Originally Posted by
metallo
The ability to set alerts would seem to be the most obvious reason. The prior poster suggested that EF potentially adds to the value of GGUs... that is accomplished by the service allowing people to passively monitor for 'U' space.
I usually set dozens of alerts on EF in any given week. Many benefits, like free premium cabin upgrades, same day change, GGUs, etc., easier to obtain because you know about either seat or upgrade availability before most people who just occasionally check the AS website.
I understand what you are outlining. I use ExpertFlyer too but rarely as a 75K do I set alerts. I can select Premium on any non-Saver fare at booking and won't purchase a fare that I cannot immediately upgrade into.
Even ExpertFlyer isn't 100%. It is possible for U space to open and that U space to be spoken for without ExpertFlyer ever seeing it. ExpertFlyer doesn't check continuously for U space so whatever happens between the intervals of when it does check, ExpertFlyer would be none the wiser. I have also been alerted of U space availability that was no longer available. It wasn't available because in a manual check, I located the U space myself, called into AS and utilized a GGU. I received the alert sometime later, after I had already selected my F seat indicating a lag between finding U and sending the alert.
I look at ExpertFlyer as another tool in my toolbox. I can understand that it has some usefullness for a FF with status,
but I don't see the need for some casual flyers that are gifted a GGU to have it. Hence my question; Why?
I find GGUs most valuable when used with a companion certificate. I don't mind paying the differential to fare bucket K when the companion fare is always $99. In essence, you are upfaring and upgrading two for the price of one.
When I am flying without my partner, I am just as happy to purchase an R fare and select a row 6 seat at booking. More often than not, I am upgraded anyway, even on awards and SDCs, so there is no real need to worry about U, no alert on a missed U, inaccurate alert on non-existant U or spending futher monies. The differential to a GGU eligible fare (could be higher than fare bucket K on any given flight) often does not justify the outlay as a 75K, especially on a shorter flight.
I have been upgraded on all but 2 of my AS flights this year. In the event that I am not upgraded, I am perfectly happy in Premium for any flight in the AS Network.
James