Originally Posted by
nssfly
I am a little confused. It was my understanding that elites would get upgrades on Y-fares (not just Y-UP) if there's available space in F. I am about to buy a one way Y fare ticket and would like to be able to get an upgrade since the flight is over five hours long (east coast to SFO). Can someone confirm if I will get an automatic upgrade as a gold elite on a full Y fare (not Y-UP)?
Upgrades on NW full Y fares are likely done automatically for NW elites (as CO full fare coach fares are for CO elites), but if you are a CO elite flying on a full Y NW ticket it is not an "automatic" upgrade (unless you actually buy a "YUP or BUP/P" fare which books right into first). Once it's actually ticketed, you must call the CO elite line and they will process the upgrade for you. If there's a seat you will get it, but it's not automatic. If for some reason they can't do it then due to unavailability, then you would be upgraded according to the normal 1/3/5 day window for EUAs if seats open up. That said, you should simply check FC availability before booking the full Y ticket to ensure that seats are available. That way, when it's ticketed the CO elite line can upgrade you right then and there rather than wait for seats to possibly open up later.