ARCHIVE: What is a SWU VIP eVIP SWUs? How does one work / long do they last? (Old)
#1
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ARCHIVE: What is a SWU VIP eVIP SWUs? How does one work / long do they last? (Old)
What exactly is a VIP? How do I use it and what can it be used for?
Before all the FT gods send an automated reply "DO A SEARCH" .. I did and typed in various combinations of "VIP", "AA VIP" "evip", but it has discussions, but no expalanations..
But on the AA EXP guide, this can be used on any flight around the world...right...so how do I exactly go about using it?
And how many miles do you think each VIP is worth?
(Oct 2012: As there have been two existing threads on this same topic, we'll close this one and refer everyone to this new thread with the updated mod note: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html Our apologies for any inconvenience - thanks! /AA Mod Team)
Link to aa.com page on Systemwide Upgrades (nee eVIP, VIP, VIPOW).
Link to aa.com Systemwide Upgrade FAQs
Systemwide Upgrade Terms and Conditions
Successful SWU use has been reported here on FT include EZE-MIA-JFK-LHR, NRT-LAX-DFW-LHR, etc. as long as the direction remains more or less the same, up to three flights in succession, one class of service. If one finds availability one can book the upgrade simultaneously with the booking itself or one can waitlist.
SWU priority is based on the usual suspect data - status, time of request.
N.B. Selling, purchasing or bartering for SWUs is against the AAdvantage TOS and may result in loss of upgrades, account suspension, etc. SWUs may be gifted unconditionally - the donor must contact AA with the passenger's PNR and information.
Before all the FT gods send an automated reply "DO A SEARCH" .. I did and typed in various combinations of "VIP", "AA VIP" "evip", but it has discussions, but no expalanations..
But on the AA EXP guide, this can be used on any flight around the world...right...so how do I exactly go about using it?
And how many miles do you think each VIP is worth?
==============MODERATOR NOTE==============
(Oct 2012: As there have been two existing threads on this same topic, we'll close this one and refer everyone to this new thread with the updated mod note: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html Our apologies for any inconvenience - thanks! /AA Mod Team)
Link to aa.com page on Systemwide Upgrades (nee eVIP, VIP, VIPOW).
Link to aa.com Systemwide Upgrade FAQs
Systemwide Upgrade Terms and Conditions
Code:
Upgrade entitles passenger to a one-way upgrade to the next class of service at no additional charge for travel on American Airlines or American Eagle to any destination served by either airline. This upgrade is subject to capacity controls and is limited to a single one-way ticket with a maximum of three segments. Reservations are subject to seat availability at the time of upgrade. Reservations may be made and tickets purchased from any authorized Travel Agency or American Airlines. Upgrade requests using systemwide upgrades cannot be made via AA.com at this time. Upgrades are valid only on scheduled flights marketed and operated by American Airlines, or American Eagle flights offering a First or Business Class cabin for travel. Not valid on codeshare flights. Open tickets may not be issued. Stopovers, joint and through fares are permitted if fare purchased allows. If, after ticketing, your ticket must be reissued, a change fee may apply based on your purchased fare. Any tax liability is the responsibility of the user. Upgrades are only valid on individual published-fare tickets. Upgrades are not applicable to AAdvantage travel awards; any free ticket; military or other government fares; opaque fares; infant tickets (including INF50 fares) or purchased extra seats. Travel must be completed by the expiration date. Unused upgrades will not be refunded, exchanged or transferred. Upgrades will be deducted from your account as soon as upgrade seating can be confirmed on one or more requested flight segments of your itinerary. It is the responsibility of the member to contact the AAdvantage department if a trip involving the use of a systemwide upgrade is canceled and reinstatement of the upgrade is required. Any itinerary changes to a confirmed upgrade are subject to seat availability for the new itinerary. AAdvantage mileage will accrue for the class of service on which your fare is based when you are ticketed, not for the class of service flown. Any voluntary refund of a ticket issued against the upgrade shall be in accordance with applicable fare rules for the fare purchased. Use of upgrades to any future American Airlines destination is subject to approval. Upgrades are void if sold for cash or other considerations. Members may designate another passenger to use their upgrades. Passengers may be requested to show identification at any time during travel.
- Coach to Business requires "C" class to be available
- Business to First requires "A" class to be available
N.B. Selling, purchasing or bartering for SWUs is against the AAdvantage TOS and may result in loss of upgrades, account suspension, etc. SWUs may be gifted unconditionally - the donor must contact AA with the passenger's PNR and information.
Last edited by JY1024; Oct 21, 2012 at 6:51 pm Reason: add moderator note
#2
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Originally Posted by anaggie
What exactly is a VIP? How do I use it and what can it be used for?
