Two Ways to Upgrade Your Jetstar Flight
If you have booked an economy ticket on Jetstar, there are two ways to move up to business class using Qantas Points. Both are limited to Jetstar’s 787 Dreamliner flights on international routes, so domestic and short haul services are not covered.
Option One: Jetstar Classic Upgrade
A Jetstar Classic Upgrade uses a fixed number of Qantas Points. You request the upgrade and then wait to see if it is approved. There is no bidding involved, which makes it the simpler option if you would rather know exactly what the upgrade will cost in points.
Option Two: BidCash
With BidCash, you make an offer for your upgrade using cash, points or a mix of both. The mix of points and cash comes through a feature called Points Plus Pay, which lets eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members cover part of their bid with points. This option gives you more control over what you spend, but it also means you are competing against other passengers.
What You Get With a Business Class Upgrade
If your upgrade is successful, you get priority boarding, 30kg of checked baggage, two carry-on items, premium meals and a comfort pack. That is a significant step up from a standard economy fare on a long international flight.
The Catches to Know About
There are two things to watch out for. First, lounge access is not included unless you already have access under Qantas Frequent Flyer rules. Second, if your flight is disrupted, the upgrade is refunded, so it is not guaranteed until you are in the air. It pays to keep that in mind if you are planning around a specific seat.
Is It Worth It?
Whether it is worth it depends on the points cost or your bid compared with the value of a business class seat on that route. Check what the upgrade would cost, compare it with the economy fare you have already paid, and decide whether the extra comfort justifies the price.
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