BThumme

So I'm flying DEN-CLT with my my mother on seperate reservations. I had called in to the ex plat desk asking to add her to the upgrade list using my 500 mile stickers, which they did.

I cleared at ~T-100, but my mom did not. F is wide open (which I know means nothing). I called AA asking if she was on the list, and they confirmed she is on the list. I thought we would only get upgraded if we did so together (since doesn't she get my status until T-24?)

Jeffw5555

I am a long-time UA flyer, mostly domestic short hops, occasional trans cons, once or twice a year to Europe. I have been hitting about 80K per year the last couple years. I've been a million miler on UA for several years so I have lifetime gold for the wife and me. Last year I flew more on AA to try it out, and decided to go for platinum in order to make a good comparison between the two carriers to compare aspects. I made Platinum in September, so now I am making my comparison. In general, I am not liking AA over UA, only see one advantage with AA so far, a minor one at that.

But I am just looking for advice as I am a bit confused with AA's upgrades. I am used to UA, where I automatically get put on the complimentary list on every flight, their communication is top notch so I know where I stand at all times. If I get upgraded, it is a pleasant surprise, I don't have to do anything. I have been on a few AA flights recently where first is basically empty, mainly on non-major hub routes. Why not gives these empty seats to elites? Some (mostly regional) flights have been complimentary upgrades. How do they determine what flights use the 500 mile upgrades versus complimentary?

So what strategy should I use for my pool of 500 mile upgrades? Is there any advantage to this system over UA's method? They are basically useless for Platinum flyers in and out of DFW. What do you guys do?

discoverCSG

https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...false&from=Nav

Scroll down to "upgrades for elite members", and pay special attention to the third bullet, which answers the last question in your second paragraph.

JDiver

As you're asking about 500 mile upgrades and their application, as well as when they might be complimentary, we have merged your query into the existing thread. Please read the Wikipost at the top of the page. /Moderator

You may also wish to read http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...aster-thd.html

Next year there will be some changes with the coming of 75K Platinum Plus" status, and the eventual prioritization of upgrades within tiers based on EQD (spend).

gboots

What happens if I check in before I purchase more 500 mile upgrades... I have them all now but will it affect upgrade chances.

rasheed

You have to have them in your account to keep the upgrade request at check-in (or buy at check-in).

https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...e-upgrades.jsp

You might as well wait to no longer than 3.5 hours before flight to check-in (to go on the gate upgrade list).

Rasheed

madguy2

As an AA EXP, do I get complimentary upgrades on a domestic AA award ticket within the USA?

no2chem

Not until 2017, at the earliest unfortunately. Historically awards were never eligible for upgrades.

inpd

Hi,

I'm about to lose my platinum status for no status come 01/17. I have 50 x 500 mile stickers unused.

What happens to them if I lose my status? I take it I can't use them to upgrade if I don't have status so do they just sit there until I regain my status?


Thanks!

arollins

Nothing happens, the do not expire.

Yarons

Yup!

wireless_999

How do you go from PLT to nothing? You should be gold next year if you didn't quality and you can use your stickers like usual.

IncaTrails

If you don't fly enough or just not fly at all, you will go down to nothing.

_kurt

I'm afraid that policy ended in 2013 (for the 2014 status year).

PolarRoute

Right. It has been a while since you were let down slowly. Now it is "what have you done for me lately?" The AA FF program has certainly gone that way.