Originally Posted by
frozennorth
I'm almost always upgraded on the DFW-SEA/SEA-DFW leg, and maybe 1/3? on the SEA-ANC/ANC-SEA. I'm keeping a list this year, and going to compare it after I hit the 100K mark.
The later the red eye, the better the odds of upgrade. I was eighth on the list after FC was full last week.
For that ANC flight, seems to align with what I knew about the UA flight. I bet it's full with a lot of paid by company oil folks. I wouldn't count on elite upgrades on that segment from any airline, and from DFW is a lot more hours in the air if you don't clear. How much more $$ is it to just buy first / business?
Originally Posted by
frozennorth
Looking at the mileage cost to fly AA metal to Europe, they look pretty good.
That's not normal, AA has dynamic pricing on awards and doesn't release much inventory at saver prices. (the lowest level available). Generally you'd see those mileage levels on IB, BA, or AY but if it's BA you're paying out the rear for their YQ fees, it's not worth it. Find something on IB or AY, I'd never ever redeem AA miles for BA long haul. (and for that matter never would I redeem BA miles for long haul on BA, I'm not keen to pay $500-1000 for an award ticket fee).
Originally Posted by
frozennorth
There are some good economy redemptions with QR, that's who I'm flying back from DXB/DOH this summer.
I scored a 30K miles ticket to Europe, including a 3 day stopover in Helsinki on the way there on Finnair as well.
Pretty terrible use of miles, but if it's worth it for you then that's your choice. For myself I almost never redeem for economy, but occasionally will do it for travel partners during expensive holiday periods when revenue tickets are 2-3x usual prices.
Originally Posted by
frozennorth
I bought an Alaska Lounge+ Membership last year, but did not renew. The Capital One lounge at DFW is great, and I have the CSR with 3 Priority Pass restaurants in SEA. A long Anchorage layover can be rough, but I have 4 lounge passes a year from status. The Admiral's Club membership includes access to all the Alaska Lounges, so it's like paying $55 less for an Alaska Lounge membership if I get the AA Card. Would not get it unless I was chasing AA status.
Sorry to inform you that restaurant use is gone on all US credit card based Priority Passes now, they've all dumped it now, Chase being the most recent. Citi apparently still has it on the legacy Prestige card that isn't available for new applicants, but I do believe that's the only one remaining but unobtainable. C1X, CSR, and Amex all dropped it already.