Why dont I get comp upgrades out of SFO as 75K
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,067
2 hours seems to be the final dump for the VX metal flights.
AS metal flights seem to release a lot more U ahead of time.
I've been on off-timed lightly loaded VX flights with the same scenario (make us sweat it out until the 2 hour mark, dump the cabin for upgrades, and fly with empties or non-revs up front since there are no or few other Elites).
In the end it looks like RM incompetence (or best case, unfamiliarity with the loads at given times). At the same time, as a SFO-based customer, if I'm going to pay for F, I'm going to pay for VX metal. So I can see the rationale in holding so much VX metal back.
AS metal flights seem to release a lot more U ahead of time.
I've been on off-timed lightly loaded VX flights with the same scenario (make us sweat it out until the 2 hour mark, dump the cabin for upgrades, and fly with empties or non-revs up front since there are no or few other Elites).
In the end it looks like RM incompetence (or best case, unfamiliarity with the loads at given times). At the same time, as a SFO-based customer, if I'm going to pay for F, I'm going to pay for VX metal. So I can see the rationale in holding so much VX metal back.
#17
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS, AA, BA, SQ
Posts: 164
There is a pretty well known glitch in Alaska's system where upgrades on pmVX metal clear, but only halfway. The person gets upgraded but not rechecked in. They end up on the "awaiting seats" list and usually have to be checked in again at the gate. Depending on route (sfo-sea) this may be what you are seeing as the problem is more likely to show up on elite heavy routes. That or late check ins that have higher fare class or agents clearing nonrevs first. Really the only way to know is booking full fare Y, checking in right at 24 hours, and seeing if anyone under you gets the upgrade.
#18
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
There is a pretty well known glitch in Alaska's system where upgrades on pmVX metal clear, but only halfway. The person gets upgraded but not rechecked in. They end up on the "awaiting seats" list and usually have to be checked in again at the gate. Depending on route (sfo-sea) this may be what you are seeing as the problem is more likely to show up on elite heavy routes. That or late check ins that have higher fare class or agents clearing nonrevs first. Really the only way to know is booking full fare Y, checking in right at 24 hours, and seeing if anyone under you gets the upgrade.
James