Rule 3.2.3.4.1 confimed upgrades as GE - does this still work?
In the Upgrades section of the Air NZ rules, the following is found
3.2.3.4 Tier Status Upgrade Confirmations
3.2.3.4.1 Advance confirmation for Complimentary Upgrades and for Standby Upgrades is subject to specific booking class availability and will be provided, only in accordance with this clause and will have certain restrictions on use and availability, as covered in these Terms and Conditions.
• Upgrade confirmations for a Gold Elite Member may be provided up to 12 months in advance.
• Upgrade confirmations for a Gold Member may be provided up to 72 hours in advance.
About 4 years ago as a GE member, I did a long-haul AKL-LHR. I rang the Airpoints centre to find the flights where I could get complementary upgrades from Econ to Business (no PE back then). He/she told me the flights and I then booked and paid immediately. I then rang back and booked in the upgrade which was confirmed immediately. This was about 3 months prior to travel dates.
With all the changes since then, how realistic is getting the confirmed upgrade as a GE member nowdays (assuming the right booking class)?
If it was me as a GE looking to use my complementary upgrade, I might as well switch to another Star carrier and pay a bit extra for the business seat if the upgrade could not be easily confirmed. Though I much prefer AirNZ across to the US. Curently, as a Gold member, I am having to ask about my standby upgrade at check-in or in the lounge (unless I go for a confirmed upgrade on points, which defeats the purpose of the complementary upgrade).