Upgrade using FC miles on Air New Zealand?

Does anyone know if I can upgrade on ANZ flights using my Virgin FC miles? I have a hectic schedule, 4 sectors:- London -> Shanghai -> Auckland -> Los Angeles -> London in six days!

I'm booked in PE but only with VS on the first sector - after that is ANZ all the way. I'd like to get up to NZ Business (=UC) so I can get some flat-bed sleep if possible.

Thanks

Martin


(PS when you post this trip in the itineraries, the flight routes on the Blue Marble mapper form a perfect pair of bum cheeks! My trip to Cairo in November is the crack )
Take a look at my plane icon >>>>>>------------------------------------------------------------>>>>>

(PS when you post this trip in the itineraries, the flight routes on the Blue Marble mapper form a perfect pair of bum cheeks! My trip to Cairo in November is the crack )
Take a look at my plane icon >>>>>>------------------------------------------------------------>>>>>

) y) y)

Despite the crack, the answer is no.

Despite the crack, the answer is no.

Supposed the obvious reply to this would be "Arse!" )

I tried (in vain) to upgrade a reasonably recent NZ flight with FC miles and when that failed with cash (again in vain).
The NZ product is excellent (in all cabins) so I'm rather glad I failed (on all counts).
DL

I don't see why anybody flying to LAX using FC miles would use VS. Cheaper tax and better product, NZ all the way.
I have my first flight with them in less than a month, not sure what cabin I'll be in but am very excited by it.
Ed

Thanks Slinky, DragonLady and Ed.

It sounds like ANZ should be good - with or without an upgrade. I have not flown them before so I'll post a trip report on one of the sectors. I'll also have a direct comparison with Virgin on the way out as I'm on VS 250 to PVG for 11h 20m with a quick dash (just 1hr 25m) to get on NZ 88; then another 11h 30m down to AKL.

They confirmed that the 1h 25m connection was a "legal" one when I booked, so I hope the VS flight is on time.

Blimey, and I thought I just had a tough flying schedule.

Good luck with it all!

I don't see why anybody flying to LAX using FC miles would use VS. Cheaper tax and better product, NZ all the way.
I have my first flight with them in less than a month, not sure what cabin I'll be in but am very excited by it.
Ed

Fewer FC miles too I think (90k not 100k), and miles cheaper on the taxes and fuel surcharge as you say.

However, while very good, I don't think overall the NZ Buz product is superior to UC. The seats are the same after all, with some NZ tweaks, the food and drink are miles better, but there's a lot else, even things like mood lighting which NZ doesn't have on its 747s, no PJs, no LHR clubhouse ... taking all in, I'd put them on a par.

Now in PE and Y, not that I do that, it does look better and VS has some catching up to do - we all have high expectations with next year's new cabins!

Just to put a spanner in the works but I thought you could do this. Certainly c.2003 FC told me it would be 30,000miles to upgrade to business on SYD-CHC operated by NZ, I almost went through with it as well...maybe they have changed the rules?!

I don't see why anybody flying to LAX using FC miles would use VS. Cheaper tax and better product, NZ all the way.
I have my first flight with them in less than a month, not sure what cabin I'll be in but am very excited by it.
Ed

Fewer FC miles too I think (90k not 100k), and miles cheaper on the taxes and fuel surcharge as you say.

75,000 miles in fact y)

Regards
R3dV

However, while very good, I don't think overall the NZ Buz product is superior to UC. The seats are the same after all, with some NZ tweaks, the food and drink are miles better ....

Thanks Slinky, thats useful to know.

The CSR at ANZ said that the PE food is the same as the NZ Business class. I guess it makes sense because they only have a small PE section and it saves having to have 3 separate menus like VS do.

However, while very good, I don't think overall the NZ Buz product is superior to UC. The seats are the same after all, with some NZ tweaks, the food and drink are miles better ....

Thanks Slinky, thats useful to know.

The CSR at ANZ said that the PE food is the same as the NZ Business class. I guess it makes sense because they only have a small PE section and it saves having to have 3 separate menus like VS do.

Hi Martin
This trip report of mine
supports the CSRs claim that the food is the same in PE as in Biz. Service was from the same trolleys and everything on offer in the front half of the upstairs cabin was on offer in the back, including champagne. It seems my experience with the appeal of the food wasn't typical, though.

Regards
R3DV