RajonRondo

I called the Elite line for the first time on Sunday night (12:01am Monday) to use credits to upgrade SFO-ATL on Tuesday. The recording said the line closed at 10pm, I believe.

I decided to call the main number and the agent handled my request.

cooger72

For what it's worth, you can look at historical seatmaps of your flight. All you have to do is search for the flight you want in reservations, and click on the seatmap. Once you do that, you simply copy the URL from the seatmap window into a regular browser window and then change the date in the web address. It won't tell you how upgrade conditions were, but it will show you if your flight usually leaves with unused business seats.

newsmanhoss

Interesting. You're right. I just checked it out. Well, this makes it really easy for competitors to see exact loads on flights.

cooger72

Might be another error with FL's website... shocker. It's also good for handicapping odds of success on same day standby.

GHU21

9/16, 5:40PM ATL-HPN Flight, Checked in online exactly 24 hours before.

Arrived at gate 35 min before departure, boarding almost complete. Approached the GA to ask for upgrade, she has boarding pass already printed out, says she paged me earlier.

There were 6 open seats BC seats before I left for airport, and it looks as if 4 went to non-rev passengers.

cooger72

I've experienced this the last several times I've gotten upgraded for free. I've admittedly been there a few minutes past 40, but each time I've been told I'd been paged and upgraded. (although it's appeared to be on relatively empty flights as far as C goes) It's a very nice/refreshing change of pace. Hopefully it will get rolled out system wide and at 40 minutes they'll just upgrade the first people to check in instead of playing the "when should I ask the GA" game. I imagine if there were too many elites and you don't respond to a page at T-40 they can give it away to the next elite on the list. Seems like it should be pretty simple.

GHU21

BC actually went out full, but wouldn't have without the non-rev passengers.

Coach was maybe 75% capacity.

I would also greatly prefer having upgrades automatically issued at the 40 minute mark based on check-in time, saves time and effort for everyone involved.

nachoman205

Good thing is now that SWA has Bought Air tran no need to worry about upgrades will be cattle call central.

Chalky White

Agreed. I got upgraded ATL-SJU on 9/24, but I got the total shaft on SJU-ATL on 9/26. Some people that checked the counter after I did (4 people in fact) got upgraded and I did not. I saw their coach boarding passes and then I saw them walk away with business class seats. I asked the GA--he was unapologetic and said "sorry it's full".

I thought about complaining to FL, but what's the point now?

RSVP

Enjoy it before it goes away.

plagwate

Keep in mind, upgrades are not given in the order that you approach the counter. Rather, they are given in order of online check-in. You have no idea if those people who checked the counter after you completed their online check-in at T-24 hours or not. If you want the best odds of getting an upgrade, always check-in online as close to 24 hours prior to departure as possible. The only thing that I can assure you were owed was a better explanation from the GA. If it gives you any peace of mind, present your A+ Elite card and ask the TA or GA when you arrive at the airport, "where am I in check-in sequence?" I've never been refused that information and it is not an unreasonable request, even prior to the 40-minute mark.

GHU21

Never thought to ask for the check in sequence number..will try that next time.

travelingfool23

It's usually printed on the bottom right corner of the boarding pass, without a label telling what the number is.

Chalky White

I checked in exactly 24 hours before departure and approached the gate an hour before scheduled departure. I was told there was one seat left and I was first on the list. I came back at 40 minutes, was told "it's full" and then the other 4 people walk off with upgrades. It made no sense.

plagwate

The only other explanation I can come up with is either:
1) The other pax purchased the remaining upgrade
2) The other pax called in to FL and cashed in 4 credits for the upgrade
3) GA Shenanigans
Unfortunately, unless you were hovering over the podium, you have no way of knowing without calling FL Customer Relations and having them investigate.