Originally Posted by
Noobmaster69
Flight Date: early Aug 2026
Route: NZ288 PVG-AKL
Class: PE to J
Type: Elite RU
Status: Elite
Result:
1st try pending - searched on Expert Flyer and saw that 5 BP seats have been booked, should've done more research since the travel date is flexible
2nd try immediately cleared - called up asking how many R class available: 1 BP seat booked; 2 R available, paid $60 to switch to the date with availability
Also the PVG route is getting slightly more difficult to use RU now with the increase in transiting passengers. Premium cabins across March have been full majority of the time despite 6x weekly services (travelled to/from F1 Shanghai GP during the DXB/DOH closures and only had luck with elite RU from Y->PE on the return segment). There's also an ad at PVG check in advertising cash upgrades and it was approx 9999 RMB (~2500 NZD) to go from PE to J I think? Not sure if the gate agents can hold up RUs to prioritise cash upgrades, but with the drop in NZD RMB exchange rate there may be increased uptake for those.
From recent personal experience, there’s always a risk of large tour groups on those flights too, filling premium cabins.