Last edit by: JDiver
AA and US cross program and merged FFP upgrade questions
Upgrade peculiarities and anomalies through 16 Oct / prior to CSS / PSS merger
Please contribute summary information and links to key posts here in this wikipost!
Upgrade peculiarities and anomalies through 16 Oct / prior to CSS / PSS merger
Please contribute summary information and links to key posts here in this wikipost!
See Elite status benefits" on aa.com, in particular upgrade benefits on AA and US by status.
"Our combined loyalty program" on aa.com. In particular:
Upgrades
Now that we’ve combined loyalty programs, all complimentary upgrades on eligible flights will be auto-requested. However, elite upgrade policies will vary by airline until we combine reservation systems later in 2015 (17 October 2015).
Now that we’ve combined loyalty programs, all complimentary upgrades on eligible flights will be auto-requested. However, elite upgrade policies will vary by airline until we combine reservation systems later in 2015 (17 October 2015).
Learn more about elite upgrades
To make sure you’re eligible for elite upgrades, you should book flights that are marketed and operated by the same airline – either US Airways or American. If you’re booked on a codeshare flight, you’ll only be able to upgrade when you check in, and as always, upgrades are based on availability.
To summarize:
How to book flights marketed and operated by the same airline
Now that we’ve combined loyalty programs, all complimentary upgrades on eligible flights will be auto-requested. However, elite upgrade policies will vary by airline until we combine reservation systems later in 2015 (17 October 2015).
Now that we’ve combined loyalty programs, all complimentary upgrades on eligible flights will be auto-requested. However, elite upgrade policies will vary by airline until we combine reservation systems later in 2015 (17 October 2015).
Learn more about elite upgrades
To make sure you’re eligible for elite upgrades, you should book flights that are marketed and operated by the same airline – either US Airways or American. If you’re booked on a codeshare flight, you’ll only be able to upgrade when you check in, and as always, upgrades are based on availability.
To summarize:
- Purchase on AA.com or anywhere else + AA flight number + AA operated = OK
- Purchase on AA.com or anywhere else + AA flight number + US operated = Upgrade/waitlist at OLCI
- Purchase on AA.com or anywhere else + US flight number + US operated = OK
- Purchase on US.com or anywhere else + US flight number + US operated = OK
- Purchase on US.com or anywhere else + US flight number + AA operated = Upgrade/waitlist at OLCI
- Purchase on US.com + AA flight number + AA operated = Impossible, no AA-marketed flights sold on US.com
How to book flights marketed and operated by the same airline
See the Major Merger Updated >13 March thread for upgrades updates: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...dates-etc.html (full cross-airline upgrade compatibility will occur "later this year" when the SHARES PSS has been merged into Sabre. [/hl]Until then AA and US recommend not booking each other's codeshares with intent to upgrade.[/hl]
This is the merged, master thread about securing upgrades in the "merged AA but still operating as separate airlines" when flying with mixed ticketing, the "other" airline than the one with the flyer's frequent flyer program or status, etc. As it is a merged thread, there may be some thread discontinuity; we apologise for any difficulties.
The information below reflects the wiki in AA / US Reciprocal Elite Benefits [Master Thread]
Thanks to FT member ashill for valuable contributions to this wiki.
AA and US cross program and merged FFP upgrade questions (merged threads)
#796
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: STL
Posts: 9
Booked AA Flight thru US Airways - No Upgrade Option
I booked an AA flight (Philly to Dallas) through the US Airways website (cheaper), picked my seats but was not offered the opportunity to request upgrade using my 500 miles stickers.
Subsequent trips to both websites referred me back to the other when I try change seats. I called both desks, and they referred me back to each other. An AA agent told me at check in I would be prompted (somehow) to request upgrade.
I received an email from US Airways reminding me check in, redirected to AA for check-in, nothing about upgrade (this was at 24 hour mark). Called AA again, and the agent told me since it was a US Airways flight no dice n 500 mile stickers. I reminded me it was a AA flight for real, his response was - but marketed through US Airways. Told to check in with agent at airport.
