Originally Posted by
stiphy
Looks like this thread that started 5 years ago has had a lot of activity. For me this policy devalued my status with American more than any other to the point that it's effectively made me a "free agent" no longer really caring about what airline I book. Sometimes the sale of a cheap upgrade before the status window is a nice thing to see but it is really frustrating to be in my upgrade window as an Executive Platinum without being upgraded only to notice that there's an offer for $100 or sometimes even less to sell an upgraded seat.
it’s a huge smack in the face. On a recent ORD-MIA trip all 8 open J seats at the window were sold at about $149 down to zero at check-in. They even sold the very last seat for $160 one hour prior to check-in. And no these weren’t given away to upgrades because they were holding back on all flights as they always do- up to 4 seats until day of flight. Then, as an EXP with over 300LPs I was 6th on the waitlist of just 15 people - meaning the whole waitlist was just a bunch of high ranking elites who didn’t pay, thinking they’d get the upgrade. Nope.
I’ve decided I’m just going to go for PlatPro next year (already made it) so I can keep my OW emerald and fly Alaska as possible, where upgrades actually happen. On AA I’ll just fly on miles for the rest of this year. I’ll prob go down to Plat the year after.
This may sound crazy but I think I’m also going to give the new Spirit big seat with drink service a shot for domestic routes once they start it soon. If they price the refundable fare competitively, it may be a great alternative. I can do without the golden chicken.