I quite like the current system. As a Plat, my requests have sometimes cleared instantly (within 24 hours) and at other times, a bit later, but they've always cleared. Maybe I'll change my mind next week when I fall to Gold for some four months.
The biggest advantage here is that basic members, who cannot waitlist (?), don't hoard the upgrade space. Now that points don't expire, there will be many more basic members saving points for that once-in-a-lifetime J upgrade, and if they just released F inventory without restrictions, it would be a lot more difficult for Plats to get upgrades.
Originally Posted by
niksal
I have two awards and one upgrade waitlisted. I’ve started to look at other airlines for paid tickets. So I agree, AY is risking their own business by behaving like this.
Really? And what is your other option? A paid Y ticket with another airline, and with no possibility to upgrade?