Originally Posted by pete.g

Hi all,

I am executive platinum on AA & have 4 systemwide upgrades I am hoping to use on a trip to Italy for my wife's 40th birthday. I thought September would be a good time to book since it is immediately after the summer season, but still good weather. I used ExpertFlyer to search for the code "C" systemwide upgrades and was surprised to find zero matches into Milan, Rome or Venice in September. I went out to November before I saw a matching result.

Out of curiosity, I did a search in August, and there were FAR more code "C" options. It got me wondering -- are all code C's released when the flight is announced, or do they open up more code C's if the demand is not there? I ask because I was certain that dates closer to departure would have less availability, so it got me wondering if AA releases more "C" options over time.

My ultimate question is, should I wait and see if September opens up, or should I go ahead and book the trip within the August availability?

Also, is there a way on ExpertFlyer to get alerts for any "C" availability -- its a pain in the butt to have to get alerts flight by flight.

Thanks!

-Pete