FlyerTalk Forums - Has AA eliminated the upgrade window for elites?

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- - Has AA eliminated the upgrade window for elites? (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/1664064-has-aa-eliminated-upgrade-window-elites.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by shotzifam2 (Post 27085940)

Something has definitely changed in the last few months. I am writing this from my coach seat. I am a 19 year Executive Plat who has done the same route for the last 2 years every Thursday. Up until this spring, I was always upgraded at the opening of the window with the exception of Spring Break and Thanksgiving week. In the last 3 months, I have only been upgraded 3 times. I called and they said it was because I bought my tickets only 1 month out. So I started buying them much earlier, but it didn't help. I started watching when I noticed that they still had System Wide Upgrades available for my flight until the time that I needed to leave for the airport. What I noted was that during the upgrade window there are numerous first class seats available for purchase. What has changed is that they cost $20 more than the coach seats. I have over 2 million actual flown miles with this airline and they are willing to loss me for $20. Despite my executive platinum status and my status for life, I am looking for an airline that values my business. Wake up American!

You should set a fare alert for yourself. I fly LGA-DFW route at least once per month and it's a tough u/g. So, for my trip right after Labor Day, even though booked by my corporate travel department, I called AA and paid up for my return DFW-LGA flight. It was about $200 which is worth it to me. If the spread on your flight is a mere $20, and your corporate travel policy allows you to do so, buy up. In addition to the very nominal extra fare, you get double EQMs as a benefit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasheed (Post 27089831)

Considering the recent analyst notes, AA feels they have no choice but to sacrifice elites to get that higher ticket price average expectation.

Except the problem is yields (for DL at least) have been coming down, especially in J.

This morning YYZ-LGA flight - upgraded again at 4 Hr 30 mins before departure. C class wasn't completely full when we departed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacobin777 (Post 27102377)

Except the problem is yields (for DL at least) have been coming down, especially in J.

What? The gravy train of people paying high prices for as long as the airlines wanted them to i is coming to an end? Say it ain't so! :rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by pharmalady (Post 27095139)

I don't even bother with our corporate travel agent anymore--it's a PITA and they can never get the same prices I can through the aa.bomb website. At least their website is a lot more user-friendly than united.bomb.

Because of all the easy changes you can make? I definitely do not find the AA website to be user friendly at all.

Had my first T-100 upgrade in a long time this morning: CLT-IAD (CR9) 8/30

4.5 hrs in advance this morning. I've been getting LAX-IAH at T-24 and IAH-LAX right at T-100 pretty consistently throughout August.

AA 1480 ORD-DFW on 8/28

10 on the upgrade list just prior to departure (with only 1 seat showing empty on the seat map), 1 seat empty when the door closed which was promptly taken by a deadheading pilot, previously seated in the back, during taxi.

Anyone know why the upgrade list is no longer showing on the gate monitors? At least this week in DFW, ORD, & PHX when I've been there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by txrus (Post 27130050)

AA 1480 ORD-DFW on 8/28

Anyone know why the upgrade list is no longer showing on the gate monitors? At least this week in DFW, ORD, & PHX when I've been there.

I've noticed that too. Its gone completely from the airport monitors which now only show the standby list. I can still watch it on the AA app. Also, never get upgraded anymore prior to day of departure even when first/business is wide open.

What are they up to?

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjack (Post 27130112)

Another strange decision already being discussed here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ug-2016-a.html

I am not going to assume any good reason to do this except to make the upgrade availability more opaque.

Rasheed

Quote:

Originally Posted by azjack (Post 27130112)

Add JFK and LAS to the non-upg list.
Maybe they don't want pax to pester the GAs.:rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by nrr (Post 27131010)

Add JFK and LAS to the non-upg list.
Maybe they don't want pax to pester the GAs.:rolleyes:

Last week I was in RIC, CLT, MIA, ATL, AZO, ORD, and STL - and none show upgrade lists anymore.

Got T-100 for Friday morning DEN-ORD. Flight is wide open.

First *EVER* T-72 upgrade notification out of HSV this morning. I've only been PLT for something like ten years now.

I'm still waiting to hear about the DFW-NRT leg upgrade request. Usually, that one clears some time after I've left the Admirals Club in DFW to trek to the gate.

I got a T-100 upgrade last weds for an ORD-SFO on Sunday. Did a SDC and still ended up in F. Colleague flew out Friday and got a T-4.5 for her 5am SFO-ORD.

I typically fly SFO-PHX and usually get upgraded at T-4, no matter when i buy my ticket.