Originally Posted by
dickinson
Yes, it was. I was surprised by her frankness and thanked her for her honesty.
I am actually surprised that posters on this thread seem to disagree with her advice. What she said was pretty consistent with the general gutting of benefits at AA. It just seemed weird having an AA employee saying it.
I used to be able to use these upgrade instruments quite easily.
Now I am thinking I should call back tomorrow and wait list my certificates. Better than having them expire worthless (which they probably will anyhow).
I, too, am surprised by her honesty, but would tend to agree.
Think about it, these upgrades pull from the same inventory the complimentary upgrades pull from (as a BE agent told me on Friday when I called to inquire about using some; no surprise, no inventory) & how frequently are those clearing now? Even for EXP? Not very. How long are the upgrade lists for most flights now? My flight on Thursday was 28 deep. My next 2 flights coming up, Friday & next Thursday, have no seats available & haven't for quite some time. In all fairness, I did waitlist one of my staff for a BXP upgrade in February & she did actually clear, on day of departure, but it was for the very last DFW-PHX flight of the night.
I suspect I am not the only BE customer who has asked that BE agent what the point of BE is, given that these upgrades are as worthless as every other upgrade or award AA allegedly offers now, & has just decided not to pretend w/customers any more.
Good for her, but obviously Discount Dougie won't be happy if he gets wind of it.