Successful/unsuccessful RU/elite APD upgrades
Mar 2, 2026 | 8:16 pm
#1832
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New Zealand
Programs: NZ Elite, QF Platinum (LTS ), VA Red and still happy!
Posts: 2,123
Flight Date: 22 Feb 2026
Route: AKL-SFO NZ8
Class: PE -> J
Type: EAPDU
Lodged: 9 Feb
Status: Elite
Result: nope
Flight Date: 27 Feb 2026
Route: SFO-AKL NZ7
Class: Y -> J
Type: double RU
Lodged: 9 Feb
Status: Elite
Result: nope, but...
...about 10' after the door was locked, a member of the cabin crew came around, knelt down, and said very quietly "would you like a skycouch row?" to which I very enthusiastically nodded yes. Shortly after I was moved, ISM came around and said (not verbatim) "You very narrowly missed your upgrade; when we were on our way to the airport this afternoon it looked like you were going to get it. So we wanted to do what we could for you." One other guy who had come from LHR got the other unoccupied skycouch. I reiterated how incredibly appreciative I was, and they looked after me exceptionally well through the flight. 10/10 for service. Would rather have a skycouch than getting half the upgrade and ending up in PE! And such a pleasant surprise after being resigned to my fate LOL
Route: AKL-SFO NZ8
Class: PE -> J
Type: EAPDU
Lodged: 9 Feb
Status: Elite
Result: nope
Flight Date: 27 Feb 2026
Route: SFO-AKL NZ7
Class: Y -> J
Type: double RU
Lodged: 9 Feb
Status: Elite
Result: nope, but...
...about 10' after the door was locked, a member of the cabin crew came around, knelt down, and said very quietly "would you like a skycouch row?" to which I very enthusiastically nodded yes. Shortly after I was moved, ISM came around and said (not verbatim) "You very narrowly missed your upgrade; when we were on our way to the airport this afternoon it looked like you were going to get it. So we wanted to do what we could for you." One other guy who had come from LHR got the other unoccupied skycouch. I reiterated how incredibly appreciative I was, and they looked after me exceptionally well through the flight. 10/10 for service. Would rather have a skycouch than getting half the upgrade and ending up in PE! And such a pleasant surprise after being resigned to my fate LOL
Mar 3, 2026 | 7:25 pm
#1833
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ*E, Global Entry
Posts: 324
You're bang on, and that's exactly how I felt about it.
Mar 4, 2026 | 11:20 am
#1835
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ*E, Global Entry
Posts: 324
Mar 4, 2026 | 7:31 pm
#1836
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: AirNZ Airpoints
Posts: 38
Hi all,
If there are only two BP seats remaining (based on a dummy booking) seven days prior to departure, what is the likelihood of a Gold recognition upgrade being approved?
I understand it depends on multiple factors, but based on your historical experience, if there are only 1–2 BP seats left, is it more likely they would confirm the upgrade at the gate instead, or even straight up deny them for last-minute sales?
If there are only two BP seats remaining (based on a dummy booking) seven days prior to departure, what is the likelihood of a Gold recognition upgrade being approved?
I understand it depends on multiple factors, but based on your historical experience, if there are only 1–2 BP seats left, is it more likely they would confirm the upgrade at the gate instead, or even straight up deny them for last-minute sales?
Mar 4, 2026 | 9:12 pm
#1837
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: ANR / TRG
Programs: NZ*E, UA*1K, QF Plat
Posts: 1,144
Hi all,
If there are only two BP seats remaining (based on a dummy booking) seven days prior to departure, what is the likelihood of a Gold recognition upgrade being approved?
I understand it depends on multiple factors, but based on your historical experience, if there are only 12 BP seats left, is it more likely they would confirm the upgrade at the gate instead, or even straight up deny them for last-minute sales?
If there are only two BP seats remaining (based on a dummy booking) seven days prior to departure, what is the likelihood of a Gold recognition upgrade being approved?
I understand it depends on multiple factors, but based on your historical experience, if there are only 12 BP seats left, is it more likely they would confirm the upgrade at the gate instead, or even straight up deny them for last-minute sales?
All the Elites will be in front of gold RU.
Mar 4, 2026 | 10:39 pm
#1838
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: NZ Koru Plat, TG*G, QF G, Accor Plat
Posts: 12,839
Hi all,
If there are only two BP seats remaining (based on a dummy booking) seven days prior to departure, what is the likelihood of a Gold recognition upgrade being approved?
I understand it depends on multiple factors, but based on your historical experience, if there are only 1–2 BP seats left, is it more likely they would confirm the upgrade at the gate instead, or even straight up deny them for last-minute sales?
If there are only two BP seats remaining (based on a dummy booking) seven days prior to departure, what is the likelihood of a Gold recognition upgrade being approved?
I understand it depends on multiple factors, but based on your historical experience, if there are only 1–2 BP seats left, is it more likely they would confirm the upgrade at the gate instead, or even straight up deny them for last-minute sales?
As far as we know, the 2 main factors for upgrades clearing are first your status, and then second how long you RU has been lodged for. As a gold you are behind all Elite, and then sorted among Golds by lodgement date.
Mar 6, 2026 | 1:51 pm
#1839
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Programs: NZ *G
Posts: 492
Success
Flights AKL-IAH-IAH in June/July for three passengers. Lodged a mix of RUs (gifted to family members) and EAPD for Y to PE.
Booked in the January sale and upgrades showed as pending. A pleasant surprise to find they have now cleared some 16+ weeks before travel. I assume upgradable class seats in PE were loaded as its one of the ex Cathay planes. PE isnt a great product on them, but definitely better than economy!
