ARCHIVE: 2016 Sticker" / 500-mile & EXP "UDU" Complimentary Upgrade Policy / FAQ
Jun 28, 16, 11:30 pm
#361
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 448
Originally Posted by Lucky7dawg
I recently bumped up in status to Platinum. I had gold, but didn't take advantage of the upgrades too much (once or twice). I figured with Platinum my chances would increase dramatically.
I recently booked two flights W-F to chicago this week and next week.
I requested an upgrade using my 500 mile upgrade allotment. I havent received it for my wednesday flight but would check how many seats were open and only saw 1. I did notice some bulk head seats cleared up so I figure they got the upgrades. I cant complain with an exit row seat and no one in front of me though.
Now I am in the 72 hour range for my Friday flight as well. I have checked the status of that flight and see 9 open seats in first class. I assume I would clear but it's weird to me that I haven't cleared yet. Any idea on the timeframe that I typically would clear? I would worry if it got to 24 hours because then gold members could potentially clear as well.
Can someone explain to a newb, how exactly this works? If I haven't cleared by tomorrow night, do you think I should call AA or would they laugh at me?
I recently booked two flights W-F to chicago this week and next week.
I requested an upgrade using my 500 mile upgrade allotment. I havent received it for my wednesday flight but would check how many seats were open and only saw 1. I did notice some bulk head seats cleared up so I figure they got the upgrades. I cant complain with an exit row seat and no one in front of me though.
Now I am in the 72 hour range for my Friday flight as well. I have checked the status of that flight and see 9 open seats in first class. I assume I would clear but it's weird to me that I haven't cleared yet. Any idea on the timeframe that I typically would clear? I would worry if it got to 24 hours because then gold members could potentially clear as well.
Can someone explain to a newb, how exactly this works? If I haven't cleared by tomorrow night, do you think I should call AA or would they laugh at me?
In your case for the Friday flight, you will not be jumped in line by a Gold. Your status gives you preference for an upgrade before their request is cleared. AA can clear you 72 hours before the flight but is not required to and often will not until closer to the departure. You may not clear until right before boarding.
Jun 29, 16, 11:05 am
#363
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: Hilton Gold; Marriott Gold; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,552
Originally Posted by Lucky7dawg
I recently bumped up in status to Platinum. I had gold, but didn't take advantage of the upgrades too much (once or twice). I figured with Platinum my chances would increase dramatically.
I recently booked two flights W-F to chicago this week and next week.
I requested an upgrade using my 500 mile upgrade allotment. I havent received it for my wednesday flight but would check how many seats were open and only saw 1. I did notice some bulk head seats cleared up so I figure they got the upgrades. I cant complain with an exit row seat and no one in front of me though.
Now I am in the 72 hour range for my Friday flight as well. I have checked the status of that flight and see 9 open seats in first class. I assume I would clear but it's weird to me that I haven't cleared yet. Any idea on the timeframe that I typically would clear? I would worry if it got to 24 hours because then gold members could potentially clear as well.
Can someone explain to a newb, how exactly this works? If I haven't cleared by tomorrow night, do you think I should call AA or would they laugh at me?
I recently booked two flights W-F to chicago this week and next week.
I requested an upgrade using my 500 mile upgrade allotment. I havent received it for my wednesday flight but would check how many seats were open and only saw 1. I did notice some bulk head seats cleared up so I figure they got the upgrades. I cant complain with an exit row seat and no one in front of me though.
Now I am in the 72 hour range for my Friday flight as well. I have checked the status of that flight and see 9 open seats in first class. I assume I would clear but it's weird to me that I haven't cleared yet. Any idea on the timeframe that I typically would clear? I would worry if it got to 24 hours because then gold members could potentially clear as well.
Can someone explain to a newb, how exactly this works? If I haven't cleared by tomorrow night, do you think I should call AA or would they laugh at me?
Also, there's been a fair amount of anecdotal evidence reported in Has AA eliminated the upgrade window [for elites?] that AA is holding back somewhat on upgrading elites at the T-100 and T-72 marks compared to past practice. I hope you'll report your outcome there.
As others have said, calling won't accomplish anything. If it hasn't cleared by the time you get to the airport, make sure you're on the waitlist there and talk to the GA if you're not.
