This is my first post so hello everyone,

I do about 3 to 5 return flights from Melbourne to the UK, usually into Manchester, each year. Up until now due to cash flow I've mostly flown hard pack and hoped to upgrade with points on occasion. This hasn't always worked out as some economy fares are W class which can't be upgraded. This is something I have only recently learnt and the travel agents don't appear to be that aware of these sorts of limitations.

I'm now getting to be able to afford business class fares and am hoping the extra FF points I'll earn can be used to get a business class flight using points every so often. Am I right in thinking this will be more likely to happen if I'm paying for business class and earning more points because of it?

Thanks

Barry

Hi Barry,

Welcome to the Business Travel Guru Forums, yes can expect to be able to redeem a Business Class seat more easily because of the mere fact that your 2-5 Business flights should give you a higher higher status, which means better access to Business class flights, and also you wont be trying to upgrade a non-upgradable fare.

Travel agents might not know which fares can be upgraded, but do have visability of the fare class they are booking you into. If I am using a travel agent I always request a fare class that can be upgraded if I intend on trying to upgrade.

Good luck

Good advice Ben, when booking tickets either online or thru an agent I always make sure I know or can specify the fare class of a ticket, I am about to purchase.

For those of us that spend weeks per year in the air It can really mean the difference between having a good points balance and a great one, an then the ability to upgrade when needed.