Non-US Air Miles Member POUG (paid upgrade) question
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 765
Non-US Air Miles Member POUG (paid upgrade) question
Hi to all on this board - A newbie question for here (didn't find any answers on the sticky)
I am flying PHL-LAS next month - have a cheap economy ticket at the moment. I am interested in upgrading to First for an additional payment.
What is the best way on US Airways and the best price - in advance via the website, via customer services or at the airport on the day?
Is there a usual price?
Thanks alot,
Irubi
I am flying PHL-LAS next month - have a cheap economy ticket at the moment. I am interested in upgrading to First for an additional payment.
What is the best way on US Airways and the best price - in advance via the website, via customer services or at the airport on the day?
Is there a usual price?
Thanks alot,
Irubi
#2
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Escondido, CA
Programs: US Chairman no more. AA EXP
Posts: 682
Look to see if "low first" award inventory is available on the USAirways website. If it is you can call in and use miles and co-pay.
Alternately, buy silver preferred and then you can use only miles and forego the copay.
If you don't have miles then this strategy obviously won't work.
Otherwise there's a near zero percent chance you will get upgraded on this flight because there will be enough preferred members to fill all the first class seats. It's possible there will be no shows I guess then they could sell F at the gate but pretty unlikely.
Alternately, buy silver preferred and then you can use only miles and forego the copay.
If you don't have miles then this strategy obviously won't work.
Otherwise there's a near zero percent chance you will get upgraded on this flight because there will be enough preferred members to fill all the first class seats. It's possible there will be no shows I guess then they could sell F at the gate but pretty unlikely.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 765
Thanks. I don't have miles - so will call to see if I can pay - failing that, nothing I can do then
#4
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,466
Another option is to do a trade through the Coupon Connection forum. With US eventually joining oneworld, BA miles could be of value to a DM member.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,033
Aside from using points to upgrade in advance (when upgradable seats are available), the only ways to do this are:
1.) Change your ticket to a true First class fare
2.) Hope there are seats still open on day of flight and purchase the upgrade during the online check-in process(will cost about $250 USD each way)
The coupon connection is not a bad suggestion. Basically, if you find "low" first class award availability on us airways.com(which is difficult in the first place), a US member with points can request an upgrade for you. In exchange, you would offer a trade for points you do have.
1.) Change your ticket to a true First class fare
2.) Hope there are seats still open on day of flight and purchase the upgrade during the online check-in process(will cost about $250 USD each way)
The coupon connection is not a bad suggestion. Basically, if you find "low" first class award availability on us airways.com(which is difficult in the first place), a US member with points can request an upgrade for you. In exchange, you would offer a trade for points you do have.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 765
Thanks, will look into those options. No Low First Class availability.
So, looks like I will go down the payment route if they let me and if there are any seats left.
So, looks like I will go down the payment route if they let me and if there are any seats left.
#7
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,466
For seats to be left at boarding, it would mean that all US elites have been upgraded...including Silvers.
Another option for you is to do a trial preferred. I think the fee is $200, and you'd get Silver status. I think you can do Gold for $400, but if you pay the Silver rate, and fly enough for Gold, you'd get Gold anyway. If you're checking a bag, and you manage to get F (pretty slim as a Silver), it would be money well spent on a Silver trial.
There's a thread somewhere about trial preferred, with all of the details.