Can I be bumped from the AC lounge?
 

From what I've been reading, it pays to volunteer to be bumped. Better chance at op upgrades and those lovely vouchers.

I always pictured myself volunteering (haven't done it yet) at the gate. So, my chance is coming up to, at least, volunteer - don't know that I have the best chance for being bumped. Does anyone know if the gate is where it must be done or can it be done from the check-in counter, or the AC lounge?

And, uh, what about saying something on the phone, just after getting ticketed? Does AA frown on those who actually want to get bumped?

And, uh, what about saying something on the phone, just after getting ticketed? Does AA frown on those who actually want to get bumped?[/B][/QUOTE]

There's really nothing a phone rep can do. You would not really know until after passengers have checked in. Let the gate agent know you're interested.

If I am interested in the possibility of getting bumped I'll ask the staff at the AC about the loads and if it looks oversold I'll go early and let the gate agent know that I'm interested. They usually start a list of "volunteers" if it might be needed. I don't think the AC can do this.

And, uh, what about saying something on the phone, just after getting ticketed? Does AA frown on those who actually want to get bumped?
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Originally posted by AnotherAAgent:
There's really nothing a phone rep can do. You would not really know until after passengers have checked in. Let the gate agent know you're interested.
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Thanks for the info. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I thought I had read that people were being called on the phone ahead of time for op ugrades. I thought a word in advance would increase these odds.

I have never seen anyone bumped from the AC. However, I am sure there are situations where it may happen.

If you are bumped for rude behavior, drunken behavior, etc.., you are not entitled to "Denied AC Admission" compensation. Instead, they will revoke your membership without a refund.

However, if the AC is full, and you let them know you will be willing to hang in the Platinum Service Center until such time as they (a) determine you will be able to get a seat in the AC or (b) they determine there are not enough seats and you will have to mingle with the commoners, you may be entitled to "Denied AC Compensation" which may include the following compensation: (a) preferred seating in the boarding area; (b) extra security screening (to help you pass the time) or (c) if you arel lucky, a note in your record to give you extra water and peanuts (or snack mix) in-flight.

--Jim

<G> http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I am pretty sure that any agent at the AC or ticket counter can put you on the volunteer list, just like the standby upgrade list, but the gate controls the actual decision process, which tends to occur at about 10 mins or less before departure, so you sort of need to be at the gate anyway, in case you have to board the flight.

The standby list, upgrade list and oversold list are one and the same. It's called the 'Priority list' and either the ticket counter, Admirals Club or gate agent can list you. Mention that 'if you need volunteers today, I'm happy to help if required.'

If the flight requires volunteers, the seats for passengers tagged as 'VOL' are released and passengers who are 'OS' (oversold) are accommodated. You need to be at the gate for the agents to process your transportation vouchers, rebooking, etc.

Lisa,

I am certain the AA system has email -- just have the AC email the gate that you are willing to be bumped and they can email the offer back -- you accept and then they can just send over the vouchers to you.

Well at least you could ask.

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TANSTAAFL - but if you work it right, FF miles comes pretty close.

Nope, no e-mail at AA at airport operations. Agents are not permitted to use e-mail, but all airport agents have access to every flight, systemwide, through Sabre. All the Admirals Club agent needs to do is list you as a VOL (volunteer) for the flight, if it's oversold. You'll still need to present yourself at least 10 minutes prior to departure at the gate, otherwise you'll be a no-show passenger. Then you risk your return or onward itinerary being cancelled automatically.

it may be just a coincidence, but the three times i've asked to join the list of volunteers for an oversold flight - while still at the admiral's club - they've never used me, once i've arrived at the gate. i've been much more successful when i've gone directly to the gate.

Kinda on topic and using this catchy thread title, does anyone know if the AA system uses AA FF status to "rank" its volunteers in the queue of volunteers? I'm guessing that there are too many variables for a "ranking" to work. Hence the need for "face time" at the gate.

You are added to the list in time order only. Your FF status is irrelevant.

If only there were any Platinum Service Centers left :=((

I have heard calls for volunteers for bumping at the AC in Rio de Janeiro. In Portuguese -- they never get around to English before being swamped. The last time they were offering $800 to be bumped from business to economy on GIG/MIA. That seems like a lousy deal to me, but there were more volunteers than necessary. I wasn't one of them!