1 in n segments = 2P upgrade?
Nov 28, 2011, 2:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 99
1 in n segments = 2P upgrade?
Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering how on earth I was upgraded on a flight from ORD-SFO during Thanksgiving weekend (Sunday). I'm a lowly 2P, upgraded only once before since obtaining status, but I cleared at the 24-hour check-in window, with First showing 4 empty seats (out of 24) at the time.
This was a completely full mid-day flight with 182 people on board, on a route that's typically very elite-heavy. I'm normally something like #40 on the upgrade waitlist, and I don't think my fare bucket was significantly higher this time around.
What happened? This has me wondering if there might be an unwritten policy of automatically upgrading Premier members after a certain number of failed upgrades. Is it possible?
This was a completely full mid-day flight with 182 people on board, on a route that's typically very elite-heavy. I'm normally something like #40 on the upgrade waitlist, and I don't think my fare bucket was significantly higher this time around.
What happened? This has me wondering if there might be an unwritten policy of automatically upgrading Premier members after a certain number of failed upgrades. Is it possible?
Nov 28, 2011, 2:29 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: IAD
Programs: UA Premier Platinum/*G, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Platinum, AMEX Platinum
Posts: 11
Wow... When I was originally reading, I thought maybe it was an empty flight. Not sure how you got upgraded, but just be happy you did.
Nov 28, 2011, 2:34 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MBS/FNT/LAN
Programs: UA 1K, HH Gold, Mariott Gold
Posts: 9,630
Just out of curiosity, I'm wondering how on earth I was upgraded on a flight from ORD-SFO during Thanksgiving weekend (Sunday). I'm a lowly 2P, upgraded only once before since obtaining status, but I cleared at the 24-hour check-in window, with First showing 4 empty seats (out of 24) at the time.
This was a completely full mid-day flight with 182 people on board, on a route that's typically very elite-heavy. I'm normally something like #40 on the upgrade waitlist, and I don't think my fare bucket was significantly higher this time around.
This was a completely full mid-day flight with 182 people on board, on a route that's typically very elite-heavy. I'm normally something like #40 on the upgrade waitlist, and I don't think my fare bucket was significantly higher this time around.
1. Higher lever Elites (business travellers) traveled today, not yesterday. So you were indeed highest on the list.
2. Higher level elites travelled with thier families (more then 1 companion) and were not trying to get seperated from the family.
Zero chance this is any type of policy.
Nov 28, 2011, 2:35 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: CLE
Programs: UA 1K, UA MM SPG Gold
Posts: 91
While it is an elite heavy flight, most elites fly for business and aren't flying on Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. If they are flying on that day many elites are flying with families and unless they split the PNR won't get upgraded or if they do there is the touchy subject of who takes the seat in the front and who stays in the back with the kids. Just my $.02.
Nov 28, 2011, 2:38 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,345
Your question can be answered simply - how many people were on the standby upgrade list at the airport? My guess is zero or very few. You were rightfully due the upgrade because you were the next in line to receive one. Enjoy and be happy.
-RM
-RM
Nov 28, 2011, 2:39 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: No Loyalty to any airline
Posts: 2,378
You just got lucky. I cleared several upgrades as a 2P this year on elite heavy routes.