America West FlightFund (Discontinued Program) - Upgrading w/ miles

With a young family - I am not as hard core flyers as most of the folks on the list. Thus I am handicapped with a lack of elite status.

I would like to fly first class back from LAX (to Boston) - I am taking the red-eye and want the best chance for sleep. I don't want to have to part with 10K miles to do that - but I would part with 5K. Can you bargain with miles ?

I have about 50K miles in the bank and do not travel enough on HP to warrant any elite status.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Possibly you could talk your way into an upgrade at the gate but it's not very likely. I never heard of anyone bargaining with miles although it's a good thought. I'd spend the 10K and get a good night's sleep. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

For an LAX-BOS I think it would be worth the 10K for a confirmed upgrade. You could try asking at the gate if you don't want to spend the 10K. HP gate agenst have been very liberal with upgrades at times. I dont think bargainning with the FF desk will work. I guess it wouldn't hurt to try though.

Just ask if there's room, saying you were hoping to upgrade. HP agents are liberal and may not even ask you how you plan to do it and just give you the spot, if there is one. Of course, this is not a sure-fire method.

Or, if you have time, buy a CO Prestige Pack. The upgrade certs are good on HP, as well.

IMHO HP is a funny airline. I would describe them over all as "hit and miss." Generally it's a miss. But occasionally, you can just ASK for an upgrade and get one. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it.

10K is about half a ticket somewhere, if you aren't an FF who can easily make up the miles, I'd think twice about parting with them for an upgrade. See how full your flight is, then consider asking for an upgrade at the gate or asking them to give you a seat and block the row. If it's not too full, they may well do it.

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How I dearly wish I was not here . . . .

Just wanted to post the outcome. I decided not to use the miles to upgrade to first class.

I simply asked (didn't even give them a real sob story) when I checked in at LAX and they upgraded me on the first leg and put me on standby for the second.

Did not get on the second leg but the flight was fairly empty so I was able to get some sleep.

Thanks for all the input.

Thanks for taking the time to let us know how things turned out, I'm glad things worked out for you.

Happy flying in the new year!!