Originally Posted by
Lllahim
Below is part of a message I sent to AC today.
We have been having lively discussions on flyertalk concerning upgrade protocol for AC33. This is the most sought after upgrade because of distance and low flight frequency. Previously you assured me that the reason for shifting the upgrade request window from midnight to exact departure time was to maintain an even playing field for all potential upgrade seekers. AC 33 begins in YYZ with a stop at YVR. According to your previous statement, the window for the YVR-SYD leg cannot open before departure time at YVR. There are passengers who swear that they have received confirmed upgrade for YYZ straight through to SYD at the opening of the window for YYZ-YVR portion of the flight. They argue that this is so because they are on a "direct" flight to SYD, the YVR stop notwithstanding. Clearly this practice gives passengers with identical top tier status and fare class booking upstream of Toronto a more than five hours advantage at securing an upgrade over those downstream of YYZ. An even playing field could require (a) opening the YVR - SYD window for all travelers at Toronto departure time or (b) ensuring that for upgrade purposes, all upgrade requests are consistent with that even playing field specified in your previous message to me - separate windows for YYZ-YVR and YVR-SYD.
I look forward to hearing from you. I am sure you will check your with those charged with operating the protocol because I intend to share your answer with your frequent flyer community.
Thank you.
truly,
I got the following response to the query:
Dear,
Sorry for the delay in my response.
I have spoken to the Manager of the Loyalty Program regarding the way in which the upgrades are applied for AC33.
They have taken all things into consideration regarding this particular flight which begins in Toronto and has a stop in Vancouver for the continuation to Sydney. Our records indicate a great number of passengers actually take the flight from Toronto to Vancouver and terminate their travel there. This opens up the availability for upgrades for those passengers who are beginning their travel in Vancouver, for travel to Sydney.
There are no plans to make changes to how the upgrades are being handled for this particular flight and hope you will understand our position. Thank you for allowing us this opportunity to review, document and respond to your inquiry.
We value your loyalty and your business and look forward to many future opportunities to welcome you on board.
Sincerely,
I have asked her to restate the present protocol that they have no plans to make changes since that protocol is the source of the confusion.
I will post her reply when it is received.