Let's see just how easy it is to obtain an upgrade on QF to International J class before we see how good the benefit really is. Like so many of these things, and what the ACCC is up in arms about (I won't get into debating _that_ here ), is you can promise the world on paper, but what you get in reality. eg: We all know the blackouts on QF J/F awards on SYD-LAX (QF11/12) have been in place for years. Will this little "gem" continue and mean that getting an upgrads to J/F will be nigh on impossible? Personally I want to use my upgrade benefits (on UA in my case, but if I was a serious QF flyer it would be the same) on the long hauls like: SYD-LAX, MEK-LAX, oz-LHR, etc. So the question should be: how stingy will QF's Yield Management be? Will it be like SQ who aparently are fairly ruthless in the premium cabins? As with most things, the value in a benefit erodes if it is rare as gold to secure. And the discount Y->J fare class issue is a good one. Can you upgrade domestic red-e-fares at all? What about super discounted "O" class bookings on QF? etc etc?

I think the proof will be in the pudding.

Darren, where are you?

PS: Guava - really enjoyed your thoughtful analysis with the relevent calculations. There's nothing like documented proof to make a point well!

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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.

[This message has been edited by RichardMEL (edited 07-24-2001).]