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
Aug 13, 2014, 7:23 pm
#76
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Of course it is possible to see where you are on the list. Phone agents just aren't permitted to tell you, for good reason--your position on the list might change.
Aug 15, 2014, 1:29 pm
#77
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Hit the jackpot on AA137 today DFW-HKG. 
Not only did I clear 4 days ago, non-status friends traveling with me and linked to my booking cleared at the gate and got the last two upgrade seats (they were 3 and 4 on the gate list and 4 seats cleared- don't even want to think about the consequences if only one of them had cleared). Surprised there wasn't a longer upgrade list as it stopped at 8. I had written off their chances of an upgrade when the flight went from J4 to J0 yesterday, but sometimes good things happen to good people.
Tom over Colorado on the way to Hong Kong
Not only did I clear 4 days ago, non-status friends traveling with me and linked to my booking cleared at the gate and got the last two upgrade seats (they were 3 and 4 on the gate list and 4 seats cleared- don't even want to think about the consequences if only one of them had cleared). Surprised there wasn't a longer upgrade list as it stopped at 8. I had written off their chances of an upgrade when the flight went from J4 to J0 yesterday, but sometimes good things happen to good people.
Tom over Colorado on the way to Hong Kong
Aug 15, 2014, 1:39 pm
#78
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What's the consensus on clearing a SWU in Oct. or Nov? I didn't see a single day with milesAAver or C space for either month, though J is fairly open on the return flights.
Would like to book a HKG flight, but don't want to be stuck in MCE for 16 hours
Would like to book a HKG flight, but don't want to be stuck in MCE for 16 hours
Aug 15, 2014, 2:33 pm
#79
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No one can speak authoritatively. If it happens, it'll likely be at the airport. If you absolutely can't stand the risk of sitting in MCE then don't book.
Aug 15, 2014, 4:10 pm
#80
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-AA is rarely opening C early. With AA still building history and depth to this flight, they are holding seats as they watch for true purchasing power.
-AA are opening A into F faster than C. Trends show about 2 months out. My A upgrades for early September cleared in early July.
-It appears clearing a few days before the flight is common. Clearing at the gate is common.
-The loads coming from HKG back to DFW are heavier and it appears C is harder to get in that direction.
Aug 15, 2014, 5:03 pm
#81
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Wife and I are in similar boat. Booked in MCE in Oct, already worried as Biz cabin looks fairly heavily booked already. The day or two after donc't though, so I've set C alerts - by chance if a seat opens up for the day after, I'm calling AA and eating the change fee for a confirmed C upgrade. Will be interesting - I have a feeling if we clear at all it'll be at the gate, which isn't at all going to be good for our blood pressure. May also keep an eye out for last second CX awards.
Aug 15, 2014, 6:16 pm
#82
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Wife and I are in similar boat. Booked in MCE in Oct, already worried as Biz cabin looks fairly heavily booked already. The day or two after donc't though, so I've set C alerts - by chance if a seat opens up for the day after, I'm calling AA and eating the change fee for a confirmed C upgrade. Will be interesting - I have a feeling if we clear at all it'll be at the gate, which isn't at all going to be good for our blood pressure. May also keep an eye out for last second CX awards.
I'd think the odds of CX awards opening up last minute are better. And I'd probably splurge to spend miles on CX F as good as it was on my SFO-HKG last year.
Aug 15, 2014, 6:30 pm
#83
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Also wondering - is it a pretty safe assumption that everyone who's in MCE has an upgrade request in? I would think so. I can't imagine many people are paying out of pocket for MCE, but you never know. I'm assuming that everyone in MCE has elite status of some sort. I sure would sleep easier if I knew where I was on the list.
Aug 15, 2014, 6:31 pm
#84
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Keep in mind that it'll be change fee + difference in fare. Booking close in may make the diff in fare too much to bear. I'd definitely take a $300 change fee to ensure I'd be in J from MCE. But I doubt it'd only be $300 as the fare is likely going to be more that close in.
I'd think the odds of CX awards opening up last minute are better. And I'd probably splurge to spend miles on CX F as good as it was on my SFO-HKG last year.
I'd think the odds of CX awards opening up last minute are better. And I'd probably splurge to spend miles on CX F as good as it was on my SFO-HKG last year.
Aug 15, 2014, 6:44 pm
#85
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Also wondering - is it a pretty safe assumption that everyone who's in MCE has an upgrade request in? I would think so. I can't imagine many people are paying out of pocket for MCE, but you never know. I'm assuming that everyone in MCE has elite status of some sort. I sure would sleep easier if I knew where I was on the list.
Also, for such a long flight, I'd bet there are a good number who think MCE is worth it when they can't swing the miles + co-pay for the upgrade.
Figuring worst case is that all MCE have requested upgrade is probably safe. But also probably a worst case.
Aug 15, 2014, 6:45 pm
#86
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My J upgrade for next Tuesday came thru yesterday. I noticed they pulled my reservation, so called and was told they were processing it. I then received a notice from EF for C availability this morning. Still waiting for my return in Sept. I go to Bangkok 4 or 5 times a year, and have always used miles for J or F on Cathay. I now have 3 trips this fall on AA, all waiting for upgrades. I have never done this trip in Y, so here's hoping all my upgrades come thru. I'm booked mid week on all, so that will help.
Aug 15, 2014, 6:48 pm
#87
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My J upgrade for next Tuesday came thru yesterday. I noticed they pulled my reservation, so called and was told they were processing it. I then received a notice from EF for C availability this morning. Still waiting for my return in Sept. I go to Bangkok 4 or 5 times a year, and have always used miles for J or F on Cathay. I now have 3 trips this fall on AA, all waiting for upgrades. I have never done this trip in Y, so here's hoping all my upgrades come thru. I'm booked mid week on all, so that will help.
Aug 15, 2014, 10:50 pm
#88
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your chances of clearing an upgrade on AA137 DFW-HKG outbound is relatively good. The route is not doing so well revenue and load factor wise; which anyone could have figured out from the constant advertising and promotions AA has been doing of HKG as of late. Found a return ticket in the first week of october for only $1300.
Aug 16, 2014, 8:54 am
#89
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My J upgrade for next Tuesday came thru yesterday. I noticed they pulled my reservation, so called and was told they were processing it. I then received a notice from EF for C availability this morning. Still waiting for my return in Sept. I go to Bangkok 4 or 5 times a year, and have always used miles for J or F on Cathay. I now have 3 trips this fall on AA, all waiting for upgrades. I have never done this trip in Y, so here's hoping all my upgrades come thru. I'm booked mid week on all, so that will help.
Aug 16, 2014, 11:07 am
#90
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I feel pretty lucky that this flight has remained very wide open. I booked about 6 weeks ago. Only 3 MCE seats were assigned. When upgrade came thru Thursday, only 20 J seats were assigned. Tuesday and Wed seem to be best chance days for upgrades.