I still think it is a stetch, perhaps a crutch. Either the upgrade processor is broken or the algorithm that releases U space is broken, or both. Reports here are that agents are saying they cannot intervene. Having positive U space, intuitively suggests availability. If the upgrade processor has been instructed to not process upgrades released by revenue management to make them "not available for upgrades" but still allow gaming on the inventory, there are systemic issues. If the inventory is not U availability, then no method of upgrading should persist. If it has become "conditional" upgrading then it doesn't appear to be in "good faith" and contrary to how AS describes their methodology for complimentary upgrades.

The upgrade processor has been glitchy as long as I have been flying Alaska. Now that we throw in AA Elites and Elites flying on a Saver fare at T-2, the whole process gets pretty messy.

I will leave you with this thought. In order to apply an AA SWU issued as an AS 75K(1) & 100K(2) benefit, there must be C upgrade space availability to receive the upgrade, if there isn't, you can waitlist the instrument. You check EF and see that there is positive inventory of C3 on your desired flight.

You purchase the ticket and call in to apply the SWU. The agent says there is no upgrade availability. But, I see there are 3 upgrades available. Yes, indeed, there are 3 upgrades in inventory but they are not available for upgrades. Huh!

James

I’d speculate the “logic” there is that upgrade inventory *available to partners” is a subset of “upgrade inventory” regardless of the source of the upgrade instrument

Strangest thing just occurred. Purchased a single seat for spouse (class T) about 3 months ago for a trip in 4 weeks. Spouse is MVPG, just upgraded to FC. I’m 100K and bought the same ticket for myself and kid (class O) who is MVPG immediately after purchasing spouse. There remains 5 FC seats open. I know, I know there was 1 upgrade seat available so it jumped passed the 100K with two, but how did an MVPG get upgraded 4 weeks out?

What was the fare class of spouses’ ticket? If it was a qualifying fare, it would have resulted in an immediate upgrade.

Spouse was class T. My and kid was class O

Not exactly sure what thread it was in but I seem to recall mention of elites getting upgraded weeks or even months in advance on fares that were not eligible for immediate upgrades...seemed to be a temporary glitch at the time.

Just a positive data point: My flight tomorrow had 5 seats in FC open. At T-22.5 the processor seems to have run and taken the top two off the waitlist (myself and I assume another solo 100k traveler who was above me in the waitlist). No EF U space notification and a quick saved query run didn't show any U.

things seem to have straightened up for this week. I was processed and cleared for my flight today last Friday. My flights for this Wednesday and Friday have already cleared as well

U dropped on my flight this weekend at T-4. Upgrade processor did not run but I was able to secure seats for my party. I had an EF alert set just out of curiosity but it never triggered.

I do find it amusing when a few folks chime in with reports of things being "back to normal" and then U space opens up right on schedule a few hours before departure for those folks who are lucky enough to NOT be traveling on an award ticket and able to re-check in to grab the U space....if you are an MVP, this is realistically your best chance at an upgrade.

I wish there was a pattern to discern. But my MVP spouse is winning at this game thus far.

Find by chance then?

It's getting pretty predictable...start checking around T-4... despite all the chatter about it here in FT, I don't think there are a large number of elites that know or even care about this last minute upgrade trick so your chances are good. Do note that we've established that the system will try to charge you if you're on an award ticket --this only works for revenue tickets.

Well same flight which is now T-3 is sitting with U2 and a 9 person waitlist.

Right on schedule!