Upgrades without stickers
Nov 2, 2007, 5:31 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SNA, LAX
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Are upgrades without stickers possible on AA?
Are upgrades without stickers possible on AA?
Nov 2, 2007, 5:33 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Concord, CA
Programs: AA PLT, MileagePlus
Posts: 2,617
Yea... buy a Y fare and you'll be on the upgrade list.
A whole lot cheaper to buy stickers though.
A whole lot cheaper to buy stickers though.
Nov 2, 2007, 5:37 pm
#3
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Yes but 90% of what i buy is Y. So with Y I am already on the list?
I think I have a better chance of getting hit by lightning.
Originally Posted by DEVIS
Yea... buy a Y fare and you'll be on the upgrade list.
A whole lot cheaper to buy stickers though.
A whole lot cheaper to buy stickers though.
I think I have a better chance of getting hit by lightning.
Nov 2, 2007, 5:40 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Concord, CA
Programs: AA PLT, MileagePlus
Posts: 2,617
Well no... you are GLD so you should be fine. Your upgrade should clear 24 hours before departure. I've been upgraded as GLD some 75-80% of the time.
But it also depends on the route/time of day.
But it also depends on the route/time of day.
Nov 2, 2007, 5:43 pm
#5
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
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Sometimes, if inventory remains, they will offer the opportunity to buy up at the check-in kiosks.
On occasion, they may roll a cabin - upgrade some in coach - when they have oversold coach. It is most likely they will upgrade those with higher status (Executive Platinum and Platinum) before Gold, however.
It's probably best to buy KUP or YUP fares using aa.com (they often show as "instant upgrades" or the like there.)
But as to just getting a free (operational) upgrade, it's not very likely, I am sure it has happened, or someone who happened to be dressed up received an op up, but I am sure lighting has also struck in the same place twice. Rarely, but it has undoubtedly happened. (Why would an airline - or any business - give away what it can sell?)
On occasion, they may roll a cabin - upgrade some in coach - when they have oversold coach. It is most likely they will upgrade those with higher status (Executive Platinum and Platinum) before Gold, however.
It's probably best to buy KUP or YUP fares using aa.com (they often show as "instant upgrades" or the like there.)
But as to just getting a free (operational) upgrade, it's not very likely, I am sure it has happened, or someone who happened to be dressed up received an op up, but I am sure lighting has also struck in the same place twice. Rarely, but it has undoubtedly happened. (Why would an airline - or any business - give away what it can sell?)
Nov 2, 2007, 5:46 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP 1.5MM, Asiana Club Silver, KE Morning Calm, Hyatt Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 7,161
What about in the case where your flight has been cancelled and they re-booked you into Y fare inventory? Will you be able to request upgrades without stickers?
Last edited by kebosabi; Nov 2, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Nov 2, 2007, 5:47 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Siesta Key
Programs: AA EXP-1.6MM, Hilton Diamond, ManU & Chicago Bears #1 Fan
Posts: 9,697
What do you mean by Y?
Y Fare = full fare economy - you are on the free upgrade list
Y cabin = all economy fares, with discounted fare codes included - most fares will not get you on the free upgrade list
BIG difference.
Nov 2, 2007, 6:40 pm
#8
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Nov 2, 2007, 6:58 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Laguna Niguel, CA
Programs: AA PLT, 1.8mm
Posts: 6,988
this is an important point, expecially at SNA where OP apparently lives. Even as EXP, my upgrades generally clear (if at all) 3-4 hours before the flight. Safe to say that PLT and GLD are not getting upgrades from SNA very often, although this obviously depends on day and time.
Nov 2, 2007, 7:20 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: San Diego, CA, USA
Programs: AA,AS,UA,Hyatt,Hilton
Posts: 1,246
It should be noted that simply purchasing a Y or B fare will not get you on the upgrade list, you must still request the upgrade to be put on the list.
If the upgrade has not been confirmed within four hours of flight time, you must request an upgrade again at the airport, at which time you will be put on a different list.
Nov 2, 2007, 8:16 pm
#11
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Nov 2, 2007, 9:47 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Nov 2, 2007, 9:48 pm
#14
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Nov 2, 2007, 11:00 pm
#15
Join Date: Feb 2006
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this is an important point, expecially at SNA where OP apparently lives. Even as EXP, my upgrades generally clear (if at all) 3-4 hours before the flight. Safe to say that PLT and GLD are not getting upgrades from SNA very often, although this obviously depends on day and time.