Originally Posted by
SYD/YYZ
For me the following has happened:
When I was gold (*S) I had a seat blocked ORD-ICN
When I was a Diamond upgraded ICN-SYD
As a Diamond Plus upgraded (with a Diamond on same reservation) ICN-FRA and also moved from economy seat to Smartium economy (extra leg room seat) from LHR-ICN and also had seat blocked on my continuing flight ICN-SYD. I have never been specially welcomed by crew but never really expect that especially in Y.
Obviously on Star Alliance Asian *G is the same to all other carriers.
I am not yet Diamond Plus lifetime so disappointed Diamond Plus standard members do not get F Lounge at ICN as business can be so busy (though I have yet to check out the new lounges).
I do agree for quite a bit more flying the published perks are fairly limited between Diamond and Diamond +. The upgrade is so random I don't assume or expect it.
SYD/YYZ
I'm considering shooting for D+ and your experience interests me. Specifically:
- Economy Smartium Op-Up
- Blocked seat in main cabin if no Op-Up.
I'd probably take the blocked seat over the Smartium. I prefer to fly the A380 to the US and the pitch works great at 33/34"; I can "social engineer" an empty seat pretty well but a guaranteed one would be excellent. That said, can I request that at Diamond already? I've never tried it. The J upgrade would be fabulous, but I have no expectations that I'd ever book a full A350 flight just for the hope of one.
For waitlist, if I
did book a full flight and wasn't going to get the upgrade, could OZ put me on the next non-full flight out instead of bumping a non-elite and having me fly a cramped plane? Anyone ever try that?
It would take getting the OZ BoA card and 1 more US r/t, so it's not a major cost. The extra trip would be a business expense anyway, just a potential inconvenience..