If you had one e-vip, which is better use, ORD west to OGG or the red-eye return?
Apr 7, 2006, 8:23 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: EXP
Posts: 412
If you had one e-vip, which is better use, ORD west to OGG or the red-eye return?
Perhaps it's totally subjective. The westbound flight is longer and you're up to enjoy FC for all of it, but you'll get a better night's sleep in FC seats for the red-eye return. Difference in meals? Btw, this is for my daughter. Mine would be a freebie sticker UPG for whichever leg I upgrade. Then it's coach with my kid for the other leg. Difference in upgrade chances for one vs the other?
Apr 7, 2006, 8:38 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP/4MM, UA GS, AS MVP GOLD 75K
Posts: 3,362
I would suggest not using an eVIP but how about just a 15,000 mile upgrade? One of the best values in the upgrade scheme IMHO. Also, in case you don't know, and I'm somewhat unclear as to waht exactly is going on, but if you are traveling with your daughter you can also upgrade her using your stickers. As for which leg, I'd do it on the return as I like to sleep better.
Apr 7, 2006, 8:49 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Ireland
Programs: AA PLT 2MM, IHG Plat
Posts: 3,566
I'd upgrade westbound and let her enjoy the FC experience unless she needs to be fresh and rested after arriving home.
Apr 7, 2006, 8:50 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: STL
Programs: AA 2MM, AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,966
I believe a sticker upgrade (or any other upgrade) is more likely to clear outbound, as lots of people try to upgrade the return. This is subjective and based on limited experience.
Which is better is also subjective, and depends on you, your daughter, and the situation. Do either of you have to go from the airport to work, or will you both be off that day of arrival home? If either of you is going to work, take the return flight.
If you upgrade one of you with VIP or miles, and the other with stickers, it is likely that the sticker upgrade won't clear. This is less important on the return, when both will be sleeping (or trying to) most of the way.
Which is better is also subjective, and depends on you, your daughter, and the situation. Do either of you have to go from the airport to work, or will you both be off that day of arrival home? If either of you is going to work, take the return flight.
If you upgrade one of you with VIP or miles, and the other with stickers, it is likely that the sticker upgrade won't clear. This is less important on the return, when both will be sleeping (or trying to) most of the way.
Apr 7, 2006, 8:53 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,234
I think it comes down to how well you can sleep on a plane, particularly in coach. If you're one of those (lucky ones) who passes out right after take-off, then use the upgrade outbound, since you can just sleep on the way back, in the back. If you're like me and can only sleep on a plane with a reclining seat and an Ambien, then upgrade the return. (Actually, if you're like me, you'll do everything in your power to not sit in coach on such a long flight AT ALL. 
)
)
Apr 7, 2006, 8:54 am
#6
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum
Posts: 423
I would always pick to upgrade the red eye, rather than having a miserable end to the trip. Even if the way there sucks in coach, you ARE going to Hawaii afterall. As soon as you step off the plane, that will be long forgotten and you have an upgraded return to look forward to.
Apr 7, 2006, 9:00 am
#7
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: AA Lifetime PLT , BA Silver , BD RIP , HH Gold, SPG / Marriott PLT , EF Subscriber
Posts: 6,702
Juts monitor the flight closely on Expert Flyer and when it gets down to 2 A class seats, then use the e-VIP fopr the outward.
Anyhow as an EXP you earn enough miles on this journey alone to pay for the Return flight at 15,000.
But if you want to save those miles again monitor it in EP and when it gets down to 2 A Class seats use the miles or Gamble on an EXP Upgrade.
Anyhow as an EXP you earn enough miles on this journey alone to pay for the Return flight at 15,000.
But if you want to save those miles again monitor it in EP and when it gets down to 2 A Class seats use the miles or Gamble on an EXP Upgrade.
Apr 7, 2006, 9:38 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: EXP
Posts: 412
Thanks for the good advice!
You know, I hadn't even considered getting a 15K upg. I guess with all the b*tching about co-pays and all, it was wiped clear from my mind. But actually, even though it's a Q class fare, it's to Hawaii, not Europe, so it might be a good use of 15,000 miles. Re using stickers, EXPs don't earn them and I'd rather not spend $270 for the 9 required, though I suppose it's a bargain compared to using an e-vip. I think I can even get the EXP desk to put in for the UPG for my daughter and myself on an all-or-non basis, ie. we either both get it or neither of us do. I realize that might increase the chances of not getting upgraded at all, but such is life. With all the various time windows, fare codes, etc. associated with the various ways of getting upgraded, it's all a crap shoot anyway. 
I sometimes think you need a super-computer to game the system considering all the various restrictions/procedures/limitations all interacting with each other. It really can drive you nuts and it sometimes all boils down to "you can't get there from here"! One thing we can take advantage of is perhaps going to the Costco near OGG and getting some food for the red-eye back in case we don't get upgraded for that one. Getting row 21 seats on the 767-300 should help ease the pain in case we wind up in coach.
I sometimes think you need a super-computer to game the system considering all the various restrictions/procedures/limitations all interacting with each other. It really can drive you nuts and it sometimes all boils down to "you can't get there from here"! One thing we can take advantage of is perhaps going to the Costco near OGG and getting some food for the red-eye back in case we don't get upgraded for that one. Getting row 21 seats on the 767-300 should help ease the pain in case we wind up in coach.
Apr 7, 2006, 2:16 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MSP (and will only fly NWA in re-routes if I HAVE to)
Programs: AA EXP (4.5MM), hotel programs as needed
Posts: 5,800
While spending money to guarantee a FC seat (vs miles vs stickers vs eVIP) might not be an option, consider the YUP fares also. $1409 one way might be a better use of money to confirm things ...