So, is there any hope of getting on any upgrade list with a reasonable chance of clearing? I'm Gold on AA, and have enough stickers? Also, traveling with a non-status companion. I realize the upgrade list is dependent on other factors as well, just curious if I am even eligible at this point.
TIA
Subsequent trips to both websites referred me back to the other when I try change seats. I called both desks, and they referred me back to each other. An AA agent told me at check in I would be prompted (somehow) to request upgrade.
I received an email from US Airways reminding me check in, redirected to AA for check-in, nothing about upgrade (this was at 24 hour mark). Called AA again, and the agent told me since it was a US Airways flight no dice n 500 mile stickers. I reminded me it was a AA flight for real, his response was - but marketed through US Airways. Told to check in with agent at airport.
So, is there any hope of getting on any upgrade list with a reasonable chance of clearing? I'm Gold on AA, and have enough stickers? Also, traveling with a non-status companion. I realize the upgrade list is dependent on other factors as well, just curious if I am even eligible at this point.
TIA
#797
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AA EXP, AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,876
Op, are you seeing upgrade available right now? To be honest, I wouldn't count too much on an upgrade clearing for gold on this route anyway(of course it also depends a lot on the day and time of the flight)
#798
Join Date: May 2006
Location: STL
Programs: UA Platinum, AA Platinum Pro, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,429
I booked an AA flight (Philly to Dallas) through the US Airways website (cheaper), picked my seats but was not offered the opportunity to request upgrade using my 500 miles stickers.
Subsequent trips to both websites referred me back to the other when I try change seats. I called both desks, and they referred me back to each other. An AA agent told me at check in I would be prompted (somehow) to request upgrade.
I received an email from US Airways reminding me check in, redirected to AA for check-in, nothing about upgrade (this was at 24 hour mark). Called AA again, and the agent told me since it was a US Airways flight no dice n 500 mile stickers. I reminded me it was a AA flight for real, his response was - but marketed through US Airways. Told to check in with agent at airport.
So, is there any hope of getting on any upgrade list with a reasonable chance of clearing? I'm Gold on AA, and have enough stickers? Also, traveling with a non-status companion. I realize the upgrade list is dependent on other factors as well, just curious if I am even eligible at this point.
TIA
Subsequent trips to both websites referred me back to the other when I try change seats. I called both desks, and they referred me back to each other. An AA agent told me at check in I would be prompted (somehow) to request upgrade.
I received an email from US Airways reminding me check in, redirected to AA for check-in, nothing about upgrade (this was at 24 hour mark). Called AA again, and the agent told me since it was a US Airways flight no dice n 500 mile stickers. I reminded me it was a AA flight for real, his response was - but marketed through US Airways. Told to check in with agent at airport.
So, is there any hope of getting on any upgrade list with a reasonable chance of clearing? I'm Gold on AA, and have enough stickers? Also, traveling with a non-status companion. I realize the upgrade list is dependent on other factors as well, just curious if I am even eligible at this point.
TIA
Per AA.com:
◾During or after check-in on aa.com, use the Choose (Change) seats link to check for upgrades.
◾If you're not offered an upgrade, you'll be directed to the seat map where you can change your seat
This seems very similar to how US is, or how you can jump the upgrade list if a seat opens up. Though I'd imagine AA is pretty automated if they open up the inventory its going to go to the first person on the list.
Usually at this point, the list will go under airport control and you will have to try and have them manually add you to the list. But hub-to-hub, lower tier Elite and trying for a companion upgrade as well is probably not going to happen....not trying to be a downer but in situations like this I would try and find the best seats in Y and just not even sweat it....the process of trying to add yourself to the list becomes more hassle than its worth.
#799
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,548
The "prime" term is used by AA and US agents as well.
I was on a 001 ticket (sold by AA) for two US opereated flights and I was flying them as US flight numbers. (Hence 'prime'). They cleared about t-72. However I was at an AA loungue (in CLT) at exactly t-72 and an agent there handled it. I have zero confidence in flying US. Only a few more weeks...
