Upgrade Request isn’t Listed at Gate
Mar 26, 2017, 9:25 am
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: Top Tier with all 3 alliances
Posts: 11,669
Yes, mostly recently. I was pretty pissed as I should have cleared way earlier, but at least I cleared in all cases. It is probably okay for an EXP if they catch it at T-4, but for Plats odds increase they won't clear.
Mar 26, 2017, 11:45 am
#33
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
I have this occasionally happen but its not a regular occurrence.
Most recently, I purchased through a travel agency. My upgrade on the connection flight cleared before it was ticketed and the travel agency (its the government contract ...) took away my upgrade and put me back in coach. On my West Coast redeye, I showed on the upgrade list.
In the AA system, it showed upgrade confirmed but I was in a Y seat that I couldn't change to F. The West Coast AC said they couldn't do anything about it and to call the EXP line. The EXP line said they couldn't do anything about it and to check at the gate at my connection. When I got to my connecting gate, there was no one showing on the upgrade list and they clicked around and fixed it.
Most recently, I purchased through a travel agency. My upgrade on the connection flight cleared before it was ticketed and the travel agency (its the government contract ...) took away my upgrade and put me back in coach. On my West Coast redeye, I showed on the upgrade list.
In the AA system, it showed upgrade confirmed but I was in a Y seat that I couldn't change to F. The West Coast AC said they couldn't do anything about it and to call the EXP line. The EXP line said they couldn't do anything about it and to check at the gate at my connection. When I got to my connecting gate, there was no one showing on the upgrade list and they clicked around and fixed it.
Mar 26, 2017, 1:23 pm
#34
Moderator: New York City and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: AA PLT, Natl EC
Posts: 10,855
This has been a problem for a while: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...sted-gate.html
This thread has now been merged into that cited above, with thanks.
/Moderator
Mar 26, 2017, 6:37 pm
#35
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dallas/Orlando
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 2,716
This happened to me a few weeks ago for a <500mi segment (DFWMSY). GA told me she's "been doing this a long time" and the passenger always has to check in at the gate to be put on the upgrade list 
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Mar 26, 2017, 6:43 pm
#36
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
Programs: AAdvantage Former EXP/Current PLT / Total Rewards - Diamond / Hilton HHonors - Gold
Posts: 757
I had a Miles & Copay upgrade disappear for an international flight once. I couldn't find anyone at the airport who could add me, so I called customer service.
I was told that "The upgrade list was so large" and that I was "so far down the list" that "the computer decided it was impossible for me to get upgraded" so I was dropped.
Needless to say, I told the agent that didn't make sense, and she rudely snapped back at me "If you want to fly business class, pay for business class."
This was a couple of years ago before I had AC access. Now I'd never even attempt to call CS about anything happening at the airport.
I was told that "The upgrade list was so large" and that I was "so far down the list" that "the computer decided it was impossible for me to get upgraded" so I was dropped.
Needless to say, I told the agent that didn't make sense, and she rudely snapped back at me "If you want to fly business class, pay for business class."
This was a couple of years ago before I had AC access. Now I'd never even attempt to call CS about anything happening at the airport.