Originally Posted by inlanikai
If A class (VIP upgrade) is available 1 week out that says a lot. Looks like yeield management thinks they can't sell it so they are will to give it away (VIPs, miles) or discount it (YUP). I've been on this route and have seen empty seats on the second flight 296. Never taken the first one. I wouldput the odds at 2 to 1 your e-upg would clear but probably not at the hour mark your window opens up.
On the other hand, an 8 hour red-eye is a bi*** to spend in coach when 15k miles would do the trick.
A is for all of those mentioned; VIP or mileage upgrades, discounted First, and YUP fares that book directly into first class under A inventory. And, A class is one of the beauties of the AAdvantage program....it's extremely easy to be had...even to HNL.
With very little, if any, planning/date flexibility, any AAdvantage member with the miles can go to HNL in First if they want. It's even easier for all other domestic flights. When F and A are left over, and yield managment is certain they won't sell them, then they get coverted over to X for electronic upgrades. And, even before then. If you've got an F7 A7 situation (or even less) at the 100 hr mark, some of that will be coverted to X for EXPs...then if the F and A remain unsold or unused (A) they'll convert more for PLTs and GLDs. As we know, they've started holding back more than they used to...usually a couple of F up until departure time, but if those aren't sold usually 2-4 hrs prior, they get coverted over to X too.