Originally Posted by
nomad420
This just happened to me Sunday. Instrument upgrade in play for 2 months on CLE-SFO run,
#1 on the list since check-in T24, F went from 18/20 to full. Now I can't swear the last two seats went to TOD but that is what I suspect (I know there are multiple other possibilities) . Had I had the opportunity to purchase the upgrade at a REASONABLE rate I probably would have jumped on it as I was dead tired and wanted to get some rest on the flight.
Yes; the pain is in losing optionality. It's constant modeling whether to apply a certificate or withhold and hope for a TOD. I should also point out that, like you, I am well aware there are many times I legitimately lose, and other times where I probably wouldn't take the bait even if there were an offer. I just want to see them. And, in a fantasy world, have a discount schedule applied to them based on RPU/GPU/status, but we know that will never happen.