Originally Posted by
VickiSoCal
He was at about 14K EQD's last year. This week he was number 2 on the waitlist LAX-JFK. Number 9 and 10 were upgraded from Business to First after boarding, no one else. AA says "business went out full" but won't say what happened to those 2 business seats. I suspect non-rev as he said several did not board when groups 1-4 boarded. He was number 5 coming back JFK-LAX, one got upgraded.
But that's a pretty typical pattern for this year. He's anywhere from 2 to 5 on the list and 0 to 2 people get upgraded, but not him. So I think he is in the right spot on the list for his EQDs.
It is really discouraging though. He's even been talking about just not wanting to do his job anymore.
The year is 25% over. 18 domestic flights, 3 upgrades. 19.9% of the way to qualifying again as an EXP on EQD's, 30.7% on EQM's. This will be his 11th year as an EXP if he does requal.
This sums up my experience to a T. I'm 3 for 13 this year (am DFW based, but flying to non-hub cities in most cases and many times on slower days of travel, Wed afternoons, Saturdays, etc). Used to hit 75-80% (was LGA/JFK based), now end up 2-5 on the list in most cases and have been as low as 10-15. My bigger frustration is lack of interest by in-flight staff in any thank you/recognition for EXP. Used to be very nice and offer to help me as they can (occasionally would give me full bottle of water, etc). Yesterday "No fresh food on plane!" was answer when I inquired about the cheese plate...and they seem annoyed I asked. I wonder if the flight attendants are as frustrated with the "New American" as the travelers. Will likely settle for PP next year as same day flight changes are the only real thing of value anymore. SWUs that used to once be useful are now down to 4...and nearly impossible to use except for DFW to Abilene type routes!