Thanks American, your upgrade "enhancement" has destroyed EXP for me!
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: AA EXP/Marriott Plat/Hertz PC
Posts: 12,724
Thanks American, your upgrade "enhancement" has destroyed EXP for me!
Well, the new policy has been in place for a little while now and it's costing me. I'm missing domestic upgrades right and left.
The change looks like it's a big win for EXPs, but it's a big lose for people who don't buy tickets very far in advance. I guess I can look forward to being behind EXPs who buy tickets months in advance *every single time* I fly now.
The 24 hour check in rule at least allowed people to do something under their own initiative; they could compete for upgrades at the time window. It was a level playing field. But now, it's all about how far in advance you plan your travel.
Some business travelers have dynamic schedules. They are the big losers under this "enhancement."
Way to go, AA.
The change looks like it's a big win for EXPs, but it's a big lose for people who don't buy tickets very far in advance. I guess I can look forward to being behind EXPs who buy tickets months in advance *every single time* I fly now.
The 24 hour check in rule at least allowed people to do something under their own initiative; they could compete for upgrades at the time window. It was a level playing field. But now, it's all about how far in advance you plan your travel.
Some business travelers have dynamic schedules. They are the big losers under this "enhancement."
Way to go, AA.
#2
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: IST/DFW/GRU
Programs: AA EXP 0.8MM, Skyward, SPG Gold
Posts: 171
I'm 3/4 on the new system.
If you don't mind me asking, what is your score card on upgrades since the implementation of the system? I'm platinum and I've got 3 out of 4 upgrades since beginning of march and 2 of those I requested at the gate... I don't think it's going bad at all.
Last edited by IST_flyer; Mar 9, 2008 at 8:02 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Dallas
Programs: AA LTPLT UA1P Hilton Dia Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,182
I am 2/2 since the roll out. My tickets are bought 12-24 hours out. To early for me to say.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Whirledtraveler - Congrats on post #10,000.
I too am curious as to which routes didn't clear and just how far in advance you booked them.
On March 6, I booked a netsaver for SFO-HNL (where i am now) March 8 - March 10, I put the reservation on hold, check the boxes for upgrades and both requests cleared immediately. I had never had this happen before.
I too am curious as to which routes didn't clear and just how far in advance you booked them.
On March 6, I booked a netsaver for SFO-HNL (where i am now) March 8 - March 10, I put the reservation on hold, check the boxes for upgrades and both requests cleared immediately. I had never had this happen before.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,308
Does this mean the OP will stop posting in OMNI asking people to post in other fora on his behalf?
#6
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: (insert city name here) hotel
Programs: AA - ExPlat 1MM Marriott - Platinum, Hertz - Presidents Circle
Posts: 483
The new process will be interesting to see how it all works as my schedule is very dynamic too at times with many last minute bookings. Not sure I'm liking the new process yet either, but I'll give in a few more weeks before I pass judgment.
Side note: As I sit here and think about this, spring break is starting and upgrades were a mess about the same time last year so who knows.
Last edited by purpleskiesfly; Mar 9, 2008 at 8:14 am
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, AA 1MM LT GLD, SPG PLAT, National Exec Selc, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 8,278
Cleared RDU-ORD-MTJ yesterday as a PLAT. The ORD-MTJ was put in two months ago but the RDU-ORD was put in only a few weeks ago.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: AA PLAT, HH DIAMOND, SOUTHWEST RR, HERTZ
Posts: 206
So let's see if EXP's - your equivalent status - request an upgrade before you, then you should have available a tool that allows you to jump them in line for the upgrade anyway. Please.
If the First class seat is that important to you, then buy it.
System seems more fair to me.
jdburns11
If the First class seat is that important to you, then buy it.
System seems more fair to me.
jdburns11
#9
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,206
"OWWWCH"-E.T. (1982)
Thank god, I, having no kids and being oblivious to spring break, inadvertantly and luckily, scheduled myself at home from 2/29 through 3/17.
Mrs Dallas49er is crossing off days on the calendar up to the 17th. =me =her.
On topic. Perhaps, is it possible it is an enhancement that was made with all the best of intentions of improving the EXP experience, but not thought out all the way through?
By the way I am not an AA apologist. Just see the threads on PDB!
#10
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Canada
Programs: AA EXP-2MM, AC
Posts: 314
Perhaps from your perspective it was a level playing field. Flying internationally, I could not check-in ahead of time and therefore it was far from level for me and others in a similar position.
#11
Join Date: Nov 2001
Programs: AA PLT 2MM, UA Silver, HHonors Gold, Marriott Titanium, IHG Platinum
Posts: 232
agreed - this enhancement has destroyed EXP for me too!
I agree that this change has not been better for my situation. I have to book my tickets relatively last minute - sometimes 1-2 days before, sometimes 4-5 days before. I am definitely at the bottom of all EXPs on elite-heavy routes like BOS-DFW, DFW-LGA. At least with 24 hour checkin, I had a fighting chance (also, I connect from IAH or AUS), so i have a better chance as a thru-passenger. Now, I see at least 6-7 EXPs ahead of me every time.