Jun 30, 16, 9:09 am
#364
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Miami
Posts: 138
Was hoping someone can help me clarify something. I am flying tomorrow MIA to PHL which is scheduled for a 767-300 retrofit. I'm AA Gold. Expert Flyer shows A7. Also the seatmap shows 13 seats still unoccupied.
I do not have enough 500 mile upgrades in my account for myself and my companion, but am willing to buy if the upgrade clears. I have checked in, and then called AA to confirm I am still on the upgrade list. They said I was and that I would not be passed over and if I get the upgrade and will just have to pay at the airport. Is this true or is the agent giving me false information? Also, when I go into the app, I do not see the upgrade list.
Thanks in advance.
I do not have enough 500 mile upgrades in my account for myself and my companion, but am willing to buy if the upgrade clears. I have checked in, and then called AA to confirm I am still on the upgrade list. They said I was and that I would not be passed over and if I get the upgrade and will just have to pay at the airport. Is this true or is the agent giving me false information? Also, when I go into the app, I do not see the upgrade list.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by mike814; Jun 30, 16 at 9:17 am
Jun 30, 16, 9:47 am
#365
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EP 3MM, UA Silver, Bonvoy LT TIT, Hyatt Gobalist, HH Silver, Caesars PLT
Posts: 7,053
Originally Posted by mike814
Was hoping someone can help me clarify something. I am flying tomorrow MIA to PHL which is scheduled for a 767-300 retrofit. I'm AA Gold. Expert Flyer shows A7. Also the seatmap shows 13 seats still unoccupied.
I do not have enough 500 mile upgrades in my account for myself and my companion, but am willing to buy if the upgrade clears. I have checked in, and then called AA to confirm I am still on the upgrade list. They said I was and that I would not be passed over and if I get the upgrade and will just have to pay at the airport. Is this true or is the agent giving me false information? Also, when I go into the app, I do not see the upgrade list.
Thanks in advance.
I do not have enough 500 mile upgrades in my account for myself and my companion, but am willing to buy if the upgrade clears. I have checked in, and then called AA to confirm I am still on the upgrade list. They said I was and that I would not be passed over and if I get the upgrade and will just have to pay at the airport. Is this true or is the agent giving me false information? Also, when I go into the app, I do not see the upgrade list.
Thanks in advance.
Jun 30, 16, 9:56 am
#366
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Miami
Posts: 138
Originally Posted by aamilesslave
I believe you are still on the advance upgrade list in this case. If you clear, you will not be able to get your new boarding pass until you get more stickers. And if you do not clear in advance, I do not believe you can get on the airport upgrade list until you have the required number of stickers.
Jun 30, 16, 10:30 am
#367
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,171
Originally Posted by mike814
I think that's what I'm starting to understand from more research. I guess the real question is, when do they start clearing form the airport list. My assumption (maybe a bad one) is that its at T-45 or so. I just want to make sure that I won't get skipped (though its too late now, trying to make sure I don't mess it up in the future). I also kind of want to confirm with airport agent my spot on list before I pay for the upgrade.
Jun 30, 16, 10:36 am
#368
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,171
Originally Posted by Lucky7dawg
I recently bumped up in status to Platinum. I had gold, but didn't take advantage of the upgrades too much (once or twice). I figured with Platinum my chances would increase dramatically.
I recently booked two flights W-F to chicago this week and next week.
I requested an upgrade using my 500 mile upgrade allotment. I havent received it for my wednesday flight but would check how many seats were open and only saw 1. I did notice some bulk head seats cleared up so I figure they got the upgrades. I cant complain with an exit row seat and no one in front of me though.
Now I am in the 72 hour range for my Friday flight as well. I have checked the status of that flight and see 9 open seats in first class. I assume I would clear but it's weird to me that I haven't cleared yet. Any idea on the timeframe that I typically would clear? I would worry if it got to 24 hours because then gold members could potentially clear as well.
Can someone explain to a newb, how exactly this works? If I haven't cleared by tomorrow night, do you think I should call AA or would they laugh at me?
I recently booked two flights W-F to chicago this week and next week.
I requested an upgrade using my 500 mile upgrade allotment. I havent received it for my wednesday flight but would check how many seats were open and only saw 1. I did notice some bulk head seats cleared up so I figure they got the upgrades. I cant complain with an exit row seat and no one in front of me though.