The lack of clarity from agents, even EXP/CK agents, has been dissapointing.
#801
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
#802
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DAY
Programs: Marriott Platinum, HHonors Diamond, AA ExPLT
Posts: 116
I booked an AA flight (Philly to Dallas) through the US Airways website (cheaper), picked my seats but was not offered the opportunity to request upgrade using my 500 miles stickers.
Subsequent trips to both websites referred me back to the other when I try change seats. I called both desks, and they referred me back to each other. An AA agent told me at check in I would be prompted (somehow) to request upgrade.
I received an email from US Airways reminding me check in, redirected to AA for check-in, nothing about upgrade (this was at 24 hour mark). Called AA again, and the agent told me since it was a US Airways flight no dice n 500 mile stickers. I reminded me it was a AA flight for real, his response was - but marketed through US Airways. Told to check in with agent at airport.
So, is there any hope of getting on any upgrade list with a reasonable chance of clearing? I'm Gold on AA, and have enough stickers? Also, traveling with a non-status companion. I realize the upgrade list is dependent on other factors as well, just curious if I am even eligible at this point.
TIA
Subsequent trips to both websites referred me back to the other when I try change seats. I called both desks, and they referred me back to each other. An AA agent told me at check in I would be prompted (somehow) to request upgrade.
I received an email from US Airways reminding me check in, redirected to AA for check-in, nothing about upgrade (this was at 24 hour mark). Called AA again, and the agent told me since it was a US Airways flight no dice n 500 mile stickers. I reminded me it was a AA flight for real, his response was - but marketed through US Airways. Told to check in with agent at airport.
So, is there any hope of getting on any upgrade list with a reasonable chance of clearing? I'm Gold on AA, and have enough stickers? Also, traveling with a non-status companion. I realize the upgrade list is dependent on other factors as well, just curious if I am even eligible at this point.
TIA
1. Log in to US w/ my aadvantage info.
2. Log in to AA in another tab, so I'm logged in on both sites at the same time
3. Go to OLCI on AA, which then redirects me to US.
4. Now enter info for OLCI on US.
This method lets me request the upgrade. I have had trouble if I'm not logged in to both sites when I start. Don't try to OLCI until logged in to both.
Maybe it's different with stickers, but my sub 500 upgrade requests work this way. I get ridiculous answers from CSRs, having been told that I am just not eligible. Poppycock! Maybe this will work in reverse for you.
#803
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Jupiter, FL
Programs: AA Platinum, Hyatt Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 3
I am an AA Platinum. the 72 hour window is bizarre to me. I was a US Airways Gold. When the 3 day window hit you got a yes or no on the upgrade. With AA if you don't get it you hear nothing. Yet I am looking at all the way until almost 24 hours before departure there are still 5 seats to sell. Why are they waiting so long? Why not just clear the Platinum (or EP if they are waiting as well)? I know they want to hold seats to sell but having 5 open a day out (out of 16) seems ridiculous and making this waiting /guessing game a joke. Is this common? how often to they hold and hold until the last second? this is an AA ticket, no code share.
when I try to check in at the 24 hour mark - (gotta set an alarm like Southwest, this is stupid) then I am hoping they will allow me to be upgraded at check in. Why do they play these games? I could see it if there were 1 or 2, but 5?
when I try to check in at the 24 hour mark - (gotta set an alarm like Southwest, this is stupid) then I am hoping they will allow me to be upgraded at check in. Why do they play these games? I could see it if there were 1 or 2, but 5?
#804
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
I am an AA Platinum. the 72 hour window is bizarre to me. I was a US Airways Gold. When the 3 day window hit you got a yes or no on the upgrade. With AA if you don't get it you hear nothing. Yet I am looking at all the way until almost 24 hours before departure there are still 5 seats to sell. Why are they waiting so long? Why not just clear the Platinum (or EP if they are waiting as well)? I know they want to hold seats to sell but having 5 open a day out (out of 16) seems ridiculous and making this waiting /guessing game a joke. Is this common? how often to they hold and hold until the last second? this is an AA ticket, no code share.
when I try to check in at the 24 hour mark - (gotta set an alarm like Southwest, this is stupid) then I am hoping they will allow me to be upgraded at check in. Why do they play these games? I could see it if there were 1 or 2, but 5?
when I try to check in at the 24 hour mark - (gotta set an alarm like Southwest, this is stupid) then I am hoping they will allow me to be upgraded at check in. Why do they play these games? I could see it if there were 1 or 2, but 5?
