why? because they might possibly give you a leg up on snaring that upgrade. but since we're such a loving bunch here in happy hollow, I'll offer up one of mine:

first, you check the aircraft type. that's basic stuff, and we all do it. there's a big difference between 12 and 26 First Class seats. then, in your various meanderings through itn.net, check out the "green seats" (actually lack thereof) on the seat mapper. for, as we all know, the green seats are the preferred seats. those nasty folks, are your competition. act accordingly in your strategizing.

"If you don't see that green, pickings will be lean"

i'm a newbie, so i hope that this is the right place to post...

i went to www.itn.net (http://www.itn.net) to go to check the seat availablity, and it took me to an AMEX site. is this correct? where do i go from here?

thanks

American Express and www.itn.net (http://www.itn.net) are the same site. Amex bought the itn folks out sometime back. To make full use of the site you need to create an account first.

Then you have to change your "travel profile." Select "Display Preferences" and toggle your "Availability Format" to "an expert." This will allow you to see availability for various types of fares.

Here's a secret....read the rules of the program provider and follow them. I am no longer surprized to learn how many folks do not read the back of their upgrade coupons and know how and when to use them.

Also, I have asked the CS person in the past the day/time/plane to use that will increase my chance of upgrading to first class. Yes, this is lazier than the ITN route just mentioned (which is an excellent tip), but effective for us technology-challenged folks with slow internet dial-up connections.

Secrets??? Ha... like I'd write any of them down. But the "chexfan way" does exist, and as ClueByFour can vouch, works very well! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Time of day is also a factor. Avoid the peak times.
Check to see which connecting city is better. For example, does going thru PIT have a greater possibility to upgrade than going thru PHL. Check the possibilities on different date - preferrable the same days of the week.
If it is possible and not too expensive, delay your bookings as long as possible. The ultimate is to book it the day before your window opens. Then you check ITN, yadda, yadda, yadda.

My last tip - if you are Silver then you need to get to Gold. There is a big differnce.

All this theory is good, but in reality you have restrictions as to when you book, what time you fly, and the route you take.