Now I am in the 72 hour range for my Friday flight as well. I have checked the status of that flight and see 9 open seats in first class. I assume I would clear but it's weird to me that I haven't cleared yet. Any idea on the timeframe that I typically would clear? I would worry if it got to 24 hours because then gold members could potentially clear as well.
Can someone explain to a newb, how exactly this works? If I haven't cleared by tomorrow night, do you think I should call AA or would they laugh at me?
Jun 30, 16, 1:45 pm
#369
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,122
I admit I did not read the entire thread; however, I did not find an answer in the wiki. I also posted in the newbie thread but no one replied.
My SO and I are on the same reservation; she is Gold, I am Platinum. I requested sticker upgrades, and they came through. However, she has way more stickers than I do, and I would like to use her stickers, not mine.
The AA phone agent said my stickers had been blocked off and she couldn't change it, but it could be changed at check-in. Is that really how it is done? In any case I would not normally need to stop at the check-in desk. Is there any other way?
My SO and I are on the same reservation; she is Gold, I am Platinum. I requested sticker upgrades, and they came through. However, she has way more stickers than I do, and I would like to use her stickers, not mine.
The AA phone agent said my stickers had been blocked off and she couldn't change it, but it could be changed at check-in. Is that really how it is done? In any case I would not normally need to stop at the check-in desk. Is there any other way?
Jul 1, 16, 12:43 pm
#370
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Valley of the Sun, AZ, USA
Programs: AA Platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 476
Will the checkin agents tell you where you will be on the list, or at least if there are any Explats on it? I'm short 2 stickers, but today's ewr-phx shows 1 seat left. I'm Plat, so I don't want to spend $80 to not get upgraded when I can not get upgraded for free.
I have not checked in yet and thought waiting until the airport would be a better option.
I have not checked in yet and thought waiting until the airport would be a better option.
Last edited by FlyinMike; Jul 1, 16 at 12:51 pm
Jul 1, 16, 2:47 pm
#371
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Silver/MM, Hilton Diamond, Hertz 5* Gold
Posts: 6,030
Originally Posted by FlyinMike
Will the checkin agents tell you where you will be on the list, or at least if there are any Explats on it? I'm short 2 stickers, but today's ewr-phx shows 1 seat left. I'm Plat, so I don't want to spend $80 to not get upgraded when I can not get upgraded for free.
I have not checked in yet and thought waiting until the airport would be a better option.
I have not checked in yet and thought waiting until the airport would be a better option.
There is no need to buy the stickers in advance. Your upgrade will still clear even if you don't have the stickers in your account. You just won't be able to check in or get a first class BP until you buy the extra stickers. Stickers purchased through an agent at the airport used to be more expensive than those purchased online or at a kiosk, but that appears to be no longer the case.
Jul 1, 16, 3:05 pm
#372
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,171
Originally Posted by Stripe
There is no need to buy the stickers in advance. Your upgrade will still clear even if you don't have the stickers in your account. You just won't be able to check in or get a first class BP until you buy the extra stickers. Stickers purchased through an agent at the airport used to be more expensive than those purchased online or at a kiosk, but that appears to be no longer the case.
I've pretty much just taken to buying whatever stickers I need for the days flight in advance. Especially with the change to 4 stickers per 12,500 miles, I never seem to earn enough stickers. So, I'm going to need to buy them sooner or later.
Jul 1, 16, 3:16 pm
#373
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Valley of the Sun, AZ, USA
Programs: AA Platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 476
Traffic got heavy, so I checked in on line and declined the upgrade list. They did clear 4, but I doubt any plats were on the list as the flight was sold out. So, next 6 hours in 15c, which won't be too bad I guess.
Jul 1, 16, 3:25 pm
#374
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The OC • LAX-SNA
Programs: BA Gold, AF/KL Gold, AA LT PLT 2mm, TP Gold *G
Posts: 19,731
Originally Posted by FlyinMike
So, next 6 hours in 15c, which won't be too bad I guess.
Jul 1, 16, 3:43 pm
#375
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Valley of the Sun, AZ, USA
Programs: AA Platinum, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 476
Originally Posted by SFO777
Keep telling yourself that.
Would be nice to know where you would end up on the list before you buy stickers, but I guess they would not make revenue on the lottery that way!
