zrh2yvr

Recent update from a flight I just took.

Me and Mrs. were confirmed - P-Class AC210 (YVR-YYC).
Standby earlier for AC208. Looked at the "App". Total of 5 J "Upgrades" showing. We were also showing as "Standby" but also on Upgrade. Me and the Mrs. #1 and #2 (standby earlier flight - confirmed J). PAX #3 was SE in Y - waiting for upgrade and Pax #4-5 were PY1/J10 staff. This would appear to show that confirmed seat later flight - standby earlier - can have J onload priority over Y-Upgrades.

So - Anyone else have any insight on the upgrade list - now that we can actually see what is on the list. The reason I knew what was on the list was just through some "chit chat" with the gate agent (since I am somewhat familiar with the terms - it helped a bit).

canadiancow

That absolutely contradicts what I've been told and my own personal experiences.

I've always been behind all revenue upgrades when I've been doing revenue standby.

YQMer

This contradicts my experience a well. I've been told many times now that eUps for pax confirmed on a flight would be processed before any standby pax were allowed to clear the list.

canadiancow

I have an idea.

I'll book SFO-YVR in J.
You book SFO-YVR in Y on an earlier flight and request an upgrade.

I'll go standby on that earlier flight.

We can see who's higher

ahbitheman

Hi,

I need some quick questions answered which I seem unable to find through my various searches on this forum.

- I am flying LAX -> YYZ on an upcoming flight in an economy H fare there and Q fare back. I currently have this ticket on hold.
- I have no status on AC but am United Platinum so am Star Alliance Gold
- I understand my fare is not upgradeable with miles since only Y, B are (pretty ridiculous given how expensive those fares are) but should be upgradeable with eCertificates or perhaps standby?

Questions:
1. As a United Platinum/Star Alliance Gold member, will I be added to the upgrade list at the gate? I called Air Canada and they said yes, but nothing on these forums seem to indicate that I would. They all speak about AC status, eCertificates
2. If YES to above, does it matter if I buy the flight through United (therefore it will be codeshare) or if I buy through AC but just use my United number to get united miles? Air Canada agent said it does NOT matter and I'd still be on the upgrade list at gate. I don't believe her
3. If I do in fact need some eCertificates, how would I go about getting those? I have some extra RUC's (regional upgrade certificates) on United that may help someone else.

Appreciate any guidance

rehoult

1) No.
2) N/A
3) You'd have to get someone to make you their nominee for the year (unlikely, as each SE can only have 1 nominee). Also, upgrades are linked to AP numbers, so you'd need to get one and put it on your reservation in place of your MP number.

Outside of the above, your best bet would be to pay for an upgrade at checkin.

ahbitheman

Thank you! Really appreciate the quick response. I knew I couldn't trust the agent. I do have an AP number with some miles on it but I HATE the Aeroplan company. Can't wait for AC to leave them in 2020.

It sucks Star Alliance flights cost Y,B fares plus 10K miles. I'm flown many times on this route on the 787 dreamliner for 25K united miles and $5.60 one way.

How much have these cash upgrades been for folks on here for a route like LAX - YYZ?

For all my status and points on all 3 US airlines and major hotel programs, it looks like I'm stuck in coach!

rehoult

I'd expect US$499+ for that route. One option would be to see if they are flying any planes with Premium Economy on that route and buy that. It's offered on the non-767 widebodies and is close to NA J.

jc94

You can also go into the AC website and see if you can bid on your flight for an upgrade which, if won, will be processed around 4 days out. There are threads on bids and LMUs and which is better value (personally I think LMUs tend to be lower, but they are only available 24 hours out so you may be out of luck).

ahbitheman

I guess 2) does matter as they are telling me I am ineligible for a LMU due to being on a codeshare flight. Any way around this?

canadiancow

Who's telling you this?

rehoult

I'll defer to others, but I don't think they are correct. You can't utilize the advance bidding system using a non-AC ticket, but I believe the upgrade at check-in LMU system still works, as it occurs when the ticket is under AC's control.

yyznomad

Please keep in mind that the call centre is often the source of rampant incorrectness and laziness. Call them three times in a row with the same question and you won't get the same answer all three times. It's best you rely on others here.

quantumofforce

they should relocate the call centre to within the airport, then the call centre agents would never be wrong!

24left

Just a reminder.....AC has multiple call centres. I've found some centres have outstanding agents who are very informed and helpful, other centres have meh agents, then there are the inexperienced who just don't know things but try to help, a few others are just nasty, and then there is time of day.

Spin the roulette wheel.