I am planning a trip to Germany later this summer (probably leaving 8/19 and returning 9/6) and would like some feedback on the following questions:

1. I have a DMUTA3 and a Space Available Transatlanic Coupon that I could use. In theory the DMUTA3 should be better because of the 3 day window for GPs but from reading other threads it sounds like that doesn't really happen and I would have to wait to be upgraded at the gate anyway. Assuming I would have to wait anyway, is the DMUTA3 better? Are DMUTA3s processed before Space Availables?

2. I am thinking of leaving on a Thursday evening and returning on a Monday morning. Can anyone comment on upgrade availability in general on those days?

3. On both legs I could go through either PIT or PHL - is upgradeability better on one or the other?

Thanks everyone and happy Easter!

As always, YMMV; answers are based on my recent PHL-LGW upgrade experience

1. I have heard outbounds (US-Europe) are tougher than return. If you use an availability tool and ensure there is space in Envoy, I'd use the space positive ASAP for outbound and save your DMUTA3 for return. The DMUTA3s are subject to the usual windows. By using Space Pos, I also called far before my trip and was able to secure Row 1.

2. This is certainly better than Friday outbounds and Sunday returns, which I assume are peak.

3. PHL may be nice for the Envoy lounge. No experience for me re: PIT

Best of luck.

Are DMUTA3s processed before Space Positives?

Short answer: No. All upgrades that clear at the airport go according to status. Transatlantic Space POSITIVE certs are valid on B and Y fares only ($$$) but can be confirmed upon reservation. OTOH, Transatlantic Space AVAILABLE are confirmable the day of departure only.

As to your other question, I have never failed to clear as a CP from PHL to FRA on Thursdays outbound and Mondays inbound (knock on wood!). HTH!

I checked again and I do have a Transatlantic Space Available Coupon not Space Positive (I fixed it in my original post).

What are 'space available upgrades' and how does one obtain one of them?

Space Positive Upgrades can be used with any fare for an upgrade at the gate if there is availability. I got mine at work but I don't know how they got a hold off them.

My experience has been that most PAYING Envoy passengers (i.e. mostly American business travelers) typically fly TO Europe Sun or Mon & BACK home on Thu or Fri. Since you are planning to do the reverse you should be all right. Envoy might fill up, but it will probably be mostly upgraders, like yourself.

Regarding the certificates, I hope you mean UTA 4 's. The UTA 3's expired March 31. Book the flight using the UTA4's--if they have space (from the mystery allotment) they'll confirm when you book. If not, they'll start checking inventory a few days prior if you're a CP. Call about 3 days out--often they'll check for you & if they can, they'll get you a seat assignment. Then you're good to go & you can consider yourself an Envoy passenger.

If you don't clear until day of flight it moves into "first come, first served--BY Elite Status level" mode (just like domestic). Therefore get to airport early (you can't check in on-line for Int'l).

My experience has been that the UTA's supercede all other certificates--virtually no restrictions on dates, fares, etc. Use those when you can.

Good Luck!

If you got status and your certs sometime during the calendar year (rather than earned the previous year), then DMUTA3's can have an expiration date after 3/31/04. Theoretically, someone who earned a status for the first time in mid Dec could have some expiring 12/15/04.

StSebastian is correct - I earned my status in December of last year and my DMUTA3 doesn't expire until 1/31/05.

I stand corrected on the UTA 3's vs 4's. Mine expired end of March, just assumed all others did as well. Glad they'll still work for you.

Thanks to everyone who posted. Anyone out there having experience upgrading through PIT?

When trying to upgrade, the PIT-FRA is the flight to take if you can. Good move IMO. ^