I have only two North American Upgrade coupons available for my upcoming 1200 mile flight. Have you ever booked a NA upgrade when you didn't have enough coupons? What about when you forget to bring the coupons?

Any possibility that I can book the upgrade on the return portion, then tell the gate agent, as Whimpy would say, "I'll pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today?" Or will their computer show that I have no remaining coupons?

NAU coupons are valid for up to 800 miles each, so a 1200 mile trip is doable with two. Or are you flying 1200 miles each way and want to upgrade both ways? If that's the case you can always "buy" two more coupons for $80 or get 4 for $120 (both of which I've done when I didn't have enough coupons).

FWIW, you can upgrade ahead of time -within your window- even if you don't have the coupons. When you check-in for your flight, at best, you might luck out and the agent will forget to ask you for the certs, or, at worst, the agent will ask you how you're handling the upgrade; in which case you'll have to get out a credit card. Note that the latter is what most likely will happen; agents are getting more strict about asking for the coupons, in my experience.

RZ

RZ

[This message has been edited by Arrzee (edited 05-09-2001).]

The flight is 1200 mi each way; 4 coupons would be required for upgrades round-trip; I have two NAU in-hand.

I'm wondering if it is worth it to book the upgrade and hope I am not asked for the coupons.

What is the fare basis of the ticket? If it is full fare (B or Y), I've noticed that the Richmond agents are actually collecting the coupons LESS. It may have something to do with the fact that a full fare that is upgraded goes into "F" inventory (as opposed to "G") and they think it is a paid first class ticket.

If it is a full fare ticket, remember that the regular upgrade window does not apply. You can upgrade at time of ticketing.

In any case, the agents don't have any idea how many coupons you have when you upgrade over the phone. But if you do upgrade, and don't have the certs, be prepared to whip out the credit card.