Originally Posted by
bofc
I REALLY appreciate the Newbie Lounge. THANK YOU! I made MVP for the first time in 2014 and have two questions related to upgrading:
1. I've seen posts making reference to seeing their position on the waiting list. I saw this one time on my Alaska App, but only on the day of the flight. Is that where people are seeing their position? Is there some other way (such as on the web site)? How far in advance does it get posted?
2. Is there a formula (or general guidance) on how AS determines your place on the waiting list?
Much appreciated.
The first class waitlist is only visible on the day of departure. You can see it on the mobile app or in person at the departing gate. You can also ask a ticket agent on the day of departure what your position is on the waitlist.
AS don't determine your position so much as it just adds people to a list as they become eligible. In general, the rules are:
> elites of any level who buy 'expensive' tickets are added to the waitlist immediately upon purchase.
> 75K members who buy 'cheap' tickets are added to the waitlist 5 days prior to departure, in order by time of purchase
> MVPG members who buy 'cheap' tickets are added to the waitlist 3 days prior to departure, in order by time of purchase
> MVP members who buy 'cheap' tickets are added to the waitlist 2 days prior to departure, in order by time of purchase
The list maintains its order at all times, but AS can release "U" seats at any time. When that happens, people at the top of the list will get upgraded until there are either no more U seats or no more people on the list.