Virgin America upgrades - TIP
#51
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 5,015
#52
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: BOS
Posts: 2,308
I had an interesting experience today. Two of us flying together on a coast-to-coast flight. First class availability was at two seats for over a week, and then dropped to one last night. At 6 hours and 15 minutes before flight time, suddenly two more seats appear on the first class seat map (now 3 available). However, at the 6 hour mark, I am told no upgrade seats are available. I go back to the "book reservations" screen, and I can see from the seat mapthat a MCS passenger has already upgraded, but there are still two open F seats, and F seats are being sold.
After a phone call to VX reservations, I was able to get that upgrade. It took a little prodding - I was first told I was not inside the 6 hour window, and that is why nothing was available. When I mentioned it was inside 6 hours, somehow the seats were released and I got the upgrade. The agent could not explain why I could not do this online.
My conclusion - since I can't think of anything else - is that the MCS passenger who snagged the upgrade ahead of me had booked two fully refundable F seats, and then cancelled the reservation 15 minutes before the 6 hour mark, thinking this would assure himself of the upgrade availability. Pretty slimy thing to do if it is true. It also seems to me that to prevent this kind of gaming the system, cancelled F seats must only be available for sale and not upgrade. All speculation, but the agent had no explanation, and I can't think of anything else that makes sense.
I only wish I was able to get the upgrade, and the guy that tried to game the system was denied...
After a phone call to VX reservations, I was able to get that upgrade. It took a little prodding - I was first told I was not inside the 6 hour window, and that is why nothing was available. When I mentioned it was inside 6 hours, somehow the seats were released and I got the upgrade. The agent could not explain why I could not do this online.
My conclusion - since I can't think of anything else - is that the MCS passenger who snagged the upgrade ahead of me had booked two fully refundable F seats, and then cancelled the reservation 15 minutes before the 6 hour mark, thinking this would assure himself of the upgrade availability. Pretty slimy thing to do if it is true. It also seems to me that to prevent this kind of gaming the system, cancelled F seats must only be available for sale and not upgrade. All speculation, but the agent had no explanation, and I can't think of anything else that makes sense.
I only wish I was able to get the upgrade, and the guy that tried to game the system was denied...
#53
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: SPG Plat, Emerald Exec., PC Plat, AA, CO, DL, UBS Charter Card, Palladium Card, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,694
I had an interesting experience today. Two of us flying together on a coast-to-coast flight. First class availability was at two seats for over a week, and then dropped to one last night. At 6 hours and 15 minutes before flight time, suddenly two more seats appear on the first class seat map (now 3 available). However, at the 6 hour mark, I am told no upgrade seats are available. I go back to the "book reservations" screen, and I can see from the seat mapthat a MCS passenger has already upgraded, but there are still two open F seats, and F seats are being sold.
After a phone call to VX reservations, I was able to get that upgrade. It took a little prodding - I was first told I was not inside the 6 hour window, and that is why nothing was available. When I mentioned it was inside 6 hours, somehow the seats were released and I got the upgrade. The agent could not explain why I could not do this online.
My conclusion - since I can't think of anything else - is that the MCS passenger who snagged the upgrade ahead of me had booked two fully refundable F seats, and then cancelled the reservation 15 minutes before the 6 hour mark, thinking this would assure himself of the upgrade availability. Pretty slimy thing to do if it is true. It also seems to me that to prevent this kind of gaming the system, cancelled F seats must only be available for sale and not upgrade. All speculation, but the agent had no explanation, and I can't think of anything else that makes sense.
I only wish I was able to get the upgrade, and the guy that tried to game the system was denied...
After a phone call to VX reservations, I was able to get that upgrade. It took a little prodding - I was first told I was not inside the 6 hour window, and that is why nothing was available. When I mentioned it was inside 6 hours, somehow the seats were released and I got the upgrade. The agent could not explain why I could not do this online.
My conclusion - since I can't think of anything else - is that the MCS passenger who snagged the upgrade ahead of me had booked two fully refundable F seats, and then cancelled the reservation 15 minutes before the 6 hour mark, thinking this would assure himself of the upgrade availability. Pretty slimy thing to do if it is true. It also seems to me that to prevent this kind of gaming the system, cancelled F seats must only be available for sale and not upgrade. All speculation, but the agent had no explanation, and I can't think of anything else that makes sense.
I only wish I was able to get the upgrade, and the guy that tried to game the system was denied...
#55
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: SPG Plat, Emerald Exec., PC Plat, AA, CO, DL, UBS Charter Card, Palladium Card, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,694
I don't have the definitive answer could be business travelers canceling last minute, a seat blocked for possible FAM that was opened up etc. Airlines have Revenue Protection units that are pretty good at catching on to things like what you suggested.
#56
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 56,825
I've seen similar fluctuations like this in F within 24 hours of departure. My guess is that this usually involves business people who have constantly changing plans. Meetings get pushed back, they stay extra day or two at their destination -- that sort of thing.
#57
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: BOS
Posts: 2,308
I think my point was missed. F seats that were reserved and then cancelled within some window do not appear to get returned to the bucket for upgrade availability. These two seats showed as available for sale, but not upgrade.
Assuming I am correct, it appears to be a safeguard against phony bookings to try to create an upgrade opportunity. As noted in my original post, a telephone agent was able to get me the seats.
And I still think the timing was awfully coincidental, but that doesn't really matter.
Assuming I am correct, it appears to be a safeguard against phony bookings to try to create an upgrade opportunity. As noted in my original post, a telephone agent was able to get me the seats.
And I still think the timing was awfully coincidental, but that doesn't really matter.
#58
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: CPH
Programs: UA Premier Gold
Posts: 79
Hey guys,
I have a couple of questions regarding upgrades as well. I'm currently booked in Main Cabin on a IAD-LAX-SFO trip. I have a $87 credit file with VX. Could I use that credit file towards an upgrade to MCS and pay the remainder of the upgrade by CC?
Will the upgrade count for both sectors? Or will the upgrade only count for the first leg?
I have a couple of questions regarding upgrades as well. I'm currently booked in Main Cabin on a IAD-LAX-SFO trip. I have a $87 credit file with VX. Could I use that credit file towards an upgrade to MCS and pay the remainder of the upgrade by CC?
Will the upgrade count for both sectors? Or will the upgrade only count for the first leg?
#60
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 5,015
No, each leg must be upgraded separately and the cost is based on the distance traveled on each leg. To upgrade to MCS, it will cost you $129 for IAD-LAX and $39 for LAX-SFO. When I flew, I upgraded to MCS from LAS-SFO ($39) and to First from SFO-IAD ($299). If you have the money, definitely upgrade to First on the flight to IAD.
Last edited by DCBob; Jun 17, 2011 at 6:59 am