Before all the FT gods send an automated reply "DO A SEARCH" .. I did and typed in various combinations of "VIP", "AA VIP" "evip", but it has discussions, but no expalanations..
But on the AA EXP guide, this can be used on any flight around the world...right...so how do I exactly go about using it?
And how many miles do you think each VIP is worth?
Before all the FT gods send an automated reply "DO A SEARCH" .. I did and typed in various combinations of "VIP", "AA VIP" "evip", but it has discussions, but no expalanations..
But on the AA EXP guide, this can be used on any flight around the world...right...so how do I exactly go about using it?
And how many miles do you think each VIP is worth?
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
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eVIPs are one-way capacity-controlled upgrade certs, good for up to 3 segments. Not "around the world."
EXPs get 8 of them.
They are "worth" at least the 25k miles plus $250 co-pay you would have to pay if you used miles to upgrade cheap fares. Some destinations require even more miles (DEL).
EXPs get 8 of them.
They are "worth" at least the 25k miles plus $250 co-pay you would have to pay if you used miles to upgrade cheap fares. Some destinations require even more miles (DEL).
#4
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This will be a great item to add to the FAQ we are working on.
(I tried search too for an "easy" link but after pulling the max 500 threads and sifting through those, clicking the broken link on FewMiles site, AND trying to find the info in the sticky at the top of the forum, I gave up too... )
(I tried search too for an "easy" link but after pulling the max 500 threads and sifting through those, clicking the broken link on FewMiles site, AND trying to find the info in the sticky at the top of the forum, I gave up too... )
#5
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probably better just to use the 50,000mile upgrade for DEL roundtrip...if each VIP is worth 25,000 miles...or all 8 worth 25000miles...
#6
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Originally Posted by anaggie
so, many vips would be required to go t DEL? How many segments is that?
how many segments would it take for you to get to ORD? because ORD-DEL = 1 segment.
#7
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Originally Posted by andrzej
1 eVIP = up to 3 segments.
how many segments would it take for you to get to ORD? because ORD-DEL = 1 segment.
how many segments would it take for you to get to ORD? because ORD-DEL = 1 segment.
I would fly ELP-ORD in Econ and then fly ORD-DEL in biz....
so, I guess I need (my wife also) 2 to ORD-DEL and 2 for DEL-ORD...which amount to approx 100,000miles...right?
#8
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but I gues that having an evip is better than having to search for upgrades thru miles...correct?
#9
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Originally Posted by anaggie
I would fly ELP-ORD in Econ and then fly ORD-DEL in biz....
so, I guess I need (my wife also) 2 to ORD-DEL and 2 for DEL-ORD...which amount to approx 100,000miles...right?
so, I guess I need (my wife also) 2 to ORD-DEL and 2 for DEL-ORD...which amount to approx 100,000miles...right?
http://www.aa.com/apps/AAdvantage/Vi...artnersContent
As I indicated in my prior post, India (DEL) is more miles each way. A one-way upgrade to DEL is 40k miles plus $250 cash.
#10
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Originally Posted by anaggie
but I gues that having an evip is better than having to search for upgrades thru miles...correct?
#11
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Originally Posted by anaggie
I would fly ELP-ORD in Econ and then fly ORD-DEL in biz....
so, I guess I need (my wife also) 2 to ORD-DEL and 2 for DEL-ORD...which amount to approx 100,000miles...right?
so, I guess I need (my wife also) 2 to ORD-DEL and 2 for DEL-ORD...which amount to approx 100,000miles...right?
#12
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Originally Posted by stx00820
No, look at andrzej's 1st post right after your OP.
I'm truly impressed.....
You have to be one of the VERY few that got it right, and that includes some old timers around here that still butcher it on occasion...
thanks! ^
#13
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Originally Posted by andrzej
I'm truly impressed.....
You have to be one of the VERY few that got it right, and that includes some old timers around here that still butcher it on occasion...
thanks! ^
You have to be one of the VERY few that got it right, and that includes some old timers around here that still butcher it on occasion...
thanks! ^
E
#14
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Originally Posted by techgirl
If you were on the same ticket, each of you could update ELP-ORD-DEL for one VIP one-way so you would actually fly ELP-ORD in first and ORD-DEL in business.
So basically, all I need are 2 VIP's on the way for ELP-ORD-DEL and 2 on the way back...are these transferrable...in other words for immediate family members?
#15
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VIPs are transferable to anyone. Let's say I have VIPs that I don't plan to use. I can transfer them to the itinerary of anyone I chose. I call AA, give them the PNR of the trip I want to upgrade, and the agent does so (or waitlists it, if the upgrade space isn't immediately available). The agent does not care what my relationship might be to the person I am upgrading.