YYT82

If you don't get your credits back by the time your AQM posts, write in and you'll get them back in three days.

YHZ_Flyer

Best possible outcome I could imagine occurred. This evening, under T2 before AC1173, the flight jumped from R0 to R9. Canceled my upgrade request that was waitlisted, and was able to clear the upgrade. Never had this happen before, but extremely happy with the outcome.

canadiancow

I've seen flights jump from R0 to R9 very close in when they know they can't sell anything.

But good on you for catching it and reacting.

You avoided ML*1

Geoflying

Remind me again what ML*1 means. I had that on my BP when eUpped at the gate FRA-YYZ recently - but the SD came round to SEs first asking for their choices so I had my choice of meal.

canadiancow

It means you were a gate upgrade.

If there is a SHORTAGE of meals, you will be asked after everyone without an ML* code, but before ML*2, etc.

However, I have seen some SDs ask ML*1 after everyone else, even if they're SE.

You're just less likely to have an issue if you don't have an ML* code.

YHZ_Flyer

I've had plenty of ML* codes over the year. I've even had ML*5 and still gotten a meal, so it seems rare to have a flight undercatered

canadiancow

I can recall two flights in 2016 where I did not get a meal.

One was ML*1 (two meals were loaded and J went out with around 6 people), the other had no ML* code (no meals were loaded).

I also had one in 2013 (ML*1 if I recall). I was only E35K. The SD offered me a meal, but I said I declined in favor of something from the back, which allowed that meal to go to another passenger.

ds27

Hi,

I'm new to eupgrades and thought I'd try to use them on an upcoming flight. I'm still a while away from when I can request the upgrades, but I've been monitoring the flights to try and get a sense of what my odds are as a lowly 25K Altitude member.

For the outbound flight, business class seems to be about half full when I look on the Air Canada site, but I see that the number of R seats available is fluctuating over time between 6 and 9 (out of about 18 available). I can see why the number might go down, but why would it go up again? Are new seats added to the inventory over time?

For the return flight, business class appears to be almost empty (!) yet R=0. Why would this be? Am I just out of luck here or will the waitlist come to my rescue?

I realize that as my flight date nears those with higher status may well snap up whatever R seats are out there, but I'm curious to know from others' experience whether a 25K might have a realistic chance via the waitlist to get upgraded.

If I don't get an upgrade, it's really no big deal to me; I just thought this would be an opportunity to try and see how the system works. Any thoughts or advice?

Jumper Jack

It would go up and down based off how revenue management sees fit or to balance oversold in economy I think
The system works in mysterious ways. :P

As far as it being empty or full on the seat map might not be reflective to actual load.

AMJP

Just for clarification purposes but how can you tell from the AC site what class of business seat is available. I thought that info was only available on other sites such expert flyer...

superangrypenguin

Depending on the route, if one chooses the "fares eligible for eupgrade", etc, and it's not blue, then R is not available. (for flex fares)

Sean Peever

There are nothing but inherent reasons for why R=0.

ds27

Sorry not to be clear - yes, looking on AC site to see "available" seats, and looking on Expert Flyer to see R seats.

ds27

I didn't know that - very handy. Thanks!

Yes, for the return flight it's not blue and says I would be waitlisted.

Given that the cabin is almost empty, what are the odds of getting a seat from the waitlist, given my low status?

Sean Peever

Depends on route, date, J loads, and # of people on the waitlist.

We can probably help you judge the first 3.