How to Purchase an Upgrade?
 

I am flying LHR-SYD in J, 10-Dec to 1 Jan, what is the best and cheapest method of purchasing an upgrade to F?

Should I contact CX before or try at airport? Is there likely to be a difference in price if I try at airport.

I dont have Asia Miles or Marco Polo account.

Definitely at the airport , if there is availability the chances are that you should get a deal.

On HKG-LHR and HKG-SYD, two of the most high yielding premium routes in the system, not likely. Sometimes even full fare availbility can be a problem, especially on LHR.

In short, I would not expect an upgrade for anything short of the difference between your fare and the appliable F fare.

That is, if they even have seats available. If you are originating from LHR, I would see if you could get a good A fare, or else, 99 times out of a hundred, you will not be in F for anything short of a F ticket. This is not AA or UA.

i will be going on the jfk-hkg flight. if i have a seat in Y. does anyone know offhand how much and upgrade cost?

In April I seem to remember thaey where offering them for $ 1000-$1500. I do not remeber the exact amount. I htink there is a thread on this issue. They would not offer anything for J to F even with open seats.

JFK-HKG Y to J upgrade at USD1500 last time I took it two years ago. Not sure if the price has changed.

It should be depending on the sub-class of economy class you travel that day.
Eg: upgrade from full fare Y to Business has a smaller fare difference, but if you upgrade from V class to Business, the fare difference will be mucg larger...