75K/100K AA (SWU-Like) International Upgrades on a Very Limited Number of AA Routes
Apr 23, 2021, 2:52 pm
#106
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,301
2. I'm glad you're comfortable with an upgrade that isn't confirmed for you yet, I tend to land in the opposite camp. I've been a member of the AAdvantage program since 1982, so I'm glad we both have a lot of experience when it comes to elevating our travel experiences.
Safe travels!
Apr 23, 2021, 3:51 pm
#107
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Customer Care just called back (good timing as I'm just in from a 2 mile dog walk on the Benicia Marina). He said he spoke to the appropriate person within Alaska and they do confirm they are for use in either direction. I'll try AA again.
Apr 23, 2021, 4:28 pm
#108
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
LHR-LAX has cleared. Second agent expressed some surprise it had not cleared earlier as the documentation he looked at says "to/from" on the city list. Maybe the earlier agent was looking at a different document when she quoted me the one-way routes from the U.S as the only ones that qualified for an upgrade.
For those not aware, there have been stellar Ireland fares out there the last few days. SFO departures are as low as $350RT. I passed on a $375 BA trip SFO-LHR-DUB that I was hoping friends could join me for. They're just not ready to fly yet, unfortunately, even that far out. My booking via SEA going and LAX coming back priced at $423 for weekday travel. I try to hit Ireland every year as family comes from there.
My flight has now gone from C5 to C4.
Thank you to all those offering advice, and for Alaska Customer Care for responding so quickly. Think this is only the second or third time in the last 3.5 years I ended up there, as things tend to run pretty smoothly.
For those not aware, there have been stellar Ireland fares out there the last few days. SFO departures are as low as $350RT. I passed on a $375 BA trip SFO-LHR-DUB that I was hoping friends could join me for. They're just not ready to fly yet, unfortunately, even that far out. My booking via SEA going and LAX coming back priced at $423 for weekday travel. I try to hit Ireland every year as family comes from there.
My flight has now gone from C5 to C4.
Thank you to all those offering advice, and for Alaska Customer Care for responding so quickly. Think this is only the second or third time in the last 3.5 years I ended up there, as things tend to run pretty smoothly.
May 6, 2021, 10:12 pm
#109
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Seattle, WA USA/Punta del Este, UY
Programs: AS 75K, AA EXP, Hilton Gold
Posts: 919
As a 75K I asked about the possibility of an upgrade ORD-ATL on Monday. The agents had no idea of what I was talking about.
May 7, 2021, 8:12 am
#110
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,372
If talking about a complimentary elite upgrade, then you should have automatically been on the list.
May 7, 2021, 3:40 pm
#111
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100k
Posts: 75
Policy for and Processing of MVPG 75K Upgrades on AA
May 20, 2021, 11:17 pm
#112
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 184
Has anyone tried calling AS to request them to retroactively add the AA SWU to our accounts? I read upthread that it is an IT issue for elites that qualified in 2021, but I haven't seen any reports of success.
I guess I should try and report back...
I guess I should try and report back...
May 21, 2021, 2:05 am
#113
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,319
Once built, the on-going code granting process will allow post-qualifiers to be issued codes. There is no interim functionality to respond to one-off requests.
Be aware of the complexity involved in building this new, continuing benefit. Two airlines have to exchange dynamic data, and some AA data (codes) require at least one extra level of security for revenue protection.
Jun 18, 2021, 2:12 pm
#114
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Seattle
Posts: 339
I put an AA reservation on hold and successfully applied the 75k coach to business upgrades LAX-HND-LAX for flights in December. Called the AA number listed on the email and call was answered right away and the agent that answered asked if I was using an Alaska upgrade code before I even requested. Very painless.
Jun 19, 2021, 12:40 am
#115
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: MVP100K, A-list, Marriott/IHG Plat, CHP525 Ticket Plat, CHP Solo Carpool 100K, Costco EXP, Tinder 1K
Posts: 820
FYI. AA has completely removed SEA-PVG from their schedule. So now down to only 5 routes..
Jun 21, 2021, 10:00 am
#116
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,598
Quick question, can I book the AA SEA-LHR flight as a BA code-share then use the upgrade code? I would like to be able to credit the flights as BA flights instead of as AA flights.
Jun 21, 2021, 11:13 am
#117
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100k
Posts: 75
Careful with the codeshares
Jun 21, 2021, 1:00 pm
#118
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,301
Jun 21, 2021, 1:46 pm
#119
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100k
Posts: 75
To be specific, it can be the AA155 Code Share sold by BA - but it won't credit BA rates to MP. (Several others purchased the ticket from AS instead of AA and were able to apply the upgrades; I wish I had thought of that.)
Jun 21, 2021, 1:47 pm
#120
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,598
And thus AA unloads the second barrel to nix my idea. Thanks for the information.
I'm just trying to use the "Pseudo-SWUs" and maximize EQM to requalify for MVPG in 22. It's looking like I'll book the AA P fare, which appears to currently be the cheapest fare with 100% EQM, and use the upgrades. Not even sure if that's going to work. Last I checked on EF my October dates showed no C availability.