Originally Posted by
USFlyerUS
I'm not sure this will solve that problem. Upgrades in advance are still processed like they always have been. This is only for battlefield upgrades, of which there are usually only 1-2 at most on many flights.
Quite unfortunate if true…
I propose we sticky this thread so people can share various experiences as this new process rolls out.
Would be a great sticky as we’re not quite sure yet as to how this affects gate upgrades (and?) the upgrade priority in general.
Originally Posted by
chrisny2
In my only experience so far at MIA:
I was #3 on the upgrade list.
At exactly T-40, i updated the app, and #1 had cleared.
When boarding, I asked if I should wait just in case there's an open seat, and the GA said "There's just one seat left, but if there's availability, I'll come on and get you."
At about T-10, #2 cleared, taking the last seat.
So, there does continue to be some processing after T-40, I assume manually.
At least the GA processed #2’s upgrade and didn’t leave them hanging. Glad there’s some level of discretion for the GA’s that want to properly honor everyone’s status benefits.
Originally Posted by
platbrownguy
Last night AA 1609 JFK-BOS, wife and I were # 1 and 4 on a list of maybe eight, with five open seats. Nothing happened at T-40, so I approached the gate agent, asked if they wouldn't mind keeping us together when they process the upgrade list (since the 5 open seats were scattered). At around T-36 as I asked that, the top 2 on the list seemingly cleared automatically (including me) but the agent manually processed the next 3, moving me to be next to my wife as she did so (well, across the aisle -- it was 1-1 seating on the 321T).
Lots of seats available at the last minute…..are we sure this new policy only covers the “traditional” battlefield upgrades, or are they going to hold back more seats for misconnects? The plot thickens!
Originally Posted by
Antarius
Bingo. This isn't changing the upgrade window at all. People will still clear from T120 onwards based on status.
This only automates the gate upgrades.
Yes, but are they “expanding” gate upgrades. See the above reply - I can’t recall the last time I saw 5 upgrades clear at the gate.