Dec 5, 2014, 11:27 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
NOTE: Changed flight numbers from 137 / 138 to AA 125 / 126 Nov 2016
This thread is for the discussion of upgrades (using systemwide upgrades /SWUs or mileage+ copay) for the DFW-HKG route.
General discussion about the new DFW-PVG and DFW-HKG routes can be found here: DFW-PVG and DFW-HKG Starting Summer 2014 [route discussion]
Discussion and questions about flight experiences on the DFW-HKG flights can be found here: 77W DFW-HKG AA 137 / 138 flight experiences, questions
DFW-HKG AA 125 / 126 77W Upgrade Chances & Waitlist Discussion
Dec 1, 2015, 3:18 pm
#1561
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
I have noticed however the drop in quality with EP agents since the merger. One of the recent ones not even knowing how to piece together a 2 segment partner award on CX lol.. "this is more complicated that I'm used to, I'll need to find an international EP agent to do this for you"
Dec 1, 2015, 4:38 pm
#1562
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'm not sure what "people" you've been talking to but that is completely wrong, unless something has changed recently.. Put the SWU for DFW-HKG only first (which EP agents do anyways) and any other domestic upgrades can be used with the same SWU if DFW-HKG clears, pending space. Unless of course the domestic segment clears on its own first with the free upgrade
Dec 1, 2015, 5:29 pm
#1563
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Is that the case, though, if both the domestic and international segments have the same flight number? I had a flight last year, probably to Madrid, where both segments had the same flight number and agents would not clear me. The international segment had initial availability but the domestic segment did not. Sometime before departure I did clear, but do recall at least two conversations with agents who were insistent that both segments needed to have availability when the flight number was the same and there was a special rule for that scenario.
Dec 1, 2015, 8:52 pm
#1564
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
Is that the case, though, if both the domestic and international segments have the same flight number? I had a flight last year, probably to Madrid, where both segments had the same flight number and agents would not clear me. The international segment had initial availability but the domestic segment did not. Sometime before departure I did clear, but do recall at least two conversations with agents who were insistent that both segments needed to have availability when the flight number was the same and there was a special rule for that scenario.
Dec 1, 2015, 9:00 pm
#1565
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Yeah, for some reason DCA gets the "through" flights to both NRT and HKG. I always book a little extra time in DFW to separate the flight numbers, since the same-numbered flights have somewhat short connections anyway.
Dec 1, 2015, 10:58 pm
#1566
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,472
Dec 1, 2015, 11:38 pm
#1567
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: BA Gold; AA Lfe Time PLT ; Marriott Titanium, LFT GLD
Posts: 1,276
You can often mitigate this when booking by choosing domestic flights that are not nearly full in F already.
Dec 2, 2015, 9:47 am
#1569
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hilton Gold, Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 35
Two lessons:
1. DON'T EVER PURCHASE A THRU-TICKET.
2. Hang up and call again worked finally (after the 14th time).
I also find that the overnight EXP desk is much more helpful in just about any request, Many times I've been unsuccessful in getting what I need done during the day, but call in the middle of the night and changes are relatively effortless.
Dec 2, 2015, 10:20 am
#1570
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
Thanks for posting. HUCA enough times and finally got someone this morning with some understanding of how the thru flight was not going to work in getting me cleared via waitlist. She acknowledged that my status/timestamp qualified for one of the 9 unsold seats in J. She worked with Revenue to put me in C manually on both legs. My only purpose for that call was to get on the 5:40AM DCA-DFW flight which she couldn't because of the DCA-HKG showing up as one segment. She volunteered to go the extra mile to manually force the C fare with Rev Dept, when 12 other EXP agents (supposedly all supervisors) said that was not possible and has never been done. I was on hold for 5 minutes and had First/business seats for both. Super psyched!
Two lessons:
1. DON'T EVER PURCHASE A THRU-TICKET.
2. Hang up and call again worked finally (after the 14th time).
I also find that the overnight EXP desk is much more helpful in just about any request, Many times I've been unsuccessful in getting what I need done during the day, but call in the middle of the night and changes are relatively effortless.
Two lessons:
1. DON'T EVER PURCHASE A THRU-TICKET.
2. Hang up and call again worked finally (after the 14th time).
I also find that the overnight EXP desk is much more helpful in just about any request, Many times I've been unsuccessful in getting what I need done during the day, but call in the middle of the night and changes are relatively effortless.
Dec 2, 2015, 10:27 am
#1571
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Fll/mia/bkk
Programs: AA explt, 5 million miler
Posts: 206
I live in Bangkok half the year. My last 2 trips back to the US, Hkg -Dfw looked full and doubted upgrades would happened. With time difference I've had to deal with middle of the night agents. Best service I have received in awhile. Changed flights thru Nrt. J cleared.
Only problem dealing night is revenue management is short on people and takes them time to ticket. I just tell them I'm 12 hours ahead and they push it.
Only problem dealing night is revenue management is short on people and takes them time to ticket. I just tell them I'm 12 hours ahead and they push it.
Dec 2, 2015, 10:09 pm
#1572
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MUC
Programs: *A Gold, OW Emerald; IHG S, SPG P, HH D, HGP D, Accor P, Carlson G
Posts: 215
I live in Bangkok half the year. My last 2 trips back to the US, Hkg -Dfw looked full and doubted upgrades would happened. With time difference I've had to deal with middle of the night agents. Best service I have received in awhile. Changed flights thru Nrt. J cleared.
Only problem dealing night is revenue management is short on people and takes them time to ticket. I just tell them I'm 12 hours ahead and they push it.
Only problem dealing night is revenue management is short on people and takes them time to ticket. I just tell them I'm 12 hours ahead and they push it.
On 138 next week, right now still looking hopeful. I might wait till T-24 and see...
Dec 3, 2015, 5:55 am
#1574
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Fll/mia/bkk
Programs: AA explt, 5 million miler
Posts: 206
2 months ago I saw C show up 48 hours before flight to Lax. Last month I did the same 24 hours in advance. They charged $250 change fee, but I had enough value in ticket that it was only $50 more for fare difference. So for $300 I got J to Lax and F to Fll.
One big issue. I am in Bangkok, so need seats to be available on JL to Nrt. That flight is quite often sold out. I've been lucky so far. I come back again just before Christmas. 138 full in J now and JL full to Nrt. I'm thinking I will be in Y for first time after 12 trips.
One big issue. I am in Bangkok, so need seats to be available on JL to Nrt. That flight is quite often sold out. I've been lucky so far. I come back again just before Christmas. 138 full in J now and JL full to Nrt. I'm thinking I will be in Y for first time after 12 trips.
Dec 3, 2015, 8:55 pm
#1575
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MUC
Programs: *A Gold, OW Emerald; IHG S, SPG P, HH D, HGP D, Accor P, Carlson G
Posts: 215
2 months ago I saw C show up 48 hours before flight to Lax. Last month I did the same 24 hours in advance. They charged $250 change fee, but I had enough value in ticket that it was only $50 more for fare difference. So for $300 I got J to Lax and F to Fll.
One big issue. I am in Bangkok, so need seats to be available on JL to Nrt. That flight is quite often sold out. I've been lucky so far. I come back again just before Christmas. 138 full in J now and JL full to Nrt. I'm thinking I will be in Y for first time after 12 trips.
One big issue. I am in Bangkok, so need seats to be available on JL to Nrt. That flight is quite often sold out. I've been lucky so far. I come back again just before Christmas. 138 full in J now and JL full to Nrt. I'm thinking I will be in Y for first time after 12 trips.