ckx2

EF alarm went off 72 hours prior to departure signaling C3. Tweeted AA and got upgraded within a minute.

Sebastian Spata

Newbie here. I have made EXP for the first time and would like to use my 4 SWUs for a flight from MCO to HKG via DFW in May for myself and a friend. Leaving on a Sunday and returning on a Wednesday. I have signed up for expertflyer and there seems to be zero C inventory available no matter what dates I check. I understand that those won't be released early but it would be great. Here my questions:

- Do I have to call American after booking to apply the SWUs? I understand that I will be waitlisted if no C inventory available
- What are my chances of the SWU clearing in advance? I don't know if Sundays and Wednesdays are popular travel dates on the DFW - HKG routes.
- Could American on phone clear the upgrade during the booking process even though there is no C inventory?'
- How would you categorize my chances for the SWU clearing for 2 and me being EXP?

Thanks

andersonCooper

1. Yes. SWU could only be used by calling. You will be waitlisted if no C inventory available.
2. It depends. Keep an eye on EF alert, once C is available, call EXP line immediately. But if no, it will go down to airport waitlist then.
3. No. Even when C is available, some agent will not clear. In that case, hang up and call again.
4. It depends again, but remember they might give a solo pax first if there is only 1 seat left, even if your EQD is higher than that pax.

Sebastian Spata

Thanks. I guess it's all somewhat of a gamble. I might just book it and pray that it will clear.

Nicc HK

I commute HKG-US on a way to regular basis. Fridays to Sundays are generally the peaks in both directions. Midweek not so bad. The DFW/HKG flight is surprisingly popular and ever since its commencement it is rare to see empty seats in any class though my flying is usually Sunday/Monday Eastbound and Friday/Saturday Westbound, i.e. those peaks.

I recently booked 12 weeks out and got waitlisted for using a SWU, cleared in about a week for HKG-DFW.

A thought, as EXP you are going to be waitlisted for the domestic sectors automatically without using the SWUs. Why not save them up for another occasion? I find with the exception of the A321Ts there is always a good chance of a complementary upgrade without using the SWU.

andersonCooper

I wanted to add that too as well, but noting that OP's date is in May. That's usually the peak time (from last week of May till end of August), as there are a lot of students travelling between HK and US, on top of tourists. CX's fares reflect that as well. Fares in that period (and December) way more expensive than non-peak times.

Sebastian Spata

I thought that I only need one SWU for each direction. Meaning 1 SWU for MCO-DFW-HKG and another one for the return?

Sebastian Spata

All of this is great info but I am somehow less enthusiastic about booking this trip. I don't mind flying economy for flights less than 10 hours but this is way longer and I am also 6'5 tall.

andersonCooper

Yes, 1 SWU for each direction. So 4 for 2 persons round trip.

I hear you. That's why I am very reluctant to fly AA to HKG, given the CX PE price is way more reasonable (and direct). My SWU are used on TATL which I am completely ok with not being clear. Not the best use but I can't fly 15 hours in Y any more.

Sebastian Spata

What is your experience with not being cleared for the upgrade?

andersonCooper

I booked one month in advanced and secured an exit row seat (16L). Legroom was ok, but quite narrow in general. Food was meh to me.

I was no.4 in upgrade list but was told the LAX - HKG was cancelled earlier so AA moved some pax over to DFW, so only 1 SWU clear.

Nicc HK

I have just learnt something new. Thanks very much. I was told (perhaps misheard) that the SWU was per sector not per journey with breaks. Off to have a little talk with AA!

andersonCooper

My pleasure. For full context, one SWU could be applied to a one-way trip with up to 3 segments. See full details here:

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...thread-55.html

"Q. What are Systemwide Upgrades, exactly?

Electronic Systemwide Upgrades, abbreviated SWU, also previously referred to as eVIPs or VIPs, are electronic instruments earned as stated previously. SWU generally allow the owner to upgrade up to three segments, more or less in the same direction, on any flights AA flies with their own aircraft (not valid on partners or codeshares - must be marketed and operated by AA), on most paid, published fares to the next class of service. (Successful upgrades on a single SWU include EZE-MIA-JFK-LHR, NRT-LAX-DFW-LHR.) "

flyalways

Hi there,

Traveling DFW-HKG on May 5. EF shows F3 A0 J0 R0 D0 I0 since almost a week ! Is this normal ?
It is a Saturday but found it odd that all the Business class seats are sold out !

HofstraJet

Saturday flight gets you in on Sunday to be ready for business Monday morning so not that unusual.