I'm like 0/4 since the changes took effect, whereas before, I had like 75-85% upgrades clear. There's slightly less incentive for me to fly AA now, as I can pay the same or slightly higher amount to fly nonstop on another carrier somewhere since one of the differentiators for me to fly AA and connect at DFW and stay loyal to AA was to have a chance at getting upgraded (of course, there are other considerations too like AAdvantage ). A little frustrating, but maybe I'll get assigned to a city where it's not so elite heavy, or I get finalized travel plans so I can book way in advance, or I get to travel on non-heavy travel days from Thurs/Fridays. Thurs/Fri and Sundays/Mondays could have been contributing to my low rate, since those are the busiest travel days..
To be fair, I am sure there are arguments/considerations for other perspectives to base the upgrade requests on, like basing on fare basis (I think this would be the most fair), check in time, time of booking/request date, etc., so it'll probably be impossible to satisfy an entire group. There will always be folks that aren't happy with what is implemented especially if it puts them at a disadvantage.
Admittedly, I am a little disappointed because the system doesn't favor my scenarios/situation. And, looking back at my heading of my post, I probably should reword it at little. I guess I should give some more time to see how this new process plays out. It hasn't totally destroyed EXP, since I still have VIPs, the EXP AAngels, first class lounge access internationally, decent reward availability and waived fees for rewards, etc. so probably safer to say that it has "reduced" my perceived value. The good thing is that EXP still has its perks value - so I guess I should give it some more time to judge.
I'm like 0/4 since the changes took effect, whereas before, I had like 75-85% upgrades clear. There's slightly less incentive for me to fly AA now, as I can pay the same or slightly higher amount to fly nonstop on another carrier somewhere since one of the differentiators for me to fly AA and connect at DFW and stay loyal to AA was to have a chance at getting upgraded (of course, there are other considerations too like AAdvantage ). A little frustrating, but maybe I'll get assigned to a city where it's not so elite heavy, or I get finalized travel plans so I can book way in advance, or I get to travel on non-heavy travel days from Thurs/Fridays. Thurs/Fri and Sundays/Mondays could have been contributing to my low rate, since those are the busiest travel days..
To be fair, I am sure there are arguments/considerations for other perspectives to base the upgrade requests on, like basing on fare basis (I think this would be the most fair), check in time, time of booking/request date, etc., so it'll probably be impossible to satisfy an entire group. There will always be folks that aren't happy with what is implemented especially if it puts them at a disadvantage.
Admittedly, I am a little disappointed because the system doesn't favor my scenarios/situation. And, looking back at my heading of my post, I probably should reword it at little. I guess I should give some more time to see how this new process plays out. It hasn't totally destroyed EXP, since I still have VIPs, the EXP AAngels, first class lounge access internationally, decent reward availability and waived fees for rewards, etc. so probably safer to say that it has "reduced" my perceived value. The good thing is that EXP still has its perks value - so I guess I should give it some more time to judge.
Last edited by HankAAFlyer; Mar 9, 2008 at 9:20 am
#12
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: SAT
Programs: AA EXP BA Gold, TK Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, AS 100K, QR PLT, SAS Gold, IHG Spire, AMR
Posts: 5,898
How about being grateful for having been able to get upgrades you normally wouldn't have gotten otherwise for so long?
#13
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
It looks like there will always be some who will complain when the playing field no longer tilts in their favored direction. I suspect fewer EXPs will be gored by blitzkrieg upgraders of all Elite persuasions using the 24 hour check-in (and maybe the 4 hour "push" if it no longer works,) and the new system will be better for more and worse for fewer. Just an opinion, but...
And, perhaps the OP has modified his religious beliefs, or has e-mailed admin to request his post count be reset (yes, it can be done, whirledtraveler.)
And, perhaps the OP has modified his religious beliefs, or has e-mailed admin to request his post count be reset (yes, it can be done, whirledtraveler.)
Last edited by JDiver; Mar 9, 2008 at 9:31 am Reason: kirrect spilleng
#14
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 574
I like the new system better
No getting up to check in at 24 hours, no frantic button pushing to take advantage of the phone loophole. Last minute travel is generally so expensive that a YUP is available for not much more. Doesn't this really affect the scramble for the last few FC seats anyway? If an upgrade cleared before the airport list was created, there is no change.
#15
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SFO/OAK
Programs: AA EXP 3.4MM, BAEC, UAMP, Skyteam (<10k) HH Gold, IHG Plat, Hertz Gold, GE/TSA TT
Posts: 2,723
I prefer the new system.
No getting up to check in at 24 hours, no frantic button pushing to take advantage of the phone loophole. Last minute travel is generally so expensive that a YUP is available for not much more. Doesn't this really affect the scramble for the last few FC seats anyway? If an upgrade cleared before the airport list was created, there is no change.
No getting up to check in at 24 hours, no frantic button pushing to take advantage of the phone loophole. Last minute travel is generally so expensive that a YUP is available for not much more. Doesn't this really affect the scramble for the last few FC seats anyway? If an upgrade cleared before the airport list was created, there is no change.
So... if the new system is supposed to be straight forward and fair, then C upgrades should ALWAYs have higher priority than X or R, regardless of status... but wait! On an outbound leg, if your international segment has not cleared before the departure of the first, earlier domestic segment, you don't have a C upgrade yet, therefore what is your upgrade priority on the first segment??