How To Upgrade On Your Next Qantas Flight

Summary Classic Upgrade Rewards allow Qantas Frequent Flyers to use points for seat upgrades, prioritized for premium seats.
The process for Classic Upgrade Rewards varies based on membership tier, offering top priority for premium partners.
Bid Now Upgrades allow travelers to set bids for cash or points, with flexibility to modify bids closer to departure.
Qantas is Australia’s flag carrier and one of the world’s oldest airlines. Established in 1920, Qantas has played a crucial role in shaping the aviation landscape. With a reputation for outstanding service and a robust frequent flyer program, Qantas continues to be a preferred choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and reliable air travel experience.
Are you planning your next journey with Qantas and hoping to elevate your travel experience? Here’s a guide on how to upgrade on your next Qantas flight, ensuring you enjoy added comfort and perks.
Classic Upgrade Rewards
The airline has two main types of upgrades, the first being Classic Upgrade Rewards. Leveraging Qantas’ loyalty program, the Qantas Frequent Flyer, you can accumulate points through flights, credit card usage, or partner promotions. As your points tally increases, you gain access to various benefits, including the opportunity to upgrade your seat.
Photo: Qantas
According to Qantas, using your Qantas Points as a method of upgrade provides the best value. Plus, this is processed before other methods of upgrade, offering you top priority to secure the best chance of a premium seat.
Related 5 Ways To Upgrade To First Class On American Airlines First class on American Airlines is available on flights within North America.
Classic Upgrade Reward requests are processed according to your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership Tier. Platinum One and Platinum members are allowed to upgrade domestic flights within three days of scheduled departure. For international flights, the former’s request is reviewed within seven days of scheduled departure, while the latter is confirmed three days prior to departure. Gold, Silver, and Bronze members will have their upgrades reviewed within 24 hours of scheduled departure for both domestic and international flights.
Photo: Qantas
How to book:
Up to ten hours before international flights and five hours on domestic flights, login to the Qantas website, go to ‘Bookings’ and select ‘Upgrade’ for the chosen booking. You can also put in an upgrade request on the Qantas App.
For select international flights, you may choose to opt-in for a Classic Upgrade Reward at the gate. Platinum One, Platinum, Gold, Qantas Club or Points Club members can do so for domestic flights by adding the route to ‘Your Trips’ on the app. Check in to your flight 24 hours or less before departure – if successful, you will receive the option to ‘Request Upgrade’ on the app three hours prior to departure.
If your upgrade is confirmed, your Qantas Points will be deducted. The upgrade will be reflected on your ‘Bookings’ page and in your flight details on the app. You can also request for an SMS to be sent to your phone.
Photo: EQRoy I Shutterstock
Handy tips:
Before booking, ensure you have enough points for the upgrade.
If you have insufficient points, consider using Family Transfers to get extra points from your family’s pool.
Once confirmed, check that you have been issued an e-ticket that reflects your upgraded seat of choice.
Bid Now Upgrades
This method is similar to the Classic Upgrade Reward, but allows you to use a combination of cash and Qantas Points, or cash alone. A major perk of this method is that you get to “set the bid” – meaning, you can choose the amount you’re willing to pay (in cash or cash plus points) for an upgrade. If your bid is successful, you’ll enjoy an enhanced travel experience with an upgraded seat.
You can also modify your bid as many times as you like, up to five hours before a domestic flight and ten hours before an international flight, provided your bid is unconfirmed. However, bear in mind that Bid Now Upgrades are only processed once all Classic Upgrade Rewards requests are finalized.
How to book:
Once your flight booking has been put through, visit the Qantas website to check your eligibility to request a Bid Now Upgrade. You might also receive an email or app notification within seven days of departure to place an upgrade request.
Place the bid: choose an amount that meets the minimum offer amount.
If confirmed, you will be notified of your successful upgrade within 24 hours of your flight. The amount you chose will be automatically deducted from your nominated payment card and/or Qantas Frequent Flyer membership account.
Other ways to enjoy a premium travel experience
Closer to your departure, Qantas might offer last-minute upgrade opportunities. Keep an eye on your booking details, as sometimes, seats in higher classes become available, and the airline may provide opportunities to upgrade at a discounted rate.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Alternatively, you might want to consider flying during off-peak times when there’s a higher likelihood of available seats in premium classes. This could increase your chances of securing an upgrade without competing with too many other people also wanting an upgrade.
Related How To Upgrade To Emirates First Class On Your Next Flight A look at how you can increase your chances of indulging in unparalleled luxury.
By strategically navigating Qantas’ upgrade options, you can enhance your travel experience and enjoy the perks of premium classes. Whether through points, bidding, or last-minute opportunities, upgrading on your next Qantas flight might be more achievable than you think.