Got the email today, book by May 6, travel between Aug 15 and December 10.

Economy Saver awards are 60k to Australia or 42k to Tahiti.


So that's fine but what are the chances of upgrades on awards to Australia?

Better to buy Premium Plus and apply Plus Points? Premium Plus fares from SFO are in the $4000-4500 range so obviously it would be great to redeem the Saver awards and try to upgrade.

But then you could get stranded in Economy Plus for 15+ hour flight each way.

OTOH, maybe Premium Plus and Plus Points upgrades to Polaris to Australia wouldn't be that likely out of SFO in mid/late November onwards even for 1Ks.

But is Premium Plus a lot more easier to endure on a 15-hour flight than Economy Plus?