<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by studentff:
I can:
1) Eat 15K miles, confirm in 1st the IND-DEN-OAK, and be happy with it.
2) Request upgrades using 500-milers for the IND-DEN (or the IND-DEN-OAK, but whatever) and take my chances.
3) Do nothing. Hope for the operational on the IND-DEN or hope someone else gets upgraded and frees a good E+ seat. Hope for the VDB reroute through ORD and a fat voucher.
Any thoughts? Will confirming or requesting the upgrade reduce my chances for the VDB?</font>
My Two Cents:
1. I wouldn't burn 15K miles when your concerned about a segment that will only take 2 500's.
2. There is still 5 revenue seats in F so I'd request an upg using 500's. Being 1P yes there is a risk, but as others say keep trying for an aisle, or wait till they release seats at the gate.
3. I wouldn't hope on an Op ugrade, you'd be better hoping for a seat in E+ before the flight leaves.
As far as being in F and reducing the odds of a VDB, not really, unless you say you want an upg on the alternative flight and it isn't there. Wait till they take you, then say "Hey can you get me in F".
Not checking your luggage will increase the odds of a VBD depending on how many people they need to pull. Only problem there you could end up in a middle with no overhead space, since you'll be one of the last ones on if they don't need you.
You used the word "fat voucher". It's a free round trip in the 48 states (not upgradeable) unless your lucky enough to talk them into a $200 voucher. That's pretty much as fat as it gets.
Good Luck.