Thanks Air NZ.
Booked in the January sale and upgrades showed as pending. A pleasant surprise to find they have now cleared some 16+ weeks before travel. I assume upgradable class seats in PE were loaded as its one of the ex Cathay planes. PE isnt a great product on them, but definitely better than economy!
Thanks Air NZ.
Mar 6, 2026 | 6:01 pm
#1840
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 53
Downgrade at check in
Flight Date: March 26
Route: AKL-MEL NZ121
Class: Y -> PE on 777
Type: 3x EAPDU
Lodged: Oct 25
Status: Elite x 2, plus child
Result: Confirmed T-5 months then revoked!
First time this has ever happened to me upgrades confirmed months out, seats selected together. Couldnt check in online - staff at check in said sorry the flight is oversold and we only have 2x PE seats for you. so either one of you, or all three go to Economy. Apparently the flight was oversold - they had to boot out 5x economy pax. Didnt know NZ did this
Route: AKL-MEL NZ121
Class: Y -> PE on 777
Type: 3x EAPDU
Lodged: Oct 25
Status: Elite x 2, plus child
Result: Confirmed T-5 months then revoked!
First time this has ever happened to me upgrades confirmed months out, seats selected together. Couldnt check in online - staff at check in said sorry the flight is oversold and we only have 2x PE seats for you. so either one of you, or all three go to Economy. Apparently the flight was oversold - they had to boot out 5x economy pax. Didnt know NZ did this
Mar 6, 2026 | 6:17 pm
#1841
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3,640
Flight Date: March 26
Route: AKL-MEL NZ121
Class: Y -> PE on 777
Type: 3x EAPDU
Lodged: Oct 25
Status: Elite x 2, plus child
Result: Confirmed T-5 months then revoked!
First time this has ever happened to me upgrades confirmed months out, seats selected together. Couldnt check in online - staff at check in said sorry the flight is oversold and we only have 2x PE seats for you. so either one of you, or all three go to Economy. Apparently the flight was oversold - they had to boot out 5x economy pax. Didnt know NZ did this
Route: AKL-MEL NZ121
Class: Y -> PE on 777
Type: 3x EAPDU
Lodged: Oct 25
Status: Elite x 2, plus child
Result: Confirmed T-5 months then revoked!
First time this has ever happened to me upgrades confirmed months out, seats selected together. Couldnt check in online - staff at check in said sorry the flight is oversold and we only have 2x PE seats for you. so either one of you, or all three go to Economy. Apparently the flight was oversold - they had to boot out 5x economy pax. Didnt know NZ did this
Mar 6, 2026 | 6:17 pm
#1842
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: WLG/BKK
Programs: NZ Koru Plat, TG*G, QF G, Accor Plat
Posts: 12,839
Flight Date: March 26
Route: AKL-MEL NZ121
Class: Y -> PE on 777
Type: 3x EAPDU
Lodged: Oct 25
Status: Elite x 2, plus child
Result: Confirmed T-5 months then revoked!
First time this has ever happened to me… upgrades confirmed months out, seats selected together. Couldn’t check in online - staff at check in said sorry the flight is oversold and we only have 2x PE seats for you…. so either one of you, or all three go to Economy. Apparently the flight was oversold - they had to boot out 5x economy pax. Didn’t know NZ did this
Route: AKL-MEL NZ121
Class: Y -> PE on 777
Type: 3x EAPDU
Lodged: Oct 25
Status: Elite x 2, plus child
Result: Confirmed T-5 months then revoked!
First time this has ever happened to me… upgrades confirmed months out, seats selected together. Couldn’t check in online - staff at check in said sorry the flight is oversold and we only have 2x PE seats for you…. so either one of you, or all three go to Economy. Apparently the flight was oversold - they had to boot out 5x economy pax. Didn’t know NZ did this
Happened to Sister and I on a jaunt to AKL-SYD last year. Confirmed SHRUs Y to J, and 24 hours prior app lost seat allocation. It was a downgauge from 77W to 789v1 so back to Y.
I called and asked for us to be re-routed via BNE as I could see PE and J availability - so route AKL-BNE-SYD which was accommodated at no cost. Re-lodged upgrades and was cleared, but only to PE. Managed to get full Y earn into QF as a consolation prize.
Mar 6, 2026 | 8:27 pm
#1844
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 53
Yep., happens. Did the aircraft type stay the same (assume ex-CX 777?) or was it downgauged?
Happened to Sister and I on a jaunt to AKL-SYD last year. Confirmed SHRUs Y to J, and 24 hours prior app lost seat allocation. It was a downgauge from 77W to 789v1 so back to Y.
I called and asked for us to be re-routed via BNE as I could see PE and J availability - so route AKL-BNE-SYD which was accommodated at no cost. Re-lodged upgrades and was cleared, but only to PE. Managed to get full Y earn into QF as a consolation prize.
Happened to Sister and I on a jaunt to AKL-SYD last year. Confirmed SHRUs Y to J, and 24 hours prior app lost seat allocation. It was a downgauge from 77W to 789v1 so back to Y.
I called and asked for us to be re-routed via BNE as I could see PE and J availability - so route AKL-BNE-SYD which was accommodated at no cost. Re-lodged upgrades and was cleared, but only to PE. Managed to get full Y earn into QF as a consolation prize.
to add insult to injury both seats in PE front row we were given had broken IFE
Mar 6, 2026 | 10:36 pm
#1845
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: NZL
Programs: NZ*G, QFF, Accor Gold Plus Explorer, EVTStays Gold
Posts: 733