FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Question: Have eUpgrades destroyed the domestic op-up
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Old Jun 14, 2011 | 12:05 pm
  #11  
FF_Consultant
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, RBC Avion
Posts: 150
Have over 76K Status miles this year, not one flight in economy with combination of Lat Pass and International Upgrades. Still have 140 E Upgrades that I dont even think I can use.
Your situation is similar to mine. T+ pass in NA booking into M class, SE status, and paid for J travel internationally (except for personal which is all done on miles).

Currently have been upgraded domestically on every single flight except for 1 (~50 domestic segments so far this year) and cleared two international personal segments. I am crossing the SE threshold this week and have 146 eupgrades left as of today.

I would actually offer that the reason eupgrades have killed the domestic op-up is that they have broadly eliminated the human factor in clearing upgrades. In prior years I would have gate agents refuse my cert if they were sold-out in back, or sometimes just look at my tired a** and say "don't worry about the cert sir". Now my upgrades all clear before hand and the agent has no control. The op-up is now gone as the 'waitlist' for clearing upgrades is usually 5-10 people deep at the gate and the upgrade process is managed electronically -- it literally takes me less than 20 seconds to request an upgrade now when before it was a bit more of a mission (call it in or upgrade at the airport).

Anyway, I the elimination of the human factor has resulted in hte loss of op-ups.
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