MCO-LAX-LAS in March - FCM, RUC, or Roll the Dice?
Jan 29, 2015, 9:07 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: DL exDM MM
Posts: 762
MCO-LAX-LAS in March - FCM, RUC, or Roll the Dice?
Decided to route via LAX for this trip in early March.
FCM is very expensive, $800 RT. RUC is available on the return, but not outbound.
Thinking that the number of DMs will be less after 3/1 therefore increasing my UG probability. But now wondering if routing via ATL would have been better...
Opinions?
FCM is very expensive, $800 RT. RUC is available on the return, but not outbound.
Thinking that the number of DMs will be less after 3/1 therefore increasing my UG probability. But now wondering if routing via ATL would have been better...
Opinions?
Jan 29, 2015, 9:44 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM/2.7MM, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold
Posts: 259
Likely worth a RUC. At least you will have it leaving LAS. RUC (coded correctly) should give you a decent shot on the outbound. That said LAS many times fills up with paying passengers.
Jan 29, 2015, 2:24 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: DL exDM MM
Posts: 762
I was thinking the MCO-LAX-LAS-LAX-MCO routing would have fewer paid F seats. The seat map (I know, I know, netoriouly inaccurate, but what else is there?), currently shows 21 or 26 F seats open each way.
Not concerned about the 1-hour-plus CRJ LAX-LAS-LAX UG.
Not concerned about the 1-hour-plus CRJ LAX-LAS-LAX UG.
Jan 29, 2015, 3:22 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MCO
Programs: DL DM/MM, Marriott Plat Premier, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 4,081
For LAX-LAS, it is usually an RJ9, every once in a while mainline. UG every time.
Jan 29, 2015, 5:40 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: DL exDM MM
Posts: 762
I fly either this route or only MCO-LAX just about every month. Since the Diamond program began, I have never missed an UG if the aircraft is a 757. However, I have missed a couple over the years when the aircraft is a 737. Also note that sometimes the scheduled aircraft is 757 but they substitute a 737 instead.
Jan 29, 2015, 11:28 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 827
I fly either this route or only MCO-LAX just about every month. Since the Diamond program began, I have never missed an UG if the aircraft is a 757. However, I have missed a couple over the years when the aircraft is a 737. Also note that sometimes the scheduled aircraft is 757 but they substitute a 737 instead.
For LAX-LAS, it is usually an RJ9, every once in a while mainline. UG every time.
For LAX-LAS, it is usually an RJ9, every once in a while mainline. UG every time.
Jan 30, 2015, 6:05 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: DL exDM MM
Posts: 762
The $812 is in addition to the $499 paid for V out and U back. Everyone has their price-points. Depending on the distance I am willing to pay $100 to $200 each way, but not $400...
Jan 30, 2015, 6:44 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2007
Programs: Now just a lowly DL PM/1MM. This industry needs some competition. It's just not enjoyable anymore.
Posts: 3,543
Jan 30, 2015, 12:34 pm
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: DL exDM MM
Posts: 762
As a DM, I have missed it several times, even on 757's. It's all really dependent on when you're flying. MCO-LAX is filled pretty heavily with business travellers monday, thursday, and friday, which are the times I find it hard to get upgraded. years ago this was never the case...i never missed the upgrade, even as a silver on a 737. Sadly, times have changed.
Wednesday: MCO-LAX No
LAX-LAS Yes
Friday: LAS-LAX No
LAX-MCO Yes
Decided to use a RUC for the return figuring Friday evening could as you suggest...
Jan 31, 2015, 12:08 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MCO
Programs: DL-DM/1MM, HILTON-DIA, .HYATT-DIA/GLOB , IHG-PLT,HERTZ 5*, NATIONAL ES
Posts: 8,691
Good choice. Friday would generally. Be the tougher upgrade. Wednesday, I would think chances are good.
Jan 31, 2015, 1:07 am
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
Programs: Delta SkySponge ExtraAbsorbent, SPG Gold
Posts: 29,988
MCO-LAX is a roll of the dice for me. But for whatever reason I have never missed the upgrade (even as a silver) on the 757 red eye LAX-MCO. I guess there are more medallions trying to leave FL than those trying to get in. 
But as far as connecting to the west coast from MCO then LAX is certainly better for upgrades than MCO-SLC. The only time I get upgraded on MCO-SLC is if it's a Saturday.
But as far as connecting to the west coast from MCO then LAX is certainly better for upgrades than MCO-SLC. The only time I get upgraded on MCO-SLC is if it's a Saturday.
Jan 31, 2015, 5:54 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: MCO
Programs: DL exDM MM
Posts: 762