SDC: Can't Get on UG list
Jun 28, 2016, 1:53 am
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: SEA, FLL, Martha’s Vineyard
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SDC: Can't Get on UG list
Has anyone else had this problem? I've switched flights to a SDC for tomorrow LAS-SEA, and when you go through the check in process, it doesn't offer you the ability to be added to the upgrade list when you do a SDC and can't seem to get on the list.
On a SEA-LAX flight F was supposedly full so I didn't bother asking the gate agent to add me to the list. Then she came onboard just before they closed the door and upgraded two MVPs, and I would have gotten the upgrade. That was frustrating.
Does anyone know how to get on the UG list when you do a SDC? I've tried calling but the agents will tell you you're on the list when you aren't, and they don't seem to know how to add you. Is there no way to add yourself without the airport agents help before hand with SDC?
On a SEA-LAX flight F was supposedly full so I didn't bother asking the gate agent to add me to the list. Then she came onboard just before they closed the door and upgraded two MVPs, and I would have gotten the upgrade. That was frustrating.
Does anyone know how to get on the UG list when you do a SDC? I've tried calling but the agents will tell you you're on the list when you aren't, and they don't seem to know how to add you. Is there no way to add yourself without the airport agents help before hand with SDC?
Jun 28, 2016, 7:58 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
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Location: FAI
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Usually I go to manage reservation, and select "request complimentary upgrade". When this fails (rare) I call AS.
Jun 28, 2016, 9:13 am
#5
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Sunny Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, HH Diamond
Posts: 539
I generally do SDCs via the web or the mobile app, and that does seem to drop you back onto the upgrade list automatically. I've received a post-SDC upgrade as recently as last week.
Jun 28, 2016, 9:38 am
#6
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Portland, Oregon
Programs: AS 75k, HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold, Marriott Plat, ect.
Posts: 222
Happens routinely for me on a SDC. I usually try to sign in and selected the comp upgrade option online, when that fails I call the Gold Desk. Frustrating thing is the agents claim I'm on the list but I won't be able to see online or on the reader board. No matter how much I press they claim I'm on a list.
I basically give up the hope of an upgrade if I SDC.
I basically give up the hope of an upgrade if I SDC.
Jun 28, 2016, 10:23 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: USA
Programs: AS MVPG 75K, AC SE
Posts: 346
This happens frequently to me, but not always. I've started paying closer attention to figure out why (e.g. only after checking in to the first flight?).
As I fly west coast and check EF before an SDC, I usually get an SDC upgrade. In my experience, while the phone agents claim they see you on the UG list after making a few changes, only the airport list counts (viewable from the app or m.alaskaair.com).
OLCI "Complimentary Upgrade" when U is available still works regardless of whether you are on the waitlist, so if U opens just go through OLCI again. Of course this means it's first come first serve so specific status doesn't matter here.
As I fly west coast and check EF before an SDC, I usually get an SDC upgrade. In my experience, while the phone agents claim they see you on the UG list after making a few changes, only the airport list counts (viewable from the app or m.alaskaair.com).
OLCI "Complimentary Upgrade" when U is available still works regardless of whether you are on the waitlist, so if U opens just go through OLCI again. Of course this means it's first come first serve so specific status doesn't matter here.
Jun 28, 2016, 5:13 pm
#8
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always happens to me regardless of how I SDC (phone, app, kiosk, or website).
i call or tweet, they say that they add me to the list, and i still don't show up on the gate display or mobile/online list and never get upgraded. incredibly frustrating. usually i only SDC on SEA-SMF and vv, so i just stick it out in the back. or PDX-SMF and vv, and we know how that is when it comes to upgrades...
i call or tweet, they say that they add me to the list, and i still don't show up on the gate display or mobile/online list and never get upgraded. incredibly frustrating. usually i only SDC on SEA-SMF and vv, so i just stick it out in the back. or PDX-SMF and vv, and we know how that is when it comes to upgrades...
Jun 28, 2016, 7:53 pm
#9
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I'm about 75% on my SDC upgrades ^
Jun 28, 2016, 9:17 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: Alaska Gold 100k
Posts: 959
Last two weeks I did two SDCs at 10pm the night before. In both cases I checked before to see if any F available and then when they switched me I immediately got it on the new flight(s). Also I always call in to the Gold desk to do the SDC and then double check the booking or the waitlist online for the very same reasons that appear in this thread.
Jun 29, 2016, 3:07 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: DL Gold; AS MVP Gold
Posts: 145
Last time I did a SDC I just had to go back to the reservation online and click the "request complimentary upgrade" ... of course, I wasn't upgraded, and didn't expect to. I just wanted to get on the earlier flight 
Jun 29, 2016, 3:29 pm
#12
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Yeah honestly I'm just happy being on the flight at the time I need, regardless of class. But after that incident of the agent coming aboard I always add myself just to be safe.