2015 Chances of Upgrade Clearing and Upgrade Availability Discussion (consolidated)
#46
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
I don't find 2015 much different than 2014 at the EXP level. I've cleared 9 systemwides already, some of them from hidden EXP availability, out through April. I doubt you'd have access to that not currently being an EXP. I just had a DFW-LHR two weeks ago and have two more in February and April, all that cleared at booking.
Might want to change your profile.
Might want to change your profile.
#47
Thanks Tom911. You are always so positive. I am still Ex Plat until Feb, and then hopefully should be Ex Plat again in April. Will try to update profile in March.
I forgot about the hidden "C" availability available only to Ex Plat's. Earlier in the month, when I decided to go for it and re-qualify for Ex Plat, I searched and saw a couple of dates that had some 763 availability. But as SWU availability sometimes comes in batches, will just have to check regularly for the next batch and then book.
I am hoping you are right, and that we will see a reasonable amount of "C" availability.
I forgot about the hidden "C" availability available only to Ex Plat's. Earlier in the month, when I decided to go for it and re-qualify for Ex Plat, I searched and saw a couple of dates that had some 763 availability. But as SWU availability sometimes comes in batches, will just have to check regularly for the next batch and then book.
I am hoping you are right, and that we will see a reasonable amount of "C" availability.
#48
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Most of my 2015 upgrades did not appear on Expert Flyer. One that comes to mind is 3 seats LHR-LAX in March which is known as a difficult route to clear on the 777-300. EF showed zero inventory. I called a few hours after booking and all 3 of us were upgraded. I deliberately booked that flight as I'm traveling with friends that enjoy the MCE section in the 777-300 and one of them just can't sleep on planes, so figured worse case we'd have those seats locked in under my status and they'd enjoy the expanded entertainment choices. I seem to run across a lot less visible inventory on EF, but then when I call in and they clear me. Probably helps that I book a few months out.
Sorry for the confusion about your profile. Misread your post.
Sorry for the confusion about your profile. Misread your post.
#49
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 8
Quick question.
I'm an AA PLT. Usually been flying USAIR metal with my AA FF #. Usually I can upgrade for free within 24 hours by just selecting an open first class seat.
For my next trip I'm on AA metal and it doesn't seem to be the same upgrade process as USAIR. Do I have to use my 500 mile upgrade stickers whenever I want to upgrade? Are upgrades offered without using the stickers?
Thanks!
I'm an AA PLT. Usually been flying USAIR metal with my AA FF #. Usually I can upgrade for free within 24 hours by just selecting an open first class seat.
For my next trip I'm on AA metal and it doesn't seem to be the same upgrade process as USAIR. Do I have to use my 500 mile upgrade stickers whenever I want to upgrade? Are upgrades offered without using the stickers?
Thanks!
#50
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
#51
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,939
NYC is a major financial center. Milan is also a major financial center. From the airline's perspective, it is reasonable to expect last minute revenue booking in business class. If they can collect $5K/ticket, AA RM will wait and save those seats for business travelers with a generous travel expense account.
#52
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,548
Somewhat related, I'm standing by for an earlier flight to maximize upgrade chances. To be clear, even though I'm now on the standby list for the earlier flight, I am still on the upgrade list in the same order for my original flight, right?
I realize I need to clear the standby to be added to the upgrade list on the earlier flight.
I realize I need to clear the standby to be added to the upgrade list on the earlier flight.
Agree with your latter post that if the upgrade onto flight 2 doesnt clear, then dont let them take you off flight 1.
#54
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: AAdvantage, Hilton
Posts: 3,191
However, if you are on a SWU waitlist and you change flights, you will lose the original time stamp and start all over again.
#55
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
#57
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
It's listed as a snack flight so it will have something.
#58
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 8
By food I meant dinner, not the snack basket.
How do you find out if its a snack or meal flight?
How do you find out if its a snack or meal flight?
#59
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
By looking at the flight information on the AA website. Click on the "+" sign next to the flight number when searching by price. A snack is not the same as a snack basket.
#60
Join Date: Jan 2015
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 8
Thanks for the timely responses!