Hi all, we (my wife, 2 kids and I) are in a very fortunate position where we've got the opportunity to move to Aus from the UK for work. My wife's job offer included relocation and as such they will cover an economy flight for all of us one way.

Given that we'll be travelling with 2 kids, a need to take enough stuff with us to get us through until our freighted belongings arrive, and my wife starting work a few days after we land we felt it would be worth while exploring more 'comfortable' seats for the journey.

The relocation package includes eco flights as mentioned, the corporate provider has advised us we can upgrade at our expense (fine).

My question to the collective experience and knowledge that these boards hold is, how do we figure out the upgrade cost on top of the economy ticket? For example, finnair has not so competitive economy tickets but really well priced biz tickets so this would leave us covering relatively less � wise than another carrier. I doubt, however, that the upgrade costs work this way... Would I be right? How would I find out and, do any of you have suggestions of airlines that offer more affordable upgrade options?

I realise its not a problem, its a luxury but I still don't know where to start.

Thanks in advance.
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Aus = AU Australia or AUS Austin, TX?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...r_destinations
So Finnair do not fly to AUS, but do sell ticket to/from AU. (QF codeshare AU-Asia)

The only way will be look at each airline bus & econ flights.
Are you buying the tickets or the employer travel agent? Not all econ tickets can be upgraded. You may have to pay the upgrade cost to the TA and not the airline. Worth checking the details. Some econ fares (full Y class) can be more the discounted business.

Oneworld alliance does not have a cross airline upgrade scheme. Star Alliance does, but onerous t&c's

Thanks for your reply and apologies for my newb error. It will be Brisbane in Australia, I've got used to referring to it as Aus to family and friends so just typed without thinking that, of course, AUS would be Austin

I would really just fine tune my question, are there any airlines (preferably in one world but not necessarily limited to) that are generally cheaper to upgrade between classes?

Well the easiest way to start would be if your wife's employer could allow the existing tickets to be cashed in, or just give her the cash equivalent of their cost, which you could then blend with your own funds to purchase the new tickets, in business class or premium economy, whatever.

Another possibility is using purchased frequent flyer miles/Avios to upgrade the economy ticket IF the economy ticket carries a fare classification that allows upgrades. You will need to know (a) the operating airline, if it's different from the airline named on the ticket, and (b) the fare classification of the current ticket. If it's a codeshare ticket, e.g. sold by British Airways but operated by Qantas, then the problem is greater because generally one can't upgrade flights operated on a partner airline using the frequent flyer program of a different airline, even if they're in the same alliance.

In the case where the selling and operating airline are the same, you'd then go to the operating airline's website and see if it's possible to use their frequent flyer "currency" (miles, Avios, whatever) for upgrades and what conditions and restrictions apply. If the existing ticket is in an upgradable category, then it's just a math problem. Figure out how many additional points you'd need for each traveler, find out the cost per point, and see if it makes sense. Note sometimes the issuing airlines will conduct "sales," such as one that recently ended in which you could purchase BA Avios for half price.

Note too that often upgrades will just be to the next cabin level, e.g. economy to premium economy, not a "two-step" jump to business. PE might be comfortable enough and is probably something you should consider.

Hope this isn't too confusing.

Welcome to Oz when you get here.

How much choice do you have on airlines/routes/fares? As above, a lot depends on the economy tickets. The economy price can vary a lot. As can the t&c's. Any "upgrade" cost difference could be getting close to the full retail business fare. Getting the cash from the employer and doing the rest your self would be the simplest. However the AU employer, if they have a corporate travel deal, may be paying a less the public retail fare.

Guess AY mentioned as they seem to sell BNE-SIN (AY codeshare QF operated) SIN-HEL-UK.
If you want to fly direct into BNE Qatar QR is another Oneworld option. Will be other options via SYD and even MEL. BNE has less international flights than SYD MEL.
Look here (may not be up to date)-->https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane_Airport

I suspect upgrading 4 people on the popular Kangaroo route with any ff currency will be hard/impossible. Even those with top status on QF/BA find that hard for 1 passenger.

Edit
For a random June 2022 date LHR-BNE from google flights:- business- premium economy - economy. Possible to show more flights.
A UK origin other than LHR will show different options.
Some people, who have company paid flights, will work the system to show what want (prices, route, etc)

In most (but not all) cases, you will be able to pay the difference and upgrade. Penalty may or may not apply, so this is something you would need to look at. In case they will reimburse any Economy ticket, you might consider booking in Y class (the most expensive economy class fare). You may want to call AY in advance, for example, to see your options.