Playing chicken with eUps
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
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Playing chicken with eUps
Im booked on AC 7557 tomorrow, ATL to YYZ. (Actually, UA 8111 on 016, because reasons). Standby and upgrade list is showing economy is full, Business is available: 9 seats, 6 booked, 2 checked in.
J3 C3 D3 Z3 P3 R1 Y0 B0 M0 U0 H0 Q0 V0 W0 G0 S0 T0 L0 A0 K0 from expertflyer.com, but maybe out if date if within 24 hours? Not wrong, though, it maps to SBUL.
The online tool had me blocked out previously, the app and OlCI each are asking for 6 credits. Im SE, and R1, I guess I'd be pretty much guaranteed it? I have 88 in the bank. Or do I hope for someone else to be transferred over so I move up? Does being on the codeshare matter?
What is the strategy here? Generally and specifically.
J3 C3 D3 Z3 P3 R1 Y0 B0 M0 U0 H0 Q0 V0 W0 G0 S0 T0 L0 A0 K0 from expertflyer.com, but maybe out if date if within 24 hours? Not wrong, though, it maps to SBUL.
The online tool had me blocked out previously, the app and OlCI each are asking for 6 credits. Im SE, and R1, I guess I'd be pretty much guaranteed it? I have 88 in the bank. Or do I hope for someone else to be transferred over so I move up? Does being on the codeshare matter?
What is the strategy here? Generally and specifically.
#2
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Using eup credits guarantees it.
Are you hoping for an opp-up by not confirming the upgrade immediately?
Having a Y ticket when Y=0 doesn't mean they are oversold. Even if oversold, not everyone always checks in or makes their flight.
To me, eups are scarce enough that using 6 credits to upgrade a narrowbody flight 3 or 4 hours is a bad value.
Are you hoping for an opp-up by not confirming the upgrade immediately?
Having a Y ticket when Y=0 doesn't mean they are oversold. Even if oversold, not everyone always checks in or makes their flight.
To me, eups are scarce enough that using 6 credits to upgrade a narrowbody flight 3 or 4 hours is a bad value.
#5
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#6
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Im booked on AC 7557 tomorrow, ATL to YYZ. (Actually, UA 8111 on 016, because reasons). Standby and upgrade list is showing economy is full, Business is available: 9 seats, 6 booked, 2 checked in.
J3 C3 D3 Z3 P3 R1 Y0 B0 M0 U0 H0 Q0 V0 W0 G0 S0 T0 L0 A0 K0 from expertflyer.com, but maybe out if date if within 24 hours? Not wrong, though, it maps to SBUL.
The online tool had me blocked out previously, the app and OlCI each are asking for 6 credits. Im SE, and R1, I guess I'd be pretty much guaranteed it? I have 88 in the bank. Or do I hope for someone else to be transferred over so I move up? Does being on the codeshare matter?
What is the strategy here? Generally and specifically.
J3 C3 D3 Z3 P3 R1 Y0 B0 M0 U0 H0 Q0 V0 W0 G0 S0 T0 L0 A0 K0 from expertflyer.com, but maybe out if date if within 24 hours? Not wrong, though, it maps to SBUL.
The online tool had me blocked out previously, the app and OlCI each are asking for 6 credits. Im SE, and R1, I guess I'd be pretty much guaranteed it? I have 88 in the bank. Or do I hope for someone else to be transferred over so I move up? Does being on the codeshare matter?
What is the strategy here? Generally and specifically.
You are booked on a flight for tomorrow. It is R1. That means you can take that R1 to get into J cabin. Otherwise you sit in Y.
Not sure what it is exactly you need and what you mean by playing chicken.
#7
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 57
I understand your dilemma, but in my case I usually have far few eup credits and so my decision is not based on playing chicken, but picking the flights that I would prefer to upgrade and simply hoping to be op uped on the remainder. Two or three years ago, I would get two to three op ups a year on transcons or TATLs so my hopes were not necessarily fruitless.
I am now finding that even getting euped as a lowly E50 is difficult and I think the push to bids and LMUs is pushing me to use eups whenever I can. As much as the expertflyer stats suggest that someone will get opuped, I would just eup--it avoids you sitting in y if an oversell is remedied by simply moving the last of the GTE into J.
I am now finding that even getting euped as a lowly E50 is difficult and I think the push to bids and LMUs is pushing me to use eups whenever I can. As much as the expertflyer stats suggest that someone will get opuped, I would just eup--it avoids you sitting in y if an oversell is remedied by simply moving the last of the GTE into J.
#8
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: YSC (and all its regularly scheduled flights)
Posts: 2,521
I've been lucky to have a few paid TPAC J in the last few years (almost officially over now) to get me status and not have to use e-ups. That means I use e-ups on just about every domestic flight (since I won't pay for upgrades PLUS e-ups). I was surprised to just get upgraded YVR-YYZ-DCA for 10 credits, last minute, no cash on a Tango fare, good bar service, and Kitkats provided - once the person next to me insisted. All is good .
Off to my gate!
Dr. PITUK
#9
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I also upgrade every flight I'm on that has a J cabin, because I can never use all mine by the end of the year.
#11
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#12
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Sure, so then what "strategy" can the OP use? I don't think much of a strategy. If OP has personal/vacation trips, then save it for those I'd say.
#13
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Toronto, ON, CANADA
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Posts: 1,881
I use the same strategy for eUps as I do for my Aeroplan miles. Earn and burn. i never know what flight I'm taking in the future, and who knows what other "enhancements" AC will make. Might as well enjoy the eUp now, on a flight that I'm for sure taking, instead of saving them up for a potential future flight.
#14
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#15
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