Pretty sure that structure would benefit all elites, not just me...whoops wrong reply

Even more importantly these kinds of changes would not change the number of upgrades available in the system at all. If AA keep 2 seats to T-30 and someone does SDC onto that flight with an F ticket, then the seat that they had had reserved on a later flight is now available for someone to upgrade into.

In fact, nothing AA does in terms of how they prioritize upgrades, or when they give them out, has any real effect on the number of upgrades out there. Of course, it may affect your individual chance of an upgrade on a specific flight, and different mechanisms could increase or decrease your stress levels, but that isn't about the number of upgrades available.

My suspicion is that AA does keep 1-2 seats till T-30 in certain circumstances and doesn't in others, and I assume that this would be based on the long-term historical data they have about loads and the probability of people changing flights.

Sorry said 4 earlier, now it says 2. On a euro amedeus site for booking.

Well my friend, that is certainly your opinion, which you are entitled to.

I suspect that many who are not clearing upgrades as it is would prefer to clear ahead of time where possible.

Regards

I’ve found LGA-ORD-LGA has become a much more difficult UPG. Even the days/times where I used to clear at 100 hours before don’t happen at all.

Not the biggest deal as MCE is totally fine for such a short flight.

And on an October Friday at that-- very very tough, there are CKs that aren't clearing or even coming that close.

For tomorrow for example, J0 on the most of the morning flights.

Several flights were J6 or 7 before T+24, then everyone must have cleared. In particular I almost swapped to a flight that was J7 5 hours ago and is still J2. Debating if it's worth giving up 2 hours of sleep to SDC to that one and have more cushion in case of weather delays.

That's 100% untrue.

No, it's not. I checked EF when I woke up this AM and was considering doing a SDC for tomorrow.

Got my ‘upgrade confirmed’ email today for ORD->CLT next week... T99 hrs, 48 min.

Any idea what’s changed? I’ve noticed AA is pricing FC much more aggressively closer in to departure so if there are last minute bookings FC is only like $50 more than coach.....that’s my hunch but could be more people upfaring after booking too I guess (but not worth it for this flight length).

I’ve started trying out EWR-ORD and that’s been working better for my UPG odds.

I'd say that's the main thing that's changed (regardless of when done)-- all those morning flights were wide open in Y and J0/J1/J2 with the seats occupied by a healthy % of paying vs. upgrade

Well, no chance this AM. Went to J0 yesterday and i’m 3 of 21 on the list. Lowest i’ve been on an UG list in 2019. Exit Row it is.

Surprised to see my SWU request for AA46 ORD-LHR for next Friday (10/25) cleared this morning. Did not expect something so soon at all!

Likely just a sign that the Europe tourist season is dying down for this year, so you're competing with fewer leisure travelers who are paying for J.