Can I just buy an upgrade coupon?
Jan 10, 2014, 7:26 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Deptford, UK.
Programs: BD Gold (yes forever), BA Silver, Hilton Gold.
Posts: 547
Can I just buy an upgrade coupon?
My girlfriend and I have a return MAD-MIA-SJO flight coming up at the end of January. We are booked in discounted economy, it's O class. I have Gold BA status so have got MCE seats already booked. Is there any way of taking advantage of some of the AA upgrade coupons I can see for trade in the Coupon Connection part of FT?
If so, which ones are of use and how would I go about using them?
Would I need to set up an AA account, and if so would that mean I would have to put the miles earned in it and lose my MCE seats?
I have know idea how much such a thing should be worth, and I probably can't afford it anyway, but I was curious how would work.
Thanks for any help you can give.
If so, which ones are of use and how would I go about using them?
Would I need to set up an AA account, and if so would that mean I would have to put the miles earned in it and lose my MCE seats?
I have know idea how much such a thing should be worth, and I probably can't afford it anyway, but I was curious how would work.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Jan 10, 2014, 7:31 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
What you're talking about are the Systemwide Upgrades (SWUs), formerly called eVIPs, VIP03s, VIPOWs, etc.
What are they worth? A one-way upgrade for your trip would be 25k miles plus $350, or 50k miles plus $700 for the both of you. Speaking of which - have you looked into the upgrade for miles plus cash option?
What are they worth? A one-way upgrade for your trip would be 25k miles plus $350, or 50k miles plus $700 for the both of you. Speaking of which - have you looked into the upgrade for miles plus cash option?
Jan 10, 2014, 7:40 pm
#3
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,316
If expiring soon, $200 or less.
Jan 10, 2014, 7:59 pm
#4
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Buying, or even legally acquiring, a Systemwide Upgrade / SWU (it's not a coupon) will not guarantee anything unless the required upgrade class seats are available. You may want to read What's a Systemwide Upgrade SWU VIP eVIP SWUs, questions etc. (2012 on, consolidated) before you decide.
Jan 10, 2014, 9:10 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Deptford, UK.
Programs: BD Gold (yes forever), BA Silver, Hilton Gold.
Posts: 547
Thanks for the quick replies, now I know what they're called I will do some more research. Thanks for the help.
Jan 11, 2014, 6:59 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: DFW, SEA and AA in between
Programs: AA-3MM-ExPLT
Posts: 1,146
Also be aware that trading - ANYTHING of value exchanged - is against the T&C for the SWU. In order to protect the value of the product AA does actively police use.