America West FlightFund (Discontinued Program) - Upcoming MZT flight Need HELP

I just got gold on AWA. I have a flight booked using a voucher on may 9th-16th LAX-MZT. I did not realize because I purchased at the airport that the flight was Mesa and had no first class. I would rather take the LAX PHX MZT flight the next day and hope for a bump to first. I would gladly spend the night in LAX maybe even go to Disney.

Here is the problem. I bought the tickets for wife and I for $253 each using a $500 voucher. I was told we would have to take a $200 change penalty leaving me $306 in credit. The next day flight is $595 but all 737 757 or airbus 320 flights so upgrade possible. One thing going for me is the flight I am on the 9th is booked solid. Might be able to bump. Would they stick me on the mesa flight next day (11:15 am) no FC or allow me to get on next flight (6:55 am w/ FC) if available. Also could I change the entire itinerary and stay til the 17th instead of the 16th? Would they upgrade me at the bump time or make me stand-by?

Any suggestions. Can I do anything now?

Before making any changes, I would double check with FF. I have travelled on vouchers before and been unable to upgrade to first class (though the gate agents will usually take care of you if there's a seat available.) Apparently, certain types of vouchers not just keep you from earning miles, but they also strip all the perks of status from you. That's not the case for all vouchers. If you've booked with a voucher that would prevent you from upgrading, then you're probably better off to stick with what you already have.

I have travelled on vouchers before and been unable to upgrade to first class (though the gate agents will usually take care of you if there's a seat available.) Apparently, certain types of vouchers not just keep you from earning miles, but they also strip all the perks of status from you.

I'd follow SanDiegoMark's advice ^, but a quick question for him: How did you get the GAs to upgrade you? When they have tried when I have traveled on vouchers & Award tickets before I was told the computer blocked them from upgrading me or modifying things at all. Apparently I was locked in.

Is there a certain sequence of events they need to do to 'take care' of an elite? In this case, 3+ F seats went unfilled, and the GAs would have been all about helping me out, but they simply couldn't get the computer to yield! :mad:

What really bugged me in that case was the voucher I'd used was only a partial payment of the fare. I still payed 75%+ of the fare in cash -- still, no can do, no dice.

FYI: I do know though, however, that Air Check and Air Check Pluses will not affect your uprgade chances, and these book like normal fully paid itins, IIRC.

I was told by FF that voucher could be upgraded, but you had to call in an ask to be placed on upgrade list.


I'd follow SanDiegoMark's advice ^, but a quick question for him: How did you get the GAs to upgrade you? When they have tried when I have traveled on vouchers & Award tickets before I was told the computer blocked them from upgrading me or modifying things at all. Apparently I was locked in.

Is there a certain sequence of events they need to do to 'take care' of an elite? In this case, 3+ F seats went unfilled, and the GAs would have been all about helping me out, but they simply couldn't get the computer to yield! :mad:

What really bugged me in that case was the voucher I'd used was only a partial payment of the fare. I still payed 75%+ of the fare in cash -- still, no can do, no dice.

FYI: I do know though, however, that Air Check and Air Check Pluses will not affect your uprgade chances, and these book like normal fully paid itins, IIRC.

I was told by FF that voucher could be upgraded, but you had to call in an ask to be placed on upgrade list.

I believe that's because it isn't a "true" E-ticket. Only purchased e-tickets get automatically upgraded. You have to call in at the appropriate time to request an upgrade on any ticket involving paper.

. . . I was told the computer blocked them from upgrading me or modifying things at all. Apparently I was locked in. . .

The times I've experienced this the gate agents have done it manually, meaning they wrote a new first class seat assignment on the BP and then made sure the passenger didn't have a problem at the door and on the plane.

but a quick question for him: How did you get the GAs to upgrade you? When they have tried when I have traveled on vouchers & Award tickets before I was told the computer blocked them from upgrading me or modifying things at all. Apparently I was locked in.


I've had them do it through the computer system - if they know what they're doing, I think they can manually override just about anything - the question is always "will they?" I've been upgraded with both customer service vouchers and FlightFund award tickets.

In my experience what you have to do is wait until they're not very busy, ask why you weren't automatically upgraded, chat very nicely with them, then when they tell you your ticket won't allow it, ask them if there is any way they'd be willing to upgrade you. I've not only been upgraded for that leg of the trip, but for the next one as well. I've only been turned down once in a voucher situation when there was room - the GA couldn't figure out how to do it - she did, however, tell the FA and the FA upgraded me before take off. I’ve been turned down once or twice with award tickets, but have a decent record of upgrades on those too.

I think the whole key is being nice to them - not demanding anything or acting as if you have a right to an upgrade (I once got an upgrade ahead of an arrogant jerk who had a real attitude with the GA.) I try always to treat people with grace and respect in customer service situations because that's how I would want to be treated - I find the side benefit to that is that I get a lot more than people who "huff, puff and threaten". More people should try that with the airlines - all airlines - I think there'd be a lot more happy travelers.