Dec 5, 2014, 11:27 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
NOTE: Changed flight numbers from 137 / 138 to AA 125 / 126 Nov 2016
This thread is for the discussion of upgrades (using systemwide upgrades /SWUs or mileage+ copay) for the DFW-HKG route.
General discussion about the new DFW-PVG and DFW-HKG routes can be found here: DFW-PVG and DFW-HKG Starting Summer 2014 [route discussion]
Discussion and questions about flight experiences on the DFW-HKG flights can be found here: 77W DFW-HKG AA 137 / 138 flight experiences, questions
DFW-HKG AA 125 / 126 77W Upgrade Chances & Waitlist Discussion
Nov 19, 2015, 9:03 am
#1516
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Just looked at the cost... $2857 for each set. A friend did the same thing (LAX-DFW-HKG) for around the same prices. I bought a 3rd RT in October for about $3700.
We bought online at AA.com - no corporate discounts.
Nov 19, 2015, 8:59 pm
#1519
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond , AA EXP
Posts: 32
Not sure if I mentioned this a while back on this thread, so apologies if this thought is a repeat...
One of the reasons upgrades are hard to snag on this flight - in addition to it being a great hard product in business - has been the ability to buy business class on this route in the low $3k's. When you consider the hard product, the redeemable miles and the EQM/EQP for this route, for $3k+/- it is a pretty good deal.
One of the reasons upgrades are hard to snag on this flight - in addition to it being a great hard product in business - has been the ability to buy business class on this route in the low $3k's. When you consider the hard product, the redeemable miles and the EQM/EQP for this route, for $3k+/- it is a pretty good deal.
Nov 19, 2015, 9:08 pm
#1520
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond , AA EXP
Posts: 32
I think you really need to provide more details and also define "shenanigans". Since you are a member of this board and obviously following this thread you should be as well informed as other traveler. I think there are flaws in the system but not sure I would call it shenanigans.
Ok , mcghat im here at HKG right now and no one can tell me what # I am on the UG list I called the exec plat # and the agent just told me " she cant tell me because it would cause animosity among the passengers"
Nov 19, 2015, 11:28 pm
#1521
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Nov 20, 2015, 12:10 am
#1522
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: CGK/KOA
Programs: AA ExPlat HH Diamond
Posts: 1,683
I have booked and flown this flight several times for around 2300-2600. ICN-HKG-DFW-USA-DFW-HKG-ICN. SWU has ALWAYS cleared from J to F. Doing it again next month but routed XXX-ORD-NRT-ICN to fly 787 which i like just as much
Nov 21, 2015, 4:02 pm
#1524
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA Explat, UA 1K
Posts: 389
For AA138, the upgrade list never shows up through the app either. In the past, the check in lady at the airport express station has provided some info when asked.
Nov 21, 2015, 9:01 pm
#1525
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: IAD
Programs: DL-Silver; BA-Bronze
Posts: 1,162
Nov 21, 2015, 10:25 pm
#1526
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Plat
Posts: 3
Hi Everyone - so glad I found this thread. I live in Hong Kong and fly this route multiple times a year, though always on a ticket purchased in some variation of economy.
I am flying 137/138 twice in the next four weeks, starting on Tuesday. I have a request in to use an SWU, and I will report back everything I can learn - including skit53's note about the check-in counter at the Airport Express station. I also have an EF account and will update you all on EF's usefulness here as well based on my own experiences. (Thanks to EF, I have been able to upgrade twice on these flights this year using money and miles prior to getting EXP this summer.)
Looking forward to contributing and learning! If anyone is planning to be in one of the CX lounges at HKG this Tuesday, PM me and maybe we can find time to trade experiences over a cold one.
I am flying 137/138 twice in the next four weeks, starting on Tuesday. I have a request in to use an SWU, and I will report back everything I can learn - including skit53's note about the check-in counter at the Airport Express station. I also have an EF account and will update you all on EF's usefulness here as well based on my own experiences. (Thanks to EF, I have been able to upgrade twice on these flights this year using money and miles prior to getting EXP this summer.)
Looking forward to contributing and learning! If anyone is planning to be in one of the CX lounges at HKG this Tuesday, PM me and maybe we can find time to trade experiences over a cold one.
Nov 22, 2015, 9:35 am
#1528
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,472
So I did clear these flights, but noticed something strange. My theory is that the loading of C inventory and the upgrades are two separate tasks. This is only a single observation, but what I noticed was:
- At around T-28 I got an alert from ExpertFlyer letting me know C inventory was available. I know many have said they found it at T-25, but I got it sooner.
- I was in front of my computer at the time, so I checked the inventory, and sure enough it was there. I also checked the seat map that I had checked about 12 hours earlier, and it hadn't changed.
- I called in and they processed the upgrade no problem. I then checked the seat map again, and out of curiosity a few more times over the next few hours. Nothing changed except the seat I selected. A few hours later, pretty much all J seats were filled
It was a light load and almost everyone cleared, but it appears I was able to jump the queue. Does this make sense, and if so it would really change the strategy.
- At around T-28 I got an alert from ExpertFlyer letting me know C inventory was available. I know many have said they found it at T-25, but I got it sooner.
- I was in front of my computer at the time, so I checked the inventory, and sure enough it was there. I also checked the seat map that I had checked about 12 hours earlier, and it hadn't changed.
- I called in and they processed the upgrade no problem. I then checked the seat map again, and out of curiosity a few more times over the next few hours. Nothing changed except the seat I selected. A few hours later, pretty much all J seats were filled
It was a light load and almost everyone cleared, but it appears I was able to jump the queue. Does this make sense, and if so it would really change the strategy.
Nov 23, 2015, 10:15 am
#1530
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: DCA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 2,085
Looks like two of us cleared today, 11/23. I was #1 on the list since I checked in at DCA this morning and cleared about 15 minutes prior to boarding. Agents in the D club at DFW paged me and processed it from there which was nice.