Originally Posted by
thomwithanh
Are we talking about a GoFirst upgrade or those new ToD's that are offered a week out? GoFirst's aren't supposed to be offered unless all the preferreds clear and there's nobody on the waiting list. On hub-hub flights unless it's at a very akward time, you usually need to be at least Platinum to have a shot at clearing (and it's a crapshoot even for Chairman's), though I haven't been on a transcon since the new program year started so maybe things are different with fewer elites...
The new ToD's on the other hand - threads said these upgrades were in fact being prioritized ahead of elite upgrades (just like on United), although the chatter on this subject has died down, so perhaps US backed off on that for now...
These "new" upgrades arent really being offered a week out. People are just getting emails about them a week out but even if they select it, its not being processed until after Silvers have been upgraded at 2 days out. The threads and the airline made it very clear that it wasnt being processed ahead of elites.
Originally Posted by
burlax
Even a better question is whether paying the upgrade fee converts your fare to PQM-earning revenue fare. Would be swell if it does.
No, US did not back off. I'm still not getting upgraded at T-7d. My last itin upgraded at T-4d.
Paying an upgrade has never changed the ticket to an mileage earning fare. And how would an upgrade program that would process requests for upgrades at 2 days out have any affect on Chairmans upgrades? I find that some of my Chairmans upgrades process at 7 days and some at the 4 days Platinum window. Been going on for a while now.