Thanks for all of your stories and info.

I was asking for experiences with paid upgrades. I'm not so much interested in myself being upgraded, as I'm flying from SYD to LAX via AKL on Air New Zealand's premium economy product (their new "Spaceseat"). It looks fair decent, so I am not bothered myself if I can get an upgrade. I'm going to be curious and ask at check in, but I doubt it would be a figure worth going ahead with.

I just had no idea what to expect, but now I'm gathering the $1000+ mark (one way)...

Cheers!