Originally Posted by
aztimm
There's a very thorough thread on using CP upgrades here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-ai...er-thread.html
In a nutshell, if I wanted the upgrade that badly, I wouldn't buy a ticket unless I could immediately upgrade into Envoy.
When I've tried using the CP certs, I've called, told the agent that I'm flexible, want to use the upgrades, and hope to find an agent who's willing to help. If not, I'll politely hang up.
I've read far too many threads here about counting on using the CP upgrades then eventually not getting the upgrade. The bad thing is...on US TA at least, there's not really many (if any) good seats in coach.
In my experience the CP Certs are pretty near useless; unless you are a leasure traveler whose dates and
travel location are flexible. I do not find these certs to be a major benefit of being CP. I had one instance this last year (late winter, off peak to London) where I had four days of flexibility at either end of the trip and I could pick my airport either LHR or LGW; nothing. I decided to fly Icelandair in Economy Comfort for $100 more than US in coach; it was a very nice experience. In the many years of being a CP I've been able to use the certs just once; and it was pure luck.
I would never plan a trip assuming these certs will work. I cringe every time I read that someone is paying big buck to buy up to CP to get these certs. Better to use miles and cash.
Given the meger number of certs that US gives compared to other airlines, the relative uselessness is just plain stupid.