E-upgrades - what am I doing wrong?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC Elite, *A Gold
Posts: 78
E-upgrades - what am I doing wrong?
Last year, I had no problem using the last of my e-upgrades in January-February, but this year I am ending the year without 22 points (I know, I know, others have a lot more) because I just can't seem to score an upgrade. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Can someone tell me:
1. If I request an upgrade within the Elite 50K window, does that request remain on my account? Why do they ask me again at check-in whether I want to e-upgrade?
2. Does the time of check-in affect one's place in the queue?
3. If I request an upgrade 5 days out and a SuperElite traveler requests one an hour before the flight, does he or she still get priority over me?
4. If I haven't been upgraded by time of boarding, is it best to wait around to see if someone gets called or just get on my economy seat?
1. If I request an upgrade within the Elite 50K window, does that request remain on my account? Why do they ask me again at check-in whether I want to e-upgrade?
2. Does the time of check-in affect one's place in the queue?
3. If I request an upgrade 5 days out and a SuperElite traveler requests one an hour before the flight, does he or she still get priority over me?
4. If I haven't been upgraded by time of boarding, is it best to wait around to see if someone gets called or just get on my economy seat?
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
Last year, I had no problem using the last of my e-upgrades in January-February, but this year I am ending the year without 22 points (I know, I know, others have a lot more) because I just can't seem to score an upgrade. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Can someone tell me:
1. If I request an upgrade within the Elite 50K window, does that request remain on my account? Why do they ask me again at check-in whether I want to e-upgrade?
2. Does the time of check-in affect one's place in the queue?
3. If I request an upgrade 5 days out and a SuperElite traveler requests one an hour before the flight, does he or she still get priority over me?
4. If I haven't been upgraded by time of boarding, is it best to wait around to see if someone gets called or just get on my economy seat?
1. If I request an upgrade within the Elite 50K window, does that request remain on my account? Why do they ask me again at check-in whether I want to e-upgrade?
2. Does the time of check-in affect one's place in the queue?
3. If I request an upgrade 5 days out and a SuperElite traveler requests one an hour before the flight, does he or she still get priority over me?
4. If I haven't been upgraded by time of boarding, is it best to wait around to see if someone gets called or just get on my economy seat?
2. Anecdotal evidence suggests if there is a tie (Same Status/Fare Class) tie goes to who checked in first.
3. Yes, day of is re-sorted by status
4. I would hang around until they say the front is full, unless you need the overhead space. Doesn't hurt to check with the agent, too. If they do clear the upgrade, they should come down to get you your new seat but people have reported that as hit and miss.
#4
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: YYZ
Programs: MR Plat
Posts: 383
#5
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: Altitude E50
Posts: 109
E50 here, too. I've had great success getting rid of all my eup credits on TATL flights by being flexible with routing and flying through places like YEG or YUL, instead of YVR/YYC/YYZ. In contrast, long domestic flights have been hit/miss for me.
#6
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: Altitude E50
Posts: 109
#7
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: United Silver, Bonvoy Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 378
I definitely have found it harder to clear this Jan/Feb. 0/5 as an E50 my last flights to/from YVR (mostly transborder). Heck, my last flight last week YYC to YVR on a A320 didn't clear! I asked the GA who said only one person was upgraded at the gate on the flight.
#10
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYC
Posts: 4,035
+1. Chatting with some YVR agents last week and they mentioned that 156 has essentially become a SE-only upgrade route now that its a 777. Seems a flat bed for a red-eye is popular.
#11
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 87
E-upgrades - what am I doing wrong?
I got upgraded on AC 156 last week even as a humble E35k. I even got the upgrade in the lounge instead of waiting until the gate. Didn't realise it was a flat bed until I got on the plane. Must have been lucky!
#12
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: YEG
Programs: AC: Ac*A, , Nexus: Expired
Posts: 1,489
Probably depends on the day of week too. Monday or Friday - good luck!
#14
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: YEG
Programs: AC: Ac*A, , Nexus: Expired
Posts: 1,489
You probably have just been a little unlucky. I was E35, E50 ad E75 all last year and didnt have too much trouble with Eups when I wanted them.