Originally Posted by
dtphonehome
This is probably the most naive newbie questions you've ever heard, but here goes: When I look at the flights, I see lots of open FC seats. I can't just upgrade into any seat, right? They have special seats put aside for upgrades, and they go quick? Does it help that I'm looking 5 months in advance, or do these seats open up for upgrade at random times or right before the flight?
Do not try and figure out what may be available from looking OnLine, I know people who were able to get a free tkt or upgrade their seat even thou the FC cabin was almost sold-out, simply due to the fact that the Bucket for free tkts or Ups still had availability.
If you must fly FC then you cant afford to play the wait game. Now a days buying way in advance doesnt help for anything as most Carriers wont release anything they feel they will have no problems selling. If you are flying say in very off-peak times then maybe. I dont think HNL will come into play under that.
So CALL CO and ask them whats available, thats about the only way to know. Since you have your pts in Amex pts , if CO cant be of any help, look into the other Carriers to whom you can move your Amex Pts. But CO probably has the best FC cabin to HNL, but being on AA in their FC is still alot better then being in COs coach