Originally Posted by
honeytoes
I am CP (probably the only time it will ever happen, likely to be Plat next year) and I buy the cheapest fares possible and I usually purchase my ticket a few months in advance, if not more. I don't think that I have missed an upgrade this year! I fly from PHL, if that matters. I have not missed a UG on my several flights to LAS, LAX, SAN, etc. I wonder why the disparity??
That's good for you, but bad for the airline. They wind up rewarding high-volume losers, while ticking off high volume winners. (in a financial sense, I'm sure you're quite nice yourself
)
There simply HAS to be a better way. As I've said before, the upgrade system should be revamped. HEAVILY. Clear upgrades until 75% of the cabin is full just prior to OLCI. Do this based first on status, then on absolute fare paid (NOT bucket). In conjuction, fix linked PNRs and companion upgrades. Then, if the remaining seats aren't sold or needed to reaccomodate the paid F fares, repeat the above procress
from the same list, save for including last minute purchases.
Net effect? You reward your highest tier, highest paying passengers first and consistently - a CP would virtually NEVER be trumped by anything less. One could also change flights and have a shot at an upgrade, rather than the current "dump it to upgrades at the SP window".