using the * alliance when AirNZ member
 

I havent really figured out how to use the *alliance. My partner and I have a number of APD with air nz, but I'm wondering if we were to book a flight to Europe with Singapore Airlines for example, how we could possibly upgrade using our APD, or are the Air NZ completely worthless in the *alliance scheme of things.

Please point me in the right direction of which threads are the most helpful. In the past we've always just flown Air NZ everywhere, but we're thinking of stretching our wings a bit

While it is possible to use AirNZ APD to upgrade with Star Alliance partners, the amount needed for the upgrade doesn't make it worthwhile - In fact, it would be better to book a reward ticket in Business with APD than to try upgrading from a paid Y fare to J using APD!

In addition, the ticket booked needs to correspond to specific booking classes in order to be eligible for an upgrade as well.

For more information:
Air New Zealand Star Alliance Upgrade Chart
Air New Zealand Airline Partner Award Chart

I would actually go further and suggest that using ANY *A miles/points to upgrade on any other *A airline is probably not a "value" proposition...

A very high Coach fare class is always required (AFAIK) to start with.....and as jeremykjtan points out, the amount required is also high...

I imagine upgrading on NZ with Krisflyer miles would represent no better value...

thanks for those responses. ouch, those upgrade and partner award values are pretty high.

another point to keep in mind is that SQ can be not too forthcoming with availability for any awards. keep other airlines in mind if wanting to travel to europe. thai has a lot better award availability in J classes via BKK and you even have the option of F class ex bkk.. SQ out of chc is usually your better option to SIN however goodluck trying to get on to Europe. .!

Keep in mind that if you have OneSmart you can top up your APD using cash

I second this. Almost impossible to get any seats on SQ - go for TG via BKK if you have the miles/points for it.

can someone clarify for me.....

No upgrades available on SQ A380's by the looks of it.
Upgrade requests using APD can only be made 7 days out on other airlines, except ANA which is 28 days.

Hmmm those apds arent worth much at all. How do you book reward flights using APD if one wanted to? Sorry I feel like I'm being particulary thick?

You need to call the Airpoints Service Centre for partner bookings

http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/star-...flight-rewards

yes. a phone call to air nz. keep in mind there is a $100 fee for booking award flights so book them all at once. this can be paid with by cash or apd. remember you can top up your apd if you have a one smart card. that makes the awards actually resonabilly good value.

If the way SQ handle their award classes is anything to go by, there is likely no availability on their 77W aircraft either. That leaves possible 772 availability only in J class from AKL or CHC.

+1