Gold Guest Upgrade (GGU) Success or Gripes
Jan 4, 2019, 10:40 am
#16
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SFO/SEA
Programs: Gold 75K
Posts: 218
There is absolutely zero U space SFO-PVR nonstop space on any date in either direction I tried in the first half of 2019. Those flights are the ex-Virgin planes with only 2 rows of F. Connecting flights typically had U space for one leg but not the other. If there are routes that are always excluded from U class availability, then I think that needs to be more transparent.
Jan 4, 2019, 10:42 am
#17
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: sometimes, strangely, I find myself at home
Programs: I need to do better in managing my affiliations. Oops, I overshot the runway for status next year.
Posts: 651
Thank you Finkface, your input has caused me to reconsider my view of the GGU's. My comment was intended to describe my view that the GGU's were not of real value to me. I'll try to learn how to use them. I have updated original post.
Jan 4, 2019, 10:53 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,292
I think there are routes where U space, at least early on, is never going to show up. Routes to DCA are one I never see space on personally. But I also usually travel for work with no flexibility on the day I am traveling.
Jan 4, 2019, 11:17 am
#21
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: SAN
Programs: AS MVPG100K, UA Gold, IHG Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, National Exec
Posts: 320
Just booked SAN-MCO last night on a companion fare and had no problems using GGUs to upgrade my companion and I in both directions. We'll be traveling in April, and there seemed to be a lot of U space across multiple days.
Jan 4, 2019, 11:35 am
#22
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
There is absolutely zero U space SFO-PVR nonstop space on any date in either direction I tried in the first half of 2019. Those flights are the ex-Virgin planes with only 2 rows of F. Connecting flights typically had U space for one leg but not the other. If there are routes that are always excluded from U class availability, then I think that needs to be more transparent.
Once 50% more seats are installed, this should change some I imagine. Of course, the experience will be different as well.
Jan 4, 2019, 11:43 am
#23
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
That’s why I use mine for no status or low status family memebers. As a 75k, my odds of upgrade are high enough that it doesn’t seem like I’m getting the best value out of the GGU. Even if I don’t get the upgrade, I usually have a nice premium class seat. Feels way better to move up someone who might otherwise bestuck in the back of the plane.
James
Jan 4, 2019, 11:53 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
How do you get so many GGUs? I understand that over time you can rack up a lot of credit cards so companion certs are basically unlimited if you're willing to pay an AF for each one. But GGUs seem to be a limited commodity... am I missing something?
Jan 4, 2019, 12:35 pm
#25
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: AS 100K, Marriott Titanium, Delta Gold, United Silver
Posts: 250
I used 4 GGUs for 2 family members traveling to DCA last Sept. That was the direct flight from PDX though. Not sure where you’re traveling from; would assume the SEA-DCA flights might have less U space since those flights are always packed
Jan 4, 2019, 12:52 pm
#27
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: AS 100K, Marriott Titanium, Delta Gold, United Silver
Posts: 250
March is tough because you start running into Spring Breaks and I’ve heard the DC area is popular for class trips around that time
Jan 4, 2019, 12:58 pm
#28
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Between BLI & PAE.
Programs: Nada of note these days….
Posts: 1,287
We were able to burn some soon to be expiring GGUs for an April trip to LIH from SEA. I find them a bit difficult to burn but over the years have become more adept at getting value from them. A big problem in past years was the rebooking of a flight when fares dropped. Less of that now with the elimination of the low fare guarantee. As a Gold I can still play the low fare game by cancelling and rebooking but if I do I still have to call in and reclaim the GGUs.
Last edited by JPat; Jan 4, 2019 at 1:02 pm Reason: Spelling
Jan 4, 2019, 1:00 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James
Jan 4, 2019, 2:50 pm
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I still don't get it. 8 GGUs each, per year, and each is only good for one person in one direction. So, you can both get upgraded on 4 rounds trips per year. It seems that you post about using a GGU about once per week or two.