US Airways Dividend Miles - Bump-chance of getting 1st?

Bump question- I'm on US 797 Mon. [PHL-LAS], (3/12), flight is totally full, if they are overbooked and ask for volunteers, what chances do I have of getting F (obviously if available, I'll do my homework on my options) on connecting flights, probably through ORD or DEN? Any insight, I haven't taken a bump option in many years, but I only need to get to LAS by Monday night, so it would be attractive for an upgrade, thanks...

F is routinely sold out with many elites on the waitlist. There are only 8 F seats on the 757 now, and a lot of people apparently actually PAY for F to Vegas. So there is less than zero chance you would get bumped to F.

If it's overbooked and you volunteer they'll put you on the next available USAirways flight. So, make sure they can put you on the next flight and don't stick you in a middle seat in the rear. Maybe you can negotiate for an exit row, but First will not be an option.

A connection in ORD or DEN wouldn't be an option either because that's United (codeshared as US flight numbers).

The next flight at 415pm is on an A320 which has 12 F seats, and right now 3 are available for sale. But if you get bumped to that flight, they'll still stick you in coach.

Be advised that your bump voucher for "free travel anywhere in the continental US and caribbean" is treated like a 25,000 point award. Meaning, very heavy capacity controls. US allows you, however, to use that same voucher as a $200 credit which is probably more valuable if you can't find the flights on your desired dates down the road.

If they need you and you can be flexible they will often look for a F seat for you on another flight, but it is up to the discreation of the GA. I often will have them do that, but since I was likely in an F seat since I am a CP I would get the upgrade if it was available anyway. For a non-status flyer they might be more hesitant. Unless you had a paid F seat it is very unlikely that they would put you in an F seat on another carrier so that is not even worth asking about.

If the counter at the gate is not terribly hectic approach them a few minutes after you see them sign in and open up the flight at the podium. You can then ask if they think that they will need volunteers and have your name put on the list. (Sometimes the ticket counter will put your name on the list, sometimes not.) Again, if the person seems to be with you and there are not a bunch of people behind you you can suggest that you looked at a couple of alternative routings and ask if they have checked out their protection options yet. Sometimes they will know. A sharp GA who has looked ahead and has had time to do a little checking will know when they hit the gate if they are oversold and what alternative options might be available to them. Many times they have not looked and have no idea. Ideally the flight is already checked-in over, i.e. enough people have actually checked in by the time you ask so that they know for sure that they will need volunteers. If that is the case then the GA is more motivated to take care of some of that in advance of the last ten minutes to help them get the flight out on time.

If ten people answer the call for volunteers they will be in no rush to make a special deal with you. If they are not coming up with enough prospective volunteers they will be more inclined to work with you so that you will take the bump. It depends a lot on your approach and the attitude and professionalism of the GA.

For your trip you might be able to go PHL-PHX, SFO or LAX instead and then back to LAS or PHL-CLT and then PHX or LAS. Depends on how much extra time you have. Maybe that is more than you wanted to know!

F is routinely sold out with many elites on the waitlist. There are only 8 F seats on the 757 now, and a lot of people apparently actually PAY for F to Vegas. So there is less than zero chance you would get bumped to F.

If it's overbooked and you volunteer they'll put you on the next available USAirways flight. So, make sure they can put you on the next flight and don't stick you in a middle seat in the rear. Maybe you can negotiate for an exit row, but First will not be an option.

A connection in ORD or DEN wouldn't be an option either because that's United (codeshared as US flight numbers).

The next flight at 415pm is on an A320 which has 12 F seats, and right now 3 are available for sale. But if you get bumped to that flight, they'll still stick you in coach.

Be advised that your bump voucher for "free travel anywhere in the continental US and caribbean" is treated like a 25,000 point award. Meaning, very heavy capacity controls. US allows you, however, to use that same voucher as a $200 credit which is probably more valuable if you can't find the flights on your desired dates down the road.

Thanks, I knew MY flight in F wasn't an option, I had hoped for US 1731 or US 1034 through ORD, then connecting to US 605 or US 574, but from what you are saying, an exit row is the best scenario likely?

Thanks, I knew MY flight in F wasn't an option, I had hoped for US 1731 or US 1034 through ORD, then connecting to US 605 or US 574, but from what you are saying, an exit row is the best scenario likely?
You know what - I spoke too soon. As long as your ORD or DEN connections are on US metal, then I guess you can ask for it. I initially related those two airports with UA connections, but since you can fly US-East metal to either of them from Philly, and then US-West metal to LAS, it would qualify as "all US" routing instead of UA/codeshare.

But they will still likely just try to put you on the nonstop 4 hours later.

I actually did that at the end of last year (sort of). Knowing that the flight was oversold and that even as a PP I was not in FC, I asked at checkin to be re-routed. They were more than happy.

I did my homework and knew that my best shot was at being in F was PHL>SAN then SAN>LAS. Bingo. Upgraded for both flights, and only got in to LAS about an hour after my originally scheduled flight. I also forgot to mention that I got to the airport early just in case they went for this so that I had plenty of time to make the SAN flight.

I actually did that at the end of last year (sort of). Knowing that the flight was oversold and that even as a PP I was not in FC, I asked at checkin to be re-routed. They were more than happy.

I did my homework and knew that my best shot was at being in F was PHL>SAN then SAN>LAS. Bingo. Upgraded for both flights, and only got in to LAS about an hour after my originally scheduled flight. I also forgot to mention that I got to the airport early just in case they went for this so that I had plenty of time to make the SAN flight.

Thanks, so at downstairs check-in, if my flight is scheduled for noon, I may get on a 10 am re-route since they know my flight is overbooked?

I guess that it really depends on the checkin in agent, but it worked like a charm for me. Granted, I wasn't offered compensation- but the knowledge of being in first plus the extra miles were enough to make it worth my while

The 3pm departure (# 605) is usually an easy upgrade so you may have some luck there.
The departure at 5:55 (# 574) is one of the easiest upgrades I have ever seen.
I have never been denied a companion upgrade on the flight.