request as you (be it comp or points), who requested it before you and is the same tier, will get the priority.
Don't be discouraged by it being 10 days out though, upgrades are constantly monitored and people utilise theirs sometimes on the day.

Also we will be on the same PNR for flights, and I will be gifting the upgrade - I read elsewhere that I can request my Gold status be used for upgrade clearance for both of us if both upgrading on the same PNR (as opposed to Jade of my partner). Does this still apply if I'm using the comp upgrade and my gifting is (obviously) Airbucks?


Your gold status will be taken into account if traveling with a Jade member yes, regardless of whether on the same itinerary or not as Airpoints can link the bookings manually.
This will apply in any situation, as long as they can see that you're upgrading the same flight.

Thanks for your replies. Now it's time to convince my partner it's worth the extra $$ for Y+ over Y (or EK in whY which is even cheaper, but obviously not direct). I'm highlighting the increased possibility of the J upgrade as the main sell.:D

That's the one ^
Good luck.

Is there a preference as to which upgrade would be allocated first;

Silver status flyer using their complimentary upgrade

or

Using Airbucks for a standby upgrade

A few domestic trips will see me upgraded to silver before my AKL-LHR (Booking Class S) flight in September and being silver I'm guessing will have more influence on any outcome of such request.

Cheers

Status complimentary upgrade vouchers have higher priority to airbucks standby upgrades, and lower priority to airbucks confirmed upgrades.

It's worth it. I flew on Y+ on May 19 from HKG-LHR. The food and service was outstanding. I think the food is better than on CX J.

Of course - NZ's Y+ gets business class food & drink (unlike BA, QF, UA etc).