Dec 7, 2012, 7:35 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Load Factor Based Upgrades (LFBU) and Day Of Departure Upgrades (DODU)
These generally relate to Non-elite, space-available, kiosk, online and counter upgrades which may be available close to departure if there is unused (after sales and pending upgrades) inventory once the flight has passed to airport control; these are available for payment (normally, credit card).
• On line check in offers may be made at the time of check-in, including with the AA app.
• Kiosk-based LFBUs may be offered at the Self-Service (Check-in) Machines ("kiosk") (and occasionally with online check-in) if there are seats available - as per the AA wording and the FAQ (see first post). One may be offered a LFBU on an award ticket.
• Counter Upgrades may be offered at the ticket counter or Admirals Club in the USA or at non-stateside locations on occasion, usually announced by a small sign visible to passengers checking in at the ticket counter or Club. They may be offered (or not) and may cost as much as $750 (or more) for a longhaul transocean flight.
As per other upgrades, one earns miles / points at the level of the originally purchased fare.
Older posts have been archived here.
These generally relate to Non-elite, space-available, kiosk, online and counter upgrades which may be available close to departure if there is unused (after sales and pending upgrades) inventory once the flight has passed to airport control; these are available for payment (normally, credit card).
• On line check in offers may be made at the time of check-in, including with the AA app.
• Kiosk-based LFBUs may be offered at the Self-Service (Check-in) Machines ("kiosk") (and occasionally with online check-in) if there are seats available - as per the AA wording and the FAQ (see first post). One may be offered a LFBU on an award ticket.
• Counter Upgrades may be offered at the ticket counter or Admirals Club in the USA or at non-stateside locations on occasion, usually announced by a small sign visible to passengers checking in at the ticket counter or Club. They may be offered (or not) and may cost as much as $750 (or more) for a longhaul transocean flight.
As per other upgrades, one earns miles / points at the level of the originally purchased fare.
Older posts have been archived here.
DOD / DODU (LFBU) Space-available, counter, kiosk, and online upgrade (master thd)
Feb 6, 2016, 2:20 pm
#106
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Feb 6, 2016, 3:34 pm
#107
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
I've never been offered one, at kiosk or check in. That is my own experience. Has something changed that I'm not aware off?
Feb 6, 2016, 3:48 pm
#108
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Does someone know for sure what the policy is. Just because one person has never been offered LFBU for an award tix may not mean it exists. It seems to me that $200 or so of additional revenue is better than a seat going out empty.
Feb 6, 2016, 3:53 pm
#109
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
Even when I asked at the gate, seeing that seats are available and no one on the upgrade list I've been told that no upgrades for award travel, even if I offered to pay. This was on ORD-CLT, prior US merger. Just my .02cents.
Feb 6, 2016, 4:11 pm
#110
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I have definitely been offered domestic LFBUs in the past on coach awards. Unless something has changed, if a LFBU is going to be offered the system doesn't discriminate between paid and award tickets.
Feb 6, 2016, 4:26 pm
#111
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
LFBU has been available to elites on award tickets. "Asking at the gate" is not a LFBU regardless, LFBU is only via kiosk or OLCI.
Yes, I do, as usual.
From the very day they were introduced, 10 years ago:
<removed circular link post merge>
Last edited by Microwave; Feb 8, 2016 at 6:48 am
Feb 6, 2016, 5:04 pm
#112
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP; Avis PC; Hertz PC; Marriott LT Gold; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,133
From the airlines can do what they want file: I have asked for and received at the gate/reservations desk check in sticker upgrades on coach award travel. Not often, but it can happen if you ask.
Feb 6, 2016, 6:33 pm
#113
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: Chivas, Tequila, Good Beer
Posts: 615
My award trip was a 24 hr trip for family reasons. I got no offer at the kiosk and the plane left with 8 open seats in FC. I checked in for tomorrow at the airport and the plane has 11 open FC seats. No offer to buy the UG.
Your mileage may vary but for me I went O for 2 on a quick 24 hr award trip.
Your mileage may vary but for me I went O for 2 on a quick 24 hr award trip.
Feb 6, 2016, 6:51 pm
#114
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
My award trip was a 24 hr trip for family reasons. I got no offer at the kiosk and the plane left with 8 open seats in FC. I checked in for tomorrow at the airport and the plane has 11 open FC seats. No offer to buy the UG.
Your mileage may vary but for me I went O for 2 on a quick 24 hr award trip.
Your mileage may vary but for me I went O for 2 on a quick 24 hr award trip.
^
Feb 7, 2016, 9:08 am
#116
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: PHL
Programs: Chivas, Tequila, Good Beer
Posts: 615
FWIW... I tried the kiosk this am and no offer. The gent next to me was headed for PHL also and the UG button was enabled so the system does work for non awards. The E 90 bus is leaving with 9 empty FC seats. It did not work for me on 2 flights with 8 and 9 empty FC seats this sat and sun Good news is I have row5 to myself.
AA was willing to up sell me 980 miles for $32 at checkin which is kind of weird for an award.
I'm sure they must have reasons but to not upsell a customer when you have a chance is tough on the bottom line.
thanks for all the replies.
AA was willing to up sell me 980 miles for $32 at checkin which is kind of weird for an award.
I'm sure they must have reasons but to not upsell a customer when you have a chance is tough on the bottom line.
thanks for all the replies.
Feb 8, 2016, 6:46 am
#117
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,765
Are LBFUS no longer offered? I'm in AA 1944 phl-msp, Plat Exec on Award. FC has only 4 seats in use. Probably 8 open. I asked at the club and gate to buy and was told they do not sell upgtades. Tried kiosks and said unable to upgrade. I have row 6 to myself and will be fine but I'm surprised the airline is not willing to get more of my money.
~Moderator
Feb 9, 2016, 5:37 pm
#120
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold
Posts: 6,913
Hi guys!
I hope this is the right thread to ask this question but if not I would be most grateful if you direct me to the correct thread.
I have to fly SFO-PHL soon and will only get reimbursement for (any) economy ticket. What is the best (read) cheapest way to buy a regular economy and still fly First (I believe there is no business class on this route as this is served by the former US aircrafts if I am not mistaken). Should I buy a fully flex economy ticket and pay the fare difference or are there cheaper ways to get this done. I do not need flexibility and just need an invoice that states economy for reimbursement. If this is too complicated or expensive I will certainly also survive in Economy.
Your input on this is very much appreciated.
Cheers,
totti
I hope this is the right thread to ask this question but if not I would be most grateful if you direct me to the correct thread.
I have to fly SFO-PHL soon and will only get reimbursement for (any) economy ticket. What is the best (read) cheapest way to buy a regular economy and still fly First (I believe there is no business class on this route as this is served by the former US aircrafts if I am not mistaken). Should I buy a fully flex economy ticket and pay the fare difference or are there cheaper ways to get this done. I do not need flexibility and just need an invoice that states economy for reimbursement. If this is too complicated or expensive I will certainly also survive in Economy.
Your input on this is very much appreciated.
Cheers,
totti