BBRebozo
Feb 24, 02, 8:45 am
First, a moment of silence and respect for one of the greatest benefits in the history of frequent flyer programs, the Old USAir Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs), 1999-2001. Rest in peace, old friends.
Now, what is the best strategy to use the new, more restricted SWUs? Particularly a non-CP who seldom flies to Europe on business. Some questions include:
1. Is there such a thing as a "bargain" J, C, Y, or B fare to Europe (which can be upgraded any time in advance), and if so, how do you search for one?
2. Is there a refundable M, H, K, or Q fare to Europe (which can be upgraded only shortly before the flight), so that you can book the flight, and then cancel or change the flight if you don't get the upgrade? Again, how would you search for one?
3. Or am I trying to hard to treat this like the old SWU? Maybe the primary advantage of the SWU is that you can upgrade an extended domestic flight with just one certificate. But if that's the case, then what is the best strategy for deciding when to use an SWU, and when to use multiple North American upgrade certificates?
EXAMPLE. You have one SWU and three NAUs, and you're about to take a 1500 mile domestic flight. Do you use the one SWU or two NAUs (remembering that the SWU can be used on the remote chance that you take a flight outside of North America)?
If anyone has thought this through, I'd appreciate your thinking on this. Thanks.
[This message has been edited by BBRebozo (edited 02-24-2002).]
[This message has been edited by BBRebozo (edited 02-24-2002).]
Now, what is the best strategy to use the new, more restricted SWUs? Particularly a non-CP who seldom flies to Europe on business. Some questions include:
1. Is there such a thing as a "bargain" J, C, Y, or B fare to Europe (which can be upgraded any time in advance), and if so, how do you search for one?
2. Is there a refundable M, H, K, or Q fare to Europe (which can be upgraded only shortly before the flight), so that you can book the flight, and then cancel or change the flight if you don't get the upgrade? Again, how would you search for one?
3. Or am I trying to hard to treat this like the old SWU? Maybe the primary advantage of the SWU is that you can upgrade an extended domestic flight with just one certificate. But if that's the case, then what is the best strategy for deciding when to use an SWU, and when to use multiple North American upgrade certificates?
EXAMPLE. You have one SWU and three NAUs, and you're about to take a 1500 mile domestic flight. Do you use the one SWU or two NAUs (remembering that the SWU can be used on the remote chance that you take a flight outside of North America)?
If anyone has thought this through, I'd appreciate your thinking on this. Thanks.
[This message has been edited by BBRebozo (edited 02-24-2002).]
[This message has been edited by BBRebozo (edited 02-24-2002).]