Concierge Upgrades - waitlist process data points?
 

I've just had a notification from EI that my request for upgrades on a DUB-LAX RT has been denied as the cabin is 'full' (which it is not, although I'm sure they expect it to fill up). The email told me the request will remain on their waitlist in case a space becomes available closer to the date of travel. They recommended that I ask at the airport on the day of travel if a seat is available.

First time this has happened to me (though neither unexpected or unreasonable). I'm trying to work out whether to stick or twist now. Does anyone have any direct data points of a denial/wiatlist for a Concierge voucher either (1) spontaneously being upgraded closer to the travel date or (2) a request at the airport being successful if there's a seat available?

I'm really trying to work out how real the waitlist process is - ie, does the request just sit there til day of travel, or is it actually actively reviewed in the meantime? Has anyone successfully had outstation staff apply an upgrade (I can't imagine how they could). They're still selling seats and even sent me an email offering a bid to upgrade (which smarted a little!)

Really appreciate any direct experiences with the Concierge waitlist scenario at EI, will help me work out whether to change my plans and ask for an upgrade on a different route instead.

If not approved in 24-48 hours i.e. all avios/upgrade seats gone, revenue has elected not to release a seat you get waitlisted. Revenue expects to sell all the seats

Best option is to wait until 1 week before departure and call in and check

This year I got all 4 requests approved next business day, in a previous year all 4 were refused

Thanks ROKNA. Has that ever worked for you?

Yes It has in the past

Data suggests a higher success rate post COVID

But expect a decline, if you really really need to be in J pay for it

Happened once to me prior to Covid. I was upgraded at the gate heading to ORD.

In early 2024 I had to wait 3 weeks for confirmation to MCO. I was very close to just paying for the upgrade as my wife and kids were already booked into Biz and I wanted to make sure I was sitting next to them.

Personally, in your circumstances I would ask if LAS or SFO were available and if so, I would cancel and rebook (assuming you bought a smart fare) to one of these and then take a short hop domestically.

Oh man, this sucks. Really disappointing when this happens. How far out are the flights?
When we booked our summer flights outbound July returning at the very end of August, three outbound upgrades to EWR were authorized the day after I requested and I am sure I had to wait a couple of more days for the inbound flights. So we booked in December for flights quite a few months out. Granted I booked Saver transatlantic fares for my teens so they would have sat in the back end while we were up front with their two little brothers.
Hopefully you have booked either a Smart or Flex fare.