Our Expert Guide to Enjoying a Qantas Business Class Upgrade!
On daytime flights from Australia to Asia it is difficult to justify the high cost of purchasing a business class ticket. For example, flights on Qantas or Singapore Airlines, to Singapore from the East Coast of Australia can easily cost AUD$3000 or more.
However, with Qantas now flying an A330 with the new business class cabin, on many routes, using points for an upgrade is definitely worth considering. So strap in, sit back, and enjoy our expert’s guide to enjoying a Qantas business class upgrade.
The first thing to consider when buying your economy class ticket is to check the fare class. Many sale fares, including red-e deals, will not allow an upgrade, even if you have the points available. Look for saver or flex fares, which will allow upgrades for as little as 50,000 points on this route.
There are now multiple ways to get an upgrade with Qantas. The most common is by using your points with a classic flight upgrade.
Using your Points to Request an Upgrade on Classic Flight Rewards
When you make an Economy or Premium Economy Classic Flight Reward booking, you can now use your Qantas Points to request an upgrade from:
- Economy to Premium Economy
- Economy to Business
- Premium Economy to Business
This is in addition to the recent reduction in Qantas Points, and carrier charges, required for selected Qantas International Economy Classic Flight Rewards.
Additionally, by invitation only on some Qantas flights, you can now bid for an upgrade. This is called Bid Now Upgrades.
Bid Now Upgrades
Bid Now Upgrades are available by invitation only for selected Qantas flights. If your booking is eligible to receive a Bid Now Upgrade invitation, you have the opportunity to make an upgrade offer to a more premium cabin. You can do this using a combination of Qantas Points and money, if you are a Qantas Frequent Flyer, or money only if you are not a Qantas Frequent Flyer.
So…if you do get that Qantas business class upgrade, what can you expect?
Qantas A330 Business Class – What’s it Like?
On Qantas’ newer planes, like the updated A330, business class is an excellent product. More and more of the fleet is being converted to this exciting product. Bear in mind though, this is not yet offered on their flagship A380 or the older 747 fleet.
Entering the cabin, you will feel a real sense of space and luxury. Careful design features make this a lovely business class product to fly. The cabin is laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving aisle access to everyone. The seats are very private and recline to a fully flat bed.
There is a good range of storage around the seat. You’ll find places for your laptop, iPad and phone, as well as your travel documents, magazines or book. I also love that Qantas business class has overhead air vents, allowing you to control the temperature around you. There is good leg room and the seat controls, in easy reach, are intuitive to use.
Once you’ve settled in and been welcomed aboard with a cold drink, the safety presentation will start. I’ve always been a big fan of the Qantas marketing videos, which are beautifully made. The classic Aussie tune, “I Still Call Australia Home”, often flowing through many of them.
In recent years, Qantas has been making their safety videos in the same vein. In 2017, the safety video showcased stunning Australian tourist destinations, from the outback, to the beach, to the city. Demonstrating the safety features of the aircraft with this backdrop is awe inspiring. You can check out the inspirational video yourself – Qantas 2017 Safety Video
In February of this year, Qantas introduced a new safety video. This time they are showcasing the many amazing cities around the world that they fly to. Again, with that simple but evocative I Still Call Australia Home tune. If you’d like to take a look, and be inspired about where to travel to next, then look no further – Qantas 2018 Safety Video
The Qantas Business Class Seat
Once you start to settle into your Qantas business class upgrade, the seat is the first thing your attention will be focused on. It’s very well designed, in collaboration with Marc Newson, and simply called the ‘Business Suite’. The seat has excellent privacy, even if travelling in the centre section, with wrap around wings at head height.
There is both a lap seatbelt as well as a sash belt. This comes down over your shoulders to secure you for take off and landing. Once airborne, you can release the sash belt for more comfort.
Soon after take off, the cabin crew will offer you a mattress that they attach to the seat, giving you an extra layer of comfort. This is especially welcome on overnight flights from Asia to Australia. Pyjamas are also offered on night flights.
Eating and Drinking
Once you are comfortable, you’ll want to start to enjoy the Qantas business class upgrade experience. Food and drink will certainly feature in making this an enjoyable flight. On daytime flights, lunch will be served soon after take off, while dinner or a light supper is offered on evening departures.
On my flight, I had the tummy warming tomato soup with fresh bread and a garden salad. Other options included pork stir fry with noodles. There is an excellent Australian wine selection to accompany the meal. On my return late evening departure, I sampled the excellent Seppeltsfield Para Grand Tawny Port. Delicious!
Before landing into Australia, breakfast is served. It’s really an express menu, as time for sleep is where the priority is, which is very much appreciated. A simple tray, with a fruit smoothie, an egg tart and a good coffee, always hits the spot in the early morning. Snacks, like chips, nuts and ice creams are offered during the flight as well, to keep you going.
Entertaining Yourself Onboard
Once you’re fed, especially on the daytime service, you will want to be entertained. One of the benefits of a Qantas business class upgrade, is the large and very easy to use entertainment screen.
Qantas has a great range of choices to entertain you, from the latest release movies, to golden oldies. There are also many TV series as well as an excellent music selection. The noise cancelling headphones Qantas provide are pretty good. I know more and more travellers are bringing their own these days. I usually catch up on the movies I haven’t seen at the cinema or listen to some great classics.
Expert Traveller Recommends…
Bagging a Qantas business class upgrade is certainly an awesome way to fly. When you consider that you can enjoy this for as little as 50,000 points from Australia to Asia, it’s definitely attainable.
The Qantas A330 with its new design, makes this travel adventure every bit a pleasure. Why don’t you consider a Qantas business class upgrade, when you next fly?
Are You Ready to Start Planning Your Next Adventure?