Domestic Upgrade with $ [money] Alone
Apr 3, 2012, 8:10 am
#31
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Then go to a system where you require stickers for EXPs, or co-pays for VIPs, or don't provide elites upgrades, or specify that they come after all paid upgrade offers. If they want to change the system - so be it - one of the reasons some mid-level elites like AA is because PLATs don't get free upgrades and there are thus more upgrades for those who are willing to pay for it. But a non-transparent system where an EXP thinks they are above a cash upgrade but aren't is the problem. I don't think that's currently the case on AA. But it is on UA and its not exactly helping them retain their elites.
Apr 3, 2012, 8:42 am
#32
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Then go to a system where you require stickers for EXPs, or co-pays for VIPs....But a non-transparent system where an EXP thinks they are above a cash upgrade but aren't is the problem. I don't think that's currently the case on AA. But it is on UA and its not exactly helping them retain their elites.
Apr 3, 2012, 9:00 am
#33
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I stand corrected. I was confusing that with earlier reports of the check-in coutner upgrades at international outstations. That said, a post on page 3 of the DEL thread does indicate that even AA said that this was a "special." An odd use of the word to say the least. And suspicious. But until we see more posts of this happening domestically and from international outstations that still exist, I remain more than merely skeptical about any changes the LBFU system.
Cheers.
Apr 3, 2012, 9:02 am
#34
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Could the previous LGA-ORD flight have canceled after OP's LFBU, thus dumping another flight's worth of EXP, PLT, and GLD passengers onto upgrade list?
Apr 3, 2012, 9:04 am
#35
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I see a day where people willing to cough up extra $$$ will take priority over status!! Airlines need $$$$ Its not fun to hear for me as an EXP but more and more flights are clearing at the gate and not at the 100 hour mark!
Apr 3, 2012, 9:08 am
#36
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Apr 3, 2012, 9:32 am
#37
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Bingo. UA and DL can do it because they are on top, but AA can't afford to pull stunts like this. The underdog needs an edge. I know there are plenty of EXPs who stick with AA because of its excellent elite treatment, but if AA is even thinking about taking that away, you can bet on a massive EXP switch to UA 1K for the far superior star alliance network. @:-)
Apr 3, 2012, 9:39 am
#38
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Apr 3, 2012, 9:45 am
#39
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But you do, out of LAX, or ORD, or NYC. If you are out of (or fly to) DFW or MIA, then you are stuck 
But that is still the point, choice of carrier. If all elite programs are becoming the same, the it's a no brainer to go to Star Alliance if for nothing but "a choice of carrier" and route.
But I still have faith in AA We will see...
But that is still the point, choice of carrier. If all elite programs are becoming the same, the it's a no brainer to go to Star Alliance if for nothing but "a choice of carrier" and route.But I still have faith in AA
We will see...
Apr 3, 2012, 9:56 am
#40
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Money talks.
Apr 3, 2012, 1:38 pm
#41
Join Date: Nov 2010
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I am based in DFW and fly AA pretty much exclusively, if I notice that the benefits degrade I will consider other options, especially when flying West as VA has a much better product than AA. If I can't reap the benefits as an AA elite, what's the point in flying them ??
--wes
Apr 3, 2012, 1:44 pm
#42
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That's very short sighted. If this becomes the norm, you can bet many elites will find other airlines, thus their revenue will go with them. These $90-$105 a seat upgrades will pail in comparison to a mass exodus of elites and their business travel budgets.
I am based in DFW and fly AA pretty much exclusively, if I notice that the benefits degrade I will consider other options, especially when flying West as VA has a much better product than AA. If I can't reap the benefits as an AA elite, what's the point in flying them ??
--wes
I am based in DFW and fly AA pretty much exclusively, if I notice that the benefits degrade I will consider other options, especially when flying West as VA has a much better product than AA. If I can't reap the benefits as an AA elite, what's the point in flying them ??
--wes
Apr 3, 2012, 1:57 pm
#43
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Maybe this is the McKinsey idiots testing their brilliant ideas.
Apr 3, 2012, 1:58 pm
#44
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...misunderstandings and neglect create more confusion in this world than trickery and malice. At any rate, the last two are certainly much less frequent.
- Goethe
- Goethe
Apr 3, 2012, 2:08 pm
#45
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I trust the OP's observations as well. I did not and have not questioned the OP's accuracy or veracity. Neverheless, the OP was not privy to the upgrade list in the (up to 24) hours between the time the neighbor checked in online and time when the OP observed the upgrade list at the gate. My point: there's a lot of information that we don't know.