Ok, it's been a while, I've tried Jet Blue and a CJ3, an AstarB3 and a puddle jumper to Bahamas... but now I'm takng a shot on the new and improved airline (I hope) with 0 status, plenty of points to burn and a $603 flight to LGW and back in Aug 28 ret 9/11.

I have no status, and they tell me no award seats available.

Can someone remind me what I need to do next to upgrade? They tell me its 30k miles, no problems with that one, I'm rusty, don't need the useless flat bed in Row 1, just a refresher or advice on how to get up front.

Anyone..? anyone? Have pity on a semi-retired road warrior of yore :)

Ok, it's been a while, I've tried Jet Blue and a CJ3, an AstarB3 and a puddle jumper to Bahamas... but now I'm takng a shot on the new and improved airline (I hope) with 0 status, plenty of points to burn and a $603 flight to LGW and back in Aug 28 ret 9/11.


I sure hope you bought a refundable ticket, the airline is certainly "new", but more like un-improved. If you do have miles to burn you might as well get into 1st and at least have some semblance of improved service.

I would direct you to the link below for more information about upgrades, but, suprisingly it doesn't work.

http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/dividendmiles/programdetails/firstupgrades.aspx

found from this link:

http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/dividendmiles/myaccount/moreoptions.aspx

Here seems to be a working link. They told you right, 30K to upgrade to 1st, which is one-way, you'll need 60K for the round-trip. So if you are brave enough to upgrade, call Reservations (contact info provided in link below)

http://www.usairways.com/awa/content/dividendmiles/programdetails/upgrades/mileageupgrades.aspx

So, this mrning I bought Platinum status for $600 to get me to the front of the line for upgrades. Then I call the Platinum line, expecting to throw my name in the ring. She says spend an add'l $500 for upgradeable fare, as my fare was not upgradeable, and she would upgrade me today. Otherwise I would not be able to upgrade at all. THoughts? I am on the phone with her now, so I don't know if I landed the eagle or not.

So, this mrning I bought Platinum status for $600 to get me to the front of the line for upgrades. Then I call the Platinum line, expecting to throw my name in the ring. She says spend an add'l $500 for upgradeable fare, as my fare was not upgradeable, and she would upgrade me today. Otherwise I would not be able to upgrade at all. THoughts? I am on the phone with her now, so I don't know if I landed the eagle or not.

If you go to one of the previously posted links, these are the fare classes that are upgradeable for 30,000 miles one way:

Discounted tickets for transatlantic flights are those booked in M, H or Q class

She says spend an add'l $500 for upgradeable fare, as my fare was not upgradeable, and she would upgrade me today. Otherwise I would not be able to upgrade at all. THoughts? I am on the phone with her now, so I don't know if I landed the eagle or not.

Unfortunately I'm not aware of any way around this. Unless you're ticketed in B/Y/M/H/Q you cannot upgrade with miles...status does you no good (except that you're on the phone with a better agent). The additional $500 + miles is still less cash outlay than would be required for one of the GoEnvoy upgrades that might become available at 30 hours before departure.

Also, I note that you mentioned "row 1," implying the A333. I assume that you're flying thru CLT. If per chance you're routing thru PHL, be aware that in September they're swapping the B757 on that route and it would affect your return. Not a huge deal, just set your expectations accordingly.

I agree with DCAorBust. You've already bought Platinum status, and that decision appears irreversible. Any status doesn't do much good for transAtlantic upgrades, it's the fare class that counts. You might as well pony up the extra $500 asked for an upgradeable fare with Miles. In for penny, in for a buck? ;)

With only 12 Envoy seats on the ETOPS B757 in case of aircraft swap, there'd likely be some unhappy confirmed Envoy pax on the return if routed through PHL...

Paid $764 for the tick then paid $624 for status upgrade (probably not necessary but we'll see) plus $500 to upgrade the ticket to an upgradeable ticket. Good help from Mrgate FL DM center and Platinum (new to me status level) Service Center, in NC. Locked in final 1C seat for outbaound and upgraded whole journey locked and ready to go.

Paid $764 for the tick then paid $624 for status upgrade (probably not necessary but we'll see) plus $500 to upgrade the ticket to an upgradeable ticket. Good help from Mrgate FL DM center and Platinum (new to me status level) Service Center, in NC. Locked in final 1C seat for outbaound and upgraded whole journey locked and ready to go.

You have to be an idiot to do the GoEnvoy...No offense but the product at US IMHO is not worth the $500 everytime. :td::td::td:

You have to be an idiot to do the GoEnvoy...No offense but the product at US IMHO is not worth the $500 everytime. :td::td::td:


It's worth it to me on the A333 especially on the outbound.

You have to be an idiot to do the GoEnvoy...No offense but the product at US IMHO is not worth the $500 everytime. :td::td::td:

Ahh big boy, idiot is my middle name if it comes with free drinks and only one seat mate, i'll have another thank you very much :)

You can ask our esteemed friends on these boards just how big an idiot I can be... those witha history long enough :)

Ahh big boy, idiot is my middle name if it comes with free drinks and only one seat mate, i'll have another thank you very much :)

You can ask our esteemed friends on these boards just how big an idiot I can be... those witha history long enough :)


I'll pass...welcome to US2...I'm perturbed now as a Plat Preferred who earned his status the hard way and you bought it up for $600ish...so am I worth $600 to US? :td::td::td:

I'll pass...welcome to US2...I'm perturbed now as a Plat Preferred who earned his status the hard way and you bought it up for $600ish...so am I worth $600 to US? :td::td::td:

You are worth less than that to US, because you will consume many more benefits than Skip will.

Welcome back to the fold, Skip.

Skip, don't forget you'll have to fly your Platinum mileage requirements within 90 days if you want to keep it through 2009.

I'll pass...welcome to US2...I'm perturbed now as a Plat Preferred who earned his status the hard way and you bought it up for $600ish...so am I worth $600 to US? :td::td::td:

Well, please know US1 was earned the hard way a few years in a row including the 2 year gift when you double US1 status. That being said, please also know I need to throw down 2ok preferred miles in 90 days or 22 segments or some such.

True US2 was offered for ~$5k with no requirements.

Don't forget to unwind when you can, life is kind of fun if you let it happen :cool:

You are worth less than that to US, because you will consume many more benefits than Skip will.

Welcome back to the fold, Skip.

btw, thanks for the southern hospitality
:cool: