Waitlisted for Upgrade w/ Companion, but only MVP
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: Virgin America Elevate Silver
Posts: 7
Waitlisted for Upgrade w/ Companion, but only MVP
I'm a previous VX Silver, now moving most of my flying to Alaska and trying to get a better handle on how the upgrades work. I'm MVP (regular, not gold or 75)
I've got a flight to Anchorage in a few months with my wife (no status), and we booked a regular paid ticket (though using the companion discount). Looking at my flight reservation now (it's more than 2 months out), below each of the flights in the reservation, it says "First Class Waitlisted". This also appears in the mobile app ("Waitlisted for First Class"), and it appears for both of us. My understanding is that just being MVP my companion isn't eligible for upgrades, and that I wouldn't be upgraded if my ticket was booked with another person who wasn't eligible. Any idea why it's listing us both as waitlisted? Thx!
I've got a flight to Anchorage in a few months with my wife (no status), and we booked a regular paid ticket (though using the companion discount). Looking at my flight reservation now (it's more than 2 months out), below each of the flights in the reservation, it says "First Class Waitlisted". This also appears in the mobile app ("Waitlisted for First Class"), and it appears for both of us. My understanding is that just being MVP my companion isn't eligible for upgrades, and that I wouldn't be upgraded if my ticket was booked with another person who wasn't eligible. Any idea why it's listing us both as waitlisted? Thx!
#3
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 608
I also checked my trips and noticed that I've already been upgraded to premium class on a flight I have two weeks from now (no companion). Still shows waitlisted for first class on that. I don't know what's up, but I like it.
#5
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: ENA
Programs: AS - MVP Gold, Bonvoy - Silver, Star Citizen - Concierge
Posts: 102
Mine did the exact thing in March going to Costa Rica and back. The only flight I got upgraded on is after I missed my connection in LAX (due to AS(well actually due someone that thought it was a good idea to use the bathroom during taxi in SJO)) so I speculate the premium class upgrade was pushed through for a consolation prize.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,721
Yep...I've had quite a few MVP companion upgrades in the past year or so on the following routes: PDX-ONT, SEA-FAT, DEN-SEA, SEA-PDX.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
I think that is a nice gesture on AS' part. I would rather see that than 2 F seats go out empty. The differntial here is that you are not able to purchase an eligible fare for an immediate upgrade if you have a companion on the same PNR as an MVP.
James
#11
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SAN
Programs: AS MVPG100K, UA Gold, IHG Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National Exec
Posts: 320
Were there F upgrades available for purchase at OLCI? When were you upgraded?
I think that is a nice gesture on AS' part. I would rather see that than 2 F seats go out empty. The differntial here is that you are not able to purchase an eligible fare for an immediate upgrade if you have a companion on the same PNR as an MVP.
James
I think that is a nice gesture on AS' part. I would rather see that than 2 F seats go out empty. The differntial here is that you are not able to purchase an eligible fare for an immediate upgrade if you have a companion on the same PNR as an MVP.
James
We had been upgraded to PC at T-48 and were completely content with that, but while on the way to the airport at around T-2, I was notified of the upgrade to F. F upgrades were not available for purchase at OLCI. The only empty seat on the flight was 1C.
Last edited by wolfpacktrojan; Jul 16, 2018 at 12:46 am Reason: Spelling
#12
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Hi James,
We had been upgraded to PC at T-48 and were completely content with that, but while on the way to the airport at around T-2, I was notified of the upgrade to F. F upgrades were not available for purchase at OLCI. The only empty seat on the flight was 1C.
For transcons, Hawaii & Costa Rica I like to purchase eligible fares for immediate upgrades and use a Companion certificate for my so! It is worth a little extra to know with certainty you will be in F. For shorter flights I am happy in Y. As MVPG75K you can select any seat, exit or Premium without fee during the booking process.
The lightest flight I have ever been on was PDX-LAS where the grand total of Y pax was! Stick out your hand and count with me. One, two, three, four, FIVE. Yip pretty light! lol.
James
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,721
#14
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SAN
Programs: AS MVPG100K, UA Gold, IHG Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National Exec
Posts: 320
Excellent! I have been on flights with empty F seats before; once with 7 empty. Rare but nice to know AS appreciates their Elites at all Tiers. I have been in SEA C concourse before where three GA's for three different flights were making announcements offering paid upgrades to F.
For transcons, Hawaii & Costa Rica I like to purchase eligible fares for immediate upgrades and use a Companion certificate for my so! It is worth a little extra to know with certainty you will be in F. For shorter flights I am happy in Y. As MVPG75K you can select any seat, exit or Premium without fee during the booking process.
The lightest flight I have ever been on was PDX-LAS where the grand total of Y pax was! Stick out your hand and count with me. One, two, three, four, FIVE. Yip pretty light! lol.
James
For transcons, Hawaii & Costa Rica I like to purchase eligible fares for immediate upgrades and use a Companion certificate for my so! It is worth a little extra to know with certainty you will be in F. For shorter flights I am happy in Y. As MVPG75K you can select any seat, exit or Premium without fee during the booking process.
The lightest flight I have ever been on was PDX-LAS where the grand total of Y pax was! Stick out your hand and count with me. One, two, three, four, FIVE. Yip pretty light! lol.
James