I'm curious. I'm on 45, PIT-LAX on 10/18, which has G1 and F7 (7 seats left) on a 757 at this point. I usually upgrade at booking on transcons because I normally buy Y or BA3US, or one of the special YNRs when they offer them. This time, I'm on a V.

How do you other CP's (Golds and Silvers too!) do waitlisting for a transcon with just a few F seats left? Do you normally make the upgrade at the airport? Should I just blow the 20K miles for the upgrade? My return a few days later is showing F7G7, so I'm less concerned about the return. I'm slightly Type-A, so "waiting it out and seeing what happens" is not my strong suit. Just looking for some input.

I'm also wondering what kind of luck US 1's, 2's, and 3's have same day upgrading on UA, especially on transcons.

Thanks!

You should be at the top of the airport list as a us1, so I would just try it. Also occasionally the agents will just clear you even say in to F booking class at the counter. I know flying out of SEA once I did not get the upgrade as an US2 because the agent specifically said there were US1's ahead of me on the list. I have no idea about how UA is, my main disappointment with UA is that you cannot use your e-upgrades on them otherwise I would fly them a lot more than US given US's cuts, etc.

LAS-PHL 3 weeks ago and showed F1 at the six day window. I was the only one cleared at the gate. I'd say I have pretty good success doing this. Just make sure you check-in online at the 24-hour window to up your chances. Also, in some cases, you may only be able to check-in online into coach, but when you get to the airport, they can clear your upgrade right away. This also happened to me last Friday...showed F4, checked in online and then they upgraded me when I arrived at the airport.

My experience has been when showing F3, G0 on a 737 or Airbus, I have always cleared at the gate except for once out of about 25 times. With F7 you should clear.

I have had about an 80% success rate on PIT-LAX and return, travelling Monday am and Friday am/afternoon, which are always packed to the gills. It's been about 50/50 for 7-day advance vs. at the airport.

It's currently F6 A2 D5 G0, with 6 unassigned seats up front. Do web check-in at 5:51 on the 17th and I'd say you're pretty likely to make it.


[This message has been edited by CPRich (edited 10-05-2003).]

It would be so amazing if they ever allowed e-upgrades on United. I would fly more in-general.

I find myself less inclined to book travel if it's on a USAirway's with no F/C or I have fly in the back on United.