Originally Posted by
Catbert10
IIRC, the Elite One-Way Space Available Upgrade coupons did not upgrade at ticketing. Back then, only Golds, which were the top elite level, got free upgrades and then only at airport check-in. I think they were called two-hour space available upgrades. The upgrade coupons gave the same two-hour upgrades upgrades to silver and bronze elites.
Those were the days. I had a >98% upgrade rate '95 - '98
This was later - 2 Hr Gold + Silver/Bronze coupons. I joined the PClub in '92 when the 2 hour upgrade was in effect - since you always had to arrive at exactly 2 hours before flight time.
The original coupons before the 2 hour upgrade - were issued after 5K miles for Gold and 10K miles for Silver/Bronze. You got two (I believe) segment coupons. These could be used at time of ticketing. It took four coupons if you had a connection - RT. These old coupons could also combined - for Hawaii and Europe. But it took several - so better to use domestically.
I am pretty sure the sequence was:
Mid - late 1980's - Segment coupons, for confirmed upgrade at ticket time, combinable for Hawaii/Europe. Gold 2 per 5K miles, Sliver/Bronze 2 per 10K miles.
About 1990-91 - 2 hour for Gold, 2 hr with coupon for Silver/Bronze
1992 - 2 hour upgrade on Y and H fares only. No upgrades on other fares.
1993- ~2000: 2 hour upgrade restored included Hawaii. Companion for Gold. Others maybe coupon.
2000+: EUA - fares not prioritized except for Y - then discount fares based on ticketing date
2004-5+: EUA based on fares then ticketing date.
Please correct/add comments if you can remember.