Originally Posted by
ContinentalFan
Let's wait to hear from CO Insider. This program is something that Delta has been doing for years. It works well. DL only offers paid upgrades once all elites are cleared. I would be surprised if CO couldn't duplicate this program (which gives me an idea for a new thread).
The problem is CO didn't design their version of paid upgrades to match DL's - had they done so, 99% of these issues wouldn't exist.
It should be simple to fix the logic...
1. do not offer upgrades to sell when the number of Elites book on a flight is equal to or greater than the number of available F seats
2. register someone for the upgrade (take their payment info), but do not charge the customer until their upgrade clears
3. automatically place the person on the upgrade standby list, ranked behind any Elite customer or companion who is on, or is later put on the list
4. train staff to clear paid elites ONLY after clearing all elites or elite companions on the lis, and only at the gate
5. set customer expectations so that they know the upgrade will only be cleared at the gate, and they will only be charged if the upgrade clears