Australian travellers may have a better chance of turning left when boarding than they think, with new research revealing that four in 10 passengers who requested an international flight upgrade using frequent flyer points were successful.
The survey, conducted by Money.com.au, found 40% of Australians who applied for an upgrade on their most recent overseas flight secured a seat in Premium Economy or Business Class. However, the majority (60%) missed out despite having sufficient points to be eligible.
According to Money.com.au Head of Insights Sean Callery, a healthy points balance is only one factor airlines consider when allocating upgrades.
“Premium frequent flyer members are often first in line because airlines reward loyalty,” Callery said. “Fare type, route popularity, seat availability and when the request is lodged can all influence whether an upgrade is successful.”
He added that airlines typically release only a limited number of upgrade seats on each flight, making competition fierce, particularly on popular routes and during peak travel periods.
The research found Millennials are leading the upgrade race, with 46% successfully securing an upgrade on their most recent international trip. Baby Boomers followed at 39%, while Gen Z and Gen X recorded success rates of 36% and 33% respectively.
Callery said Millennials were also the generation most likely to request upgrades, increasing their chances of success.
Qantas Frequent Flyer points proved the most commonly used currency among successful upgraders, accounting for 58% of upgrades. Virgin Australia Velocity points were used by 28% of successful travellers, while 14% relied on other airline loyalty or rewards programs.
The findings also highlighted a significant missed opportunity among Australian travellers, with 73% admitting they have never requested a flight upgrade using their accumulated points.
To improve upgrade prospects, Money.com.au recommends travellers focus on building frequent flyer status, submitting upgrade requests as early as possible, travelling during off-peak periods, considering upgrade bid programs and, most importantly, actually using their points rather than saving them indefinitely.
While there is no guaranteed formula for success, the research suggests Australians with points sitting idle in loyalty accounts could have a better chance of enjoying a premium cabin experience than they realise.
