Gold Guest Upgrade (GGU) Success or Gripes
Jan 3, 2019, 5:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,291
Gold Guest Upgrade (GGU) Success or Gripes
Since we ended the year with the GGU and U space challenge (and mixed opinions on whether there was a problem) - I thought I'd start a thread on GGU successes or gripes. Have you had an easy time using your GGU's in 2019? Where and when? How flexible did you have to be? Felt like it would be good to have a thread to discuss the relative ease (or not) of using GGU's.
For example, my first three trips of the year for work (PDX-HNL, PDX-CHS, PDX-DCA) have only had U space on the CHS-PDX leg where U2 was open and I snagged with companion fare and GGU's. Not shocked on the DCA flight, its an empty F but also I assume they protect space on this route. HNL was pretty booked up outbound, but return is half full.
For example, my first three trips of the year for work (PDX-HNL, PDX-CHS, PDX-DCA) have only had U space on the CHS-PDX leg where U2 was open and I snagged with companion fare and GGU's. Not shocked on the DCA flight, its an empty F but also I assume they protect space on this route. HNL was pretty booked up outbound, but return is half full.
Jan 3, 2019, 6:10 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
I have three trips booked so far for the first three months of 2019, all RT to HNL. They were booked towards the end of 2018 and there was U space available on all flights. One of the trips had U2 as it was booked with a companion. I used an instant upgrade fare for two legs of one trip (only M was available) and GGU’s for all of the rest.
Jan 3, 2019, 7:21 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I have three trips booked so far for the first three months of 2019, all RT to HNL. They were booked towards the end of 2018 and there was U space available on all flights. One of the trips had U2 as it was booked with a companion. I used an instant upgrade fare for two legs of one trip (only M was available) and GGU’s for all of the rest.
I'm not sure where I'll try to use my GGUs this year. My only AS travel booked so far is SFO-PDX... definitely won't be using them for that
Jan 3, 2019, 10:06 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: AS 100K, Marriott Titanium, Delta Gold, United Silver
Posts: 250
Just used several of my GGUs to book family for a trip to New Orleans. We’ve had trouble in the past finding U space on the SEA-MSY flights and this was just as difficult. They had incredibly flexible travel plans (anytime in the month of April), but it still took quite awhile to find a set of flights that would give them a trip longer than two full days, but less than 9 days and didn’t include overnighting in California. So - it’s possible to find space if you’re flexible, but would recommend snapping it up quickly when you find it
Jan 3, 2019, 10:53 pm
#5
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
"GGU's = benefit theater" was my comment
I'd like to retract that comment because more info below especially from Flying for Fun. I now presume the GGU's must have some value and I must not know how to best use them to get that value.
My apologies for any confusion my comment caused.
I'd like to retract that comment because more info below especially from Flying for Fun. I now presume the GGU's must have some value and I must not know how to best use them to get that value.
My apologies for any confusion my comment caused.
Last edited by PaperGlider; Jan 4, 2019 at 10:38 am Reason: Looks like I may be wrong.
Jan 4, 2019, 12:41 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
Not sure what you mean by that. To me, they are the biggest benefit by far to being Gold and why I strive for it every year. Change fee waivers are also great but the GGUs are number one for me. I use all of my own and as many others as I can get my hands on.
Jan 4, 2019, 2:04 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James
Jan 4, 2019, 9:10 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: PDX/HIO
Programs: AS MVPG; Hertz Pres; Tanquery Million Minier
Posts: 375
I used 4 to OGG and back in late Feb when I booked in August.
At the very end of Dec I was trying to find a way to use 4 expiring certs and ended up booking the SFO redeye to RDU and return via SEA. RDU-SEA did not have U space, but SEA-PDX did, so off to experflyer I go I guess.
At the very end of Dec I was trying to find a way to use 4 expiring certs and ended up booking the SFO redeye to RDU and return via SEA. RDU-SEA did not have U space, but SEA-PDX did, so off to experflyer I go I guess.
Jan 4, 2019, 9:54 am
#14
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
I just don't even consider using them until later in the year. The reason is because those flights that have the best opportunity to use GGUs are often the easiest flights to get a comp upgrade as a 75K. I don't want to waste them.
What I really WISH I could do, is to be able to waitlist a GGU, just as you can on United with RPUs. In that case you get higher priority. When I fly SEA-DFW with 60+ people on the waitlist, I would like to use the GGU to get me to the front of the list. It is very rare that U space opens up on that route in advance. The other problem of course is paying for the higher required fare class not knowing if you can clear. I think that whole minimum required fare class to use the "free" benefit is a sham since you are not refunded if you do not clear. It is also done with United and GPUs to a much worse extent.
What I really WISH I could do, is to be able to waitlist a GGU, just as you can on United with RPUs. In that case you get higher priority. When I fly SEA-DFW with 60+ people on the waitlist, I would like to use the GGU to get me to the front of the list. It is very rare that U space opens up on that route in advance. The other problem of course is paying for the higher required fare class not knowing if you can clear. I think that whole minimum required fare class to use the "free" benefit is a sham since you are not refunded if you do not clear. It is also done with United and GPUs to a much worse extent.
Jan 4, 2019, 10:39 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: AS 100K, Marriott Titanium, Delta Gold, United Silver
Posts: 250
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 be stuck in the back of the plane.