US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-2005 America West merger) - Upgrading to Rome/FCO

Hi all!

I'll be flying to Rome sometime a bit later in April (probably the weekend of the 20th or 26th). My plan is to try and catch a Saturday flight, so as to maximize upgrade opportunities. I'd like to fly from Philly if possible on one of the A330's.

I've heard that the FCO flight is typically a packed one. What I'd like to know from you guys is how good (as a Gold) are my upgrade chances?

NOT flying on a Sunday or Friday, for obvious reasons. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Regards,
-Bouncer-

I travelled to FCO last May/June and had no problems upgrading with my (DMUPSYS) SWUs to Envoy. I flew out on a Wednesday and returned on a Thursday, if that helps. The flights were pretty full.

Bouncer,

I flew US to FCO last month, round-trip via PHL and was able to successfully upgrade to Envoy using my SWU. My outbound upgrade cleared about a week or so prior to the flight but my companion's did not clear until the very last minute at the gate. My return, a week later, cleared mid-week. As did my companions.

She was freaking out since she is also US1 as to why I got the confirmed upgrade and she was waitlisted. I didn't pay her any attention on that one as I had faith she would clear.

The flight was packed on both segments and I witnessed many upgrades done at the gate. They filled up Envoy both directions. IN fact, in FCO, several Envoy pax (paid fare I'm sure) were moved to F to accomodate more Envoy Pax. And Coach was completely full. I can't imagine being in Y for that 11 hours. Of course the Sony Passport system does make the time go by easier.

Good luck. This was my first trip to Rome and I had a great time. 8 days was not enough for me. Wish I was still there.

James

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US-CP; UA PE; Hilton Gold VIP; Crowne Plaza Gold

Bouncer - you didn't specify if you're using (DMUPSYS, DMUPSYS02 or miles).

The only one you CAN'T upgrade prior to your 3 day Gold window is the DMUPSYS02. So, if you intend on using one of the other two methods, then you can call the Gold reservations line and ask them to check the upgradability before you actually ticket the discounted coach fare. Just make sure you're clear to them which method you are using.

Thanks all for the advice. Just trying to get a good picture.

I didn't but shoud've mentioned that the tickets (as always with my travel) are full "Y" class. Fully exchangeable/refundable etc etc. Necessary since my travel plans change so often.

Thanks again for your insights.
-Bouncer-

You're on a Y fare?!

It's a no-brainer. Trade in 10,000 miles each way for the upgrade (US1). Why? 1)FCO flights are packed. 2)At this late date you're going to be waaaay down on the wait-list (you can call, but I bet it's in the dozens). 3)Plus with a Y fare, you'll be sure to win all kinds of wild 'n zany bonuses, so it'll probably be a wash in the end.

Finally, 4)Class Warfare. You'll bump Chairman's Preferred like deelmakur trying to burn their SWU's. It's worth it just to watch their eyeballs bulge.

Y fare.... ATC is right... burn 20k for the roundtrip upgrade NOW. Unless of course you have two of the old-SWU's that are getting ready to expire.