Originally Posted by
rjw242
Nice thought, and maybe it would work, but I somewhat suspect ticket agents dealing with the crush of holiday travel wouldn't have the time or resources to figure this out. Also, finding a day-of-departure upgrade available to a (presumably non-status) passenger would be tricky at best.
I usually send an email around to friends and extended family asking if anyone has flights planned on AA. Alternatively, maybe you can try getting in touch with local charitable organizations (Make-a-Wish, veterans' orgs, etc) and see if they'd have any beneficiaries who could use the upgrades for upcoming travel.
Always wanted to be "that guy" who upgraded people at the ticket counter, but agreed it's probably a pipe dream.
I've upgraded my share of veterans on flights over the years. I'm a veteran myself, but I am not the worship type, so Make-A-Wish, or similar, is a great idea!!!!!! Thank you!!!
And anyone else on here, don't PM me please. As frequent fliers, these are NOT going to you. I have family who will use them, but they always fly business and these will just be to 1st int'l.
Cannot tell you how many people I encounter who even see domestic 1st Class as an aspiration that I, sadly, take for granted. I want someone who would never otherwise experience int'l upgrades to enjoy something I can't use.