Originally Posted by
PCTraveler
I don't have any status on AA, am flying LAX-MIA on AA and wondering if I have any hope of upgrading.
Your chances aren't great, but it is possible.
Originally Posted by
PCTraveler
I understand there is nothing similar to UA's CR-1 instrument on AA, so I would have to obtain an eVIP to upgrade in advance.
Otherwise, I would have to use miles plus a co-pay. With no status and on a transcon, does this seem possible? The flight is a 757 at 6am Wed morning and I purchased a Q fare.
Be careful in "obtaining" any eVIP (AA now calls them SWUs, just like UA). AA has been known to "look into" such transactions. As long as it's not an O fare, it can be upgraded with miles or SWUs.
If there's A inventory available, then miles plus co-pay would clear right away. If not, you'll be at the bottom of the waitlist. I'd do this right now if F is important to you.
Originally Posted by
PCTraveler
Is there any other way to upgrade?
BTW, seatcounter is showing the flight zeroed out, but I don't think that is accurate as all flights that day are zeroed out, yet AA.com will sell seats on all flights. Does AA not work with seatcounter?
Here's a way: Befriend an EXP traveling by themselves on the route and see if they'll sponsor your sticker upgrade. If they do, then you'll have the benefit of their status, meaning you'll be ahead of all Plats, Golds and general members on full fares. It will cost the EXP $150 worth of stickers and EXPs no longer earn them, so they might expect some kind of favor in return.
There's another way to upgrade and that is with a kiosk-offered LFBU (cash for Load Factor Based Upgrade), but that's not very likely on LAX-MIA, since they're offered only once all elite requests are satisfied. I rarely see empty F seats between here and there.
Dunno about seatcounter. Check out
www.expertflyer.com (they have a free trial) to see availability.