#805
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
I am an AA Platinum. the 72 hour window is bizarre to me. I was a US Airways Gold. When the 3 day window hit you got a yes or no on the upgrade. With AA if you don't get it you hear nothing. Yet I am looking at all the way until almost 24 hours before departure there are still 5 seats to sell. Why are they waiting so long? Why not just clear the Platinum (or EP if they are waiting as well)? I know they want to hold seats to sell but having 5 open a day out (out of 16) seems ridiculous and making this waiting /guessing game a joke. Is this common? how often to they hold and hold until the last second? this is an AA ticket, no code share.
when I try to check in at the 24 hour mark - (gotta set an alarm like Southwest, this is stupid) then I am hoping they will allow me to be upgraded at check in. Why do they play these games? I could see it if there were 1 or 2, but 5?
when I try to check in at the 24 hour mark - (gotta set an alarm like Southwest, this is stupid) then I am hoping they will allow me to be upgraded at check in. Why do they play these games? I could see it if there were 1 or 2, but 5?
#806
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AA EXP, AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,876
I am an AA Platinum. the 72 hour window is bizarre to me. I was a US Airways Gold. When the 3 day window hit you got a yes or no on the upgrade. With AA if you don't get it you hear nothing. Yet I am looking at all the way until almost 24 hours before departure there are still 5 seats to sell. Why are they waiting so long? Why not just clear the Platinum (or EP if they are waiting as well)? I know they want to hold seats to sell but having 5 open a day out (out of 16) seems ridiculous and making this waiting /guessing game a joke. Is this common? how often to they hold and hold until the last second? this is an AA ticket, no code share.
when I try to check in at the 24 hour mark - (gotta set an alarm like Southwest, this is stupid) then I am hoping they will allow me to be upgraded at check in. Why do they play these games? I could see it if there were 1 or 2, but 5?
when I try to check in at the 24 hour mark - (gotta set an alarm like Southwest, this is stupid) then I am hoping they will allow me to be upgraded at check in. Why do they play these games? I could see it if there were 1 or 2, but 5?
I've also purchased 5 F seats 3days out before(sorry for those who requested an UG on that flight)
#807
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
#808
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: LA/NY/CHI
Programs: AA EXP, AS 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,876
Available seats for sale is not a good indicator how many seats are available for upgrade. They will offer more seats for sale hoping/expecting a few no shows. However, they will not upgrade someone unless the seat is actually open. Also seat maps are notoriously bad for trying to determining what's available as some may have a ticket buy have yet to get a seat assignment.
#809
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NYC/HKG
Programs: AA: EXP
Posts: 16
I have an international US flight booked as an AA codeshare for Saturday (stupid move on my part, I know).
The flight currently shows 1 seat open in C class on EF. Is there any chance I can apply an SWU to this flight? Or is it potentially possible to use SWU at check in for flight if seats are available, even at check in?
The flight currently shows 1 seat open in C class on EF. Is there any chance I can apply an SWU to this flight? Or is it potentially possible to use SWU at check in for flight if seats are available, even at check in?
#810
Join Date: May 2000
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posts: 1,960
Same situation here, Silanfa. And no, nobody outside the U.S. even knows how to use a systemwide. But they added to the insult: they told me I was added to the domestic leg upgrade when I returned to the US and that there was a seat for me. However, on arriving back in the US, not only no upgrade but I wasn't even on the upgrade list! Oh and the seat I was promised in Europe--- gone. Incompetents.
10/17 can't come fast enough. However, I expect this baloney to linger, much as it did for UA/CO.
10/17 can't come fast enough. However, I expect this baloney to linger, much as it did for UA/CO.