I know, I know...how many threads like this can we create? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif But since the barometer changes from time to time, I figure it's best to get the most up-to-the-minute data...

So, PHL-CDG on 15 February 2003 (Sat), and CDG-PHL on 19 February 2003 (Wed). Chairman's status. What are my chances? How 'bout row 1??

FWIW, I had to pay $611 (incl. taxes) to get an upgradable fare. A shame when the lowest available fare is less than $250 (plus taxes). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

The only reason I'm going is to use two SWU02's expiring at the end of February, so I'd like to be reasonably assured of an Envoy seat. I must be crazy...

...anyone care to join me? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by TravelScholar (edited 02-04-2003).]

Geez. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif And you're the moderator of this forum? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Flights look good -- 20 open seats PHL-CDG on the seatmap (including all 6 in Row 1) and 24 open CDG-PHL (incl. 4 of 6 in Row 1). I doubt either will clear 7 days in advance but they'll probably open inventory 3 days out.

But to the more important point--I'm not sure whether you're flying out of PHL or BOS but the lowest Q fare Sat-Wed out of BOS appears to be $409+taxes, and out of PHL appears to be $348+taxes, so if you paid $611, you're probably entitled to a travel voucher for the difference.

I've had no problem getting upgraded to Europe in the past- both as a lowly Silver and as a Gold.

Be sure to:

1. Calll International Reservations every now and then to be waitlisted and to check with them about the status.

2. Check in early at the airport and ask the people at the check-in counter and at the gate about the upgrade.

3. Possibly go to the US Airways Club in PHL to see if they can process the upgrade.

4. Park yourself at the gate as soon as the gate podium opens and ask the gate agents about getting the upgrade.

5. Use the "Certificate of Excellence" cards you got in the mail last year as bait to get the upgrade, if necessary.

6. In Paris, leave for the airport with plenty of time- the RER workers suddenly went on strike in the middle of my trip to the airport, leaving me temporarily stranded, and the lines at CDG were extremely long. I left my hotel 4 hours before my flight and barely made it.

On my last trip, the gate agents in PHL never called me up to the gate to get upgraded although they called the people I was traveling with. When I went up to the gate, the agents claimed I hadn't been waitlisted, although I had been, and I had to be pretty firm about it to get them to give me the upgrade- they wouldn't have done it if I had just sat there and been passive.

I wouldn't worry at all given those numbers. On my trip to MUC available seats fell to 7 on the return. Assuming no no-shows there were 3 UGs at the gate. Two including myself were golds.

I wouldn't get to the airport super early as a CP unless you see a serious drop in inventory.

It's quite likely that TravelScholar will clear 3 days in advance and there will be no need for him to go to the airport early at all.

TS-- If you don't clear 7 days out, make sure you check in with Int'l Res 3 days before the flight and have them call inventory to release O seats. I think they usually do this on queue but it's worth a check.

Just an update...

I phoned International Reservations after midnight last night (today), which is 3 days out for my outbound and 7 days out for my return.

They upgraded me for my return on the 19th at the 7 day window, but they said I'd have to call back for a seat assignment. They said, "The computers run a bit funny late at night, and it'll take about an hour for the upgrade to process, and I can't give you a seat assignment until it goes through." They also told me I'd have to call back during business hours regarding my flight 3 days out on the 15th because the inventory department was closed (they're apparently open from 5am until 10pm ET).

Called back this morning and they upgraded me. The agent called inventory without me having to ask. I got seat 1G both ways on the A330, although both agents didn't think I was allowed at first. I had to explain to them that row 1 was now Envoy and preferred seating. Once I said that, then it was no problem. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

So, yeah...I'm happy, and two SWU02's expiring the end of this month won't go to waste. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Thanks for the help everyone! Anyone in PHL on Saturday evening, the 15th, or Wednesday late afternoon, the 19th?

[This message has been edited by TravelScholar (edited 02-12-2003).]