I have a trip to Rome coming up on non-upgradeable fares. I've seen people talk about these upgrades but know very little about them.

1. Do they in fact upgrade any fare?
2. Where does one fall in the queue at the airport? We're both CP's if that matters. Do they upgrade all elites first, then draw from those that have these upgrades?
3. Anyone personally been hassled for using these when they have been purchased as opposed to received as a gift?

I have a trip to Rome coming up on non-upgradeable fares. I've seen people talk about these upgrades but know very little about them.

1. Do they in fact upgrade any fare?
2. Where does one fall in the queue at the airport? We're both CP's if that matters. Do they upgrade all elites first, then draw from those that have these upgrades?
3. Anyone personally been hassled for using these when they have been purchased as opposed to received as a gift?

I've never used one, but based on numerous other threads discussing these upgrades, I would say:

1. Yes.
2. Behind others using other types of TA upgrades (mileage, CP TA upgrades, etc.), then by status (i.e., you will be upgraded before any GPs using these upgrades).
3. Haven't heard, but then again I haven't seen where anyone announced to the check-in/gate agent that they bought them. Best bet is to, if questioned, say "my travel agent gave them to me" or some such thing.

Regards, EWC

I have a trip to Rome coming up on non-upgradeable fares. I've seen people talk about these upgrades but know very little about them.

1. Do they in fact upgrade any fare?
2. Where does one fall in the queue at the airport? We're both CP's if that matters. Do they upgrade all elites first, then draw from those that have these upgrades?
3. Anyone personally been hassled for using these when they have been purchased as opposed to received as a gift?


1-yes they can upgrade any paid fare. (at least last years could)

2-make sure to meal list. those who do have always been at the top of the list. directions are on the back of the cert. my experience is that these certs are the same as any other upgrade instrument once at the airport.

3-where are you getting your cert? they seem to be impossible to come by this year!

rich