Checking-in Online Vs At Airport (Regarding Upgrades)
Nov 22, 2012, 8:56 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Plat, Hyatt Platinum, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 286
Checking-in Online Vs At Airport (Regarding Upgrades)
Should I check in online now for my 6AM flight tomorrow for best chances of getting my upgrade cleared? Or does my online check-in/requesting airport standby have no effect in comparison to just doing it at the airport?
Found some threads on this but the answer wasn't clear.
Found some threads on this but the answer wasn't clear.
Nov 22, 2012, 8:59 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: AA CK/MM, Centurion
Posts: 338
As I understand it, the earlier you check in online, the higher up the list you go on the airport standby list.
Nov 22, 2012, 9:31 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
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This is absolutely incorrect for 500-mile upgrades. Your place on the upgrade list depends on when you originally request the upgrade, not time of check-in. It has been this way several years now.
Nov 22, 2012, 9:47 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Southern California/Los Angeles
Programs: Various
Posts: 2,778
Check in at least 4 hours before departure, but one key factor is to make sure you are added to the airport upgrade list when checking in on-line or with mobile app. The system will either ask or confirm this, so make sure you see that message. IMO better to check in as soon as you can, even though (as prev stated) it does not affect upgrade possibilities.
Presuming you are waiting for the 500 mile/electronic upgrade? Mileage based
or EVIP/SWU?
Presuming you are waiting for the 500 mile/electronic upgrade? Mileage based
or EVIP/SWU?
Nov 22, 2012, 9:59 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,049
For an eVIP check-in time is important, for 500 mile stickers it is original time of request so no rush to check-in.
Nov 22, 2012, 9:59 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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For eVIP and mileage+copay upgrades when originating overseas.....it's debatable. I have heard, and personally experienced, situations in which check-in time most certainly DID matter for last-minute eVIP clearing in day of departure.
Nov 22, 2012, 10:11 am
#7
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Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
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One thing I've found is that once you're checked in, you can;t change your seat again until you get to the airport. So if I have a pending upgrade, I usually check in as late as possible; if the upgrade clears, I want to be able to select my seat in F.
Last edited by swag; Nov 22, 2012 at 11:11 am
Nov 22, 2012, 10:12 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,049
For standby, yes. For e-upgrades, no.
For eVIP and mileage+copay upgrades when originating overseas.....it's debatable. I have heard, and personally experienced, situations in which check-in time most certainly DID matter for last-minute eVIP clearing in day of departure.
For eVIP and mileage+copay upgrades when originating overseas.....it's debatable. I have heard, and personally experienced, situations in which check-in time most certainly DID matter for last-minute eVIP clearing in day of departure.
http://www.travelingbetter.com/forum...9&postcount=20
Nov 23, 2012, 7:28 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Explorist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,259
If I check in 2 hours prior, and ensure I'm added to the airport list, is there a risk of missing the (e-upgrade sticker) upgrade, vs 4 hours prior?
One thing I've found is that once you're checked in, you can;t change your seat again until you get to the airport. So if I have a pending upgrade, I usually check in as late as possible; if the upgrade clears, I want to be able to select my seat in F.
One thing I've found is that once you're checked in, you can;t change your seat again until you get to the airport. So if I have a pending upgrade, I usually check in as late as possible; if the upgrade clears, I want to be able to select my seat in F.
Nov 23, 2012, 8:16 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: AA LT PLT; HH Diamond; AS 75K
Posts: 2,879
I think it is a bit clearer than 'debatable', and it is not just when originating overseas, it is for all international routes where stickers cannot be used:
http://www.travelingbetter.com/forum...hp?p=28579&=20
http://www.travelingbetter.com/forum...hp?p=28579&=20
Nov 23, 2012, 8:30 am
#11
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,049
Also to factor in is if it is a connection to international vs originating to international (connecting passengers have higher priority) and status. The post referenced would imply time of being placed on the airport upgrade list would be the only consideration - which it is not.