Who can tell you where you are in the upgrade queue? Intl reservations tells me they have no idea, yet people here do mention knowing where they are in the queue.

Does the Gold Preferred desk have this info?

While I'm at it, as goofy as it sounds I've always used the hard TA upgrade coupons to UPG my flights. This time I'm using miles. Now, I fly from ORF (Norfolk, VA). I almost always get the 5pm flight to PHL and then the 8pm flight over.

My understanding though is that it's gate controlled by that point, so the only place to upgrade is at the gate in PHL. This puts me at a distinct disadvantage compared to you folks based out of PHL. Can they UPG me in ORF?

(For the record I'm using 20kMi to upgrade full Y tickets (10k ech way))

Ideas on how I can optimize my chances for upgrading?

Regards,
-Bouncer-

[This message has been edited by Bouncer (edited 03-10-2002).]

From my experience, the reservation agent CAN tell you where you are in the queue. However, many do not WANT to tell you this. It actually may be policy not to tell you. The reason is that you can drop lower in the queue if someone with higher status comes along. Many people don't understand the system and become itate saying "I was #1 now I am #3". Instead of dealing with that possible situation, they prefer not to tell you at all.

Although PHL actually upgrades you and issues the new boarding pass, you are put in the queue by status and time of checkin at your original departure city. This actually puts the PHL people at a disadvantage.

Optimize your chances by checking in early. That way only someone with a higher status will be ahead of you. Go to the airport at noon and check in, check your bags and go back to work. Then show up at 4pm and walk to the gate. Only the West Coasters could be ahead of you.

[This message has been edited by mileshound (edited 03-10-2002).]

I suspect the agents get tired of fielding "where am I on the upgrade waitlist" questions, especially when the list is so dynamic. My one recommendation is to check the day before your trip. My agent was able to confirm Envoy because "we can sometimes confirm when there are more than ten seats available." however, caveat emptor.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Bouncer:
Who can tell you where you are in the upgrade queue? Intl reservations tells me they have no idea, yet people here do mention knowing where they are in the queue.

</font>

Are you referring to the upgrade queue for CP or the waitlist? Regarding the waitlist, I asked a training instructor, who advised me that we shouldn't disclose where someone would be on it, but can tell you how many total are waitlisted. Since there wasn't any training on it (that I recall) many reps don't even know how to find it (waitlist). I found it , by chance, just looking around, for things that might make my job easier. That's why if you speak to me, I will probably tell you more than what you are asking for !

Have I mentioned before to you how lovely you are?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Anyways, thanks for all the advice. Maybe as opposed to asking "where" I am I should just ask how many are on the list.

Regards,
-Bouncer-

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif