Put my 2 cents in on non-elites not getting to upgrade of low cost fares...

My travel has been cut significantly this year, and looks like US is the only airline I will qualify for status on this year. However, between my wife, myself and my son, we have something like 300,000 miles on CO from past flying. In addition, from business purchases on Amex, I have a ton of additional miles sitting there.

I ALWAYS shop for the lowest fare and upgrade with miles immediately when we fly together. Just a nicer experience, since most of our travel is trans-con (to CA). One thing that has always been against elites is that ANYONE with miles could upgrade as soon as the ticket was purchased. Even for frequent flyers, I bet they find a way to get 20% of their miles from NOT flying...i.e. hotel bonus, car rental, credit card..., so we know that alot of miles are not just coming from the most loyal of air travelers.

Why aren't miles upgrades subject to the same types of yield management that Elite Upgrades are ? Don't allow for an upgrade until 7 days out or similar, kind of like the electronic upgrade system.

The new process, in my opinion, leaves the leisure traveller out of ever getting an upgrade on CO, which will be the case for me.
I know, I won't be able to upgrade anymore, but at least I'll get to use my miles for a free BF Ticket to Hawaii, since we know how readily available those tickets are for those of us that want to cash in some miles.



[This message has been edited by ToddETurner (edited 09-19-2002).]