Priority order within status level for MCS upgrades?
Sep 14, 2014, 6:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA EXP, B6 Mosaic, UA Plat, Bonvoy Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,777
Priority order within status level for MCS upgrades?
I tried searching but couldn't find any threads that talked about what I'd think would be a very basic question: for people within a given status level, what determines the order in which upgrades to MCS clear? On some airlines (e.g. Delta) fare affects priority, others (e.g. American), it is just the order in which people request the upgrade. If anyone has any idea how this works on VX, the info would be much appreciated. I am about to fly my first flight as VX Silver and curious about how to maximize the odds of an upgrade in the future...
Sep 14, 2014, 8:32 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6/Mosaic/AF/VX/AS Gold Hertz PC HH Dia. AMEX Plat SPG/Marr Gold Nat. EE FPC Plat
Posts: 833
First, upgrades are not automatic. You need to put it in your profile. As for the order, good question. I am on VX tomorrow out SFO and will ask the on duty manager. Staff in SFO are generally terrific.
Sep 15, 2014, 7:04 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA EXP, B6 Mosaic, UA Plat, Bonvoy Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,777
Yes, I called and found that out. So I am on the list for my flight tomorrow. The agent told me that the order was based on when you requested the upgrade, but she seemed quite unsure about it, hence my question here.
Sep 21, 2014, 9:06 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6/Mosaic/AF/VX/AS Gold Hertz PC HH Dia. AMEX Plat SPG/Marr Gold Nat. EE FPC Plat
Posts: 833
When I was in SFO, the agent told me first, even if seats are available, not all of them are available for a free upgrade.
They will hold some open for paid upgrades. If only one is free, it might be held until the gate staff clear it just before departure.
She indicated priority is based on Elevate status and fare. So, someone on a full Y fare and Silver might get it before a gold on a discounted ticket.
On short flights like SFO-SEA or SFO-LAX, the upgrade is cheap, like $39 usually. If an aisle in row 3 is available, I'll usually grab it.
Hope that helps.
They will hold some open for paid upgrades. If only one is free, it might be held until the gate staff clear it just before departure.
She indicated priority is based on Elevate status and fare. So, someone on a full Y fare and Silver might get it before a gold on a discounted ticket.
On short flights like SFO-SEA or SFO-LAX, the upgrade is cheap, like $39 usually. If an aisle in row 3 is available, I'll usually grab it.
Hope that helps.