♦️RUMOR♦️: SWU “Next Service Class” Upgrade to go to Y -> W/PE -> J -> F
#46
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Given the reduction in SWUs and the lock-step DeltaAA strategy when it comes to upgrade policies, I'd personally venture that this is not an accurate policy change. It is a way, however, to further segment EXPs who buy premium economy tickets and those who are just buying the cheapest fare buckets in coach.
#47
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#48
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Based on info in threads on AA FT, JonNYC seems to be correct re changes to AA FF program even before they are officially announced; since he seems to look at the PE change as only RUMOR, I'd side with this until we get an official notice from AA.
#49
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If there’s an official AA pronouncement, it will certainly be clearly labeled as such - as have so many have been.
#50
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but I do think it is unfair to the mods to act as though they are spreading rumors. A poster made the original claim and JDiver broke it out and titled it rumor. Place to discuss, which is what this forum is about. Nowhere was it painted as a confirmed change or fact.
#51
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Why? EXP get complimentary upgrade on domestic routes (+ Caribbean etc) and I don't see a disincentive if they decided to pay and be confirmed in First Class instead playing the upgrade lottery.
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#53
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So maybe they just add a co-pay to regular (discounted) coach fares? And no co-pay for PE? (Even though, currently, discounted PE mileage upgrades still require a $350 copay).
This wouldn't be that different from UA's program as I understand which requires the effective co-pay, but you still get stuck in coach if you don't clear.
They could also add regional upgrades certificates.
I guess the point is that they have a lot of levers to pull regarding the value of SWUs, it doesn't have to be just the painful devaluation of a strict one-class upgrade.
This wouldn't be that different from UA's program as I understand which requires the effective co-pay, but you still get stuck in coach if you don't clear.
They could also add regional upgrades certificates.
I guess the point is that they have a lot of levers to pull regarding the value of SWUs, it doesn't have to be just the painful devaluation of a strict one-class upgrade.
#54
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Another upgrade class? who said that? giving complimentary PEY to ExP at T24 is not difficult and they don't need to create another upgrade class, same way Gold get complimentary MCE seats at T24, first come first served.
Why? EXP get complimentary upgrade on domestic routes (+ Caribbean etc) and I don't see a disincentive if they decided to pay and be confirmed in First Class instead playing the upgrade lottery.
Why? EXP get complimentary upgrade on domestic routes (+ Caribbean etc) and I don't see a disincentive if they decided to pay and be confirmed in First Class instead playing the upgrade lottery.
#55
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I'm willing to bet management are having discussions on how to handle SWU upgrades, but nothing has been decided.
Some ideas:
1) The Y->PE and PE->J rumor
2) Require a co-pay for Y-J and no co-pay for PE->J
3) Y-J and PE->J are both allowed, but PE->J has priority over Y-J
4) Y->PE uses same upgrade policy as domestic Y->F (complimentary for ExPlt and PltPro, Plt and Gold use stickers)
Some ideas:
1) The Y->PE and PE->J rumor
2) Require a co-pay for Y-J and no co-pay for PE->J
3) Y-J and PE->J are both allowed, but PE->J has priority over Y-J
4) Y->PE uses same upgrade policy as domestic Y->F (complimentary for ExPlt and PltPro, Plt and Gold use stickers)
#56
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But I'm talking from Y to PEY where it may became "officially complimentary" for EXP at T24, I'm not talking about Y to J for free, check my previous responses.
#57
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Benefit here is that by doing W -> J upgrades, I can get the 150% EQMs that will get me to EXP faster than the 100% EQMs of discount Y.
#58
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If they continue to price PE the way they do, I'm not absolutely opposed to this, as it may also increase my chances of securing the SWU. For example, this fall I'm going to Paris, regular ticket was 850, PE was 1200. I ended up buying PE because I wanted 1.5x EQMs and higher EQDs (see - they ARE changing my behavior). One leg cleared at booking, the other is waitlisted.
#59
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Back on topic-If this comes to pass, it will just one more reason the 2 EXP's in this household are tending to go to Kayak/Expedia/et al for all travel 1st, instead of just blindly going to AA.com.
And if AF starts flying non-stop DFW-CDG, AA, in this house, is toast. Just sayin".
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