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Book travel upgrades for 4 as plat pro or wait until EXP?
Hi all, perhaps a a silly question. I’m flying our family of 4 from IAH to CA (not sure where yet) this summer with miles. I’m platinum pro now, but will be Exec plat in a few weeks. I plan to upgrade the family for the trip. Is is there any downside to booking now while there is availability vs waiting until I hit EXP? I presume I can book now and then upgrade everyone after I hit EXP right? thanks for your help! |
Originally Posted by trpltongue
(Post 31012043)
Hi all, perhaps a a silly question. I’m flying our family of 4 from IAH to CA (not sure where yet) this summer with miles. I’m platinum pro now, but will be Exec plat in a few weeks. I plan to upgrade the family for the trip. Is is there any downside to booking now while there is availability vs waiting until I hit EXP? I presume I can book now and then upgrade everyone after I hit EXP right? thanks for your help! |
I thought I had read that as EXP you could upgrade travel companions booked on the same itinerary? I have to admit I’m new to AA. Been flying QA for the last 6 years. |
Here is the benefits chart for each level of elite status, including EXP.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...e-upgrades.jsp |
Originally Posted by trpltongue
(Post 31012129)
I thought I had read that as EXP you could upgrade travel companions booked on the same itinerary? I have to admit I’m new to AA. Been flying QA for the last 6 years. Upgrades on award tickets Executive Platinum members can use complimentary 500-mile upgrade benefits on AAdvantage award tickets for travel within North America on American.
You can also upgrade 1 companion traveling on the same flight if 1 or both of you are traveling on an award ticket. The number of upgrades needed for companions will be deducted from the sponsor member’s account, even if the companion is an elite status member and has their own 500-mile upgrade account. Just like purchased tickets, the number of upgrades needed for companions will be based on their elite status level. |
Tough route for upgrades
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Originally Posted by Centurion
(Post 31012175)
Tough route for upgrades
But four passengers with just one elite on an award reservation is a very tough upgrade regardless of route. |
No chance. Award upgrades for EXP for 2 (or even 1) are at the bottom of the EXP upgrade list. You would have to split the reservation but then might split all 4. Unless you are traveling late on a Saturday night - no way. As an EXP for several years, upgrades for EXP are almost non-existent, unless your are traveling at real off peak times. And I have seem as many of 20 EXPs on a flight (told that) on a peak flight - and non-upgraded.
AA reduced the price of F and sells the seats. Sometimes F came be a small difference more. |
But to answer the question, if there is award availability now, then by all means book it now. Once you hit EXP, call AA and have them refresh your status on the reservation. No reason at all to wait till you hit EXP to book it.
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Thanks all for the insight. It’s pretty disappointing that it’s so difficult to upgrade the group. I have been spoiled by the QA frequent traveler program which tend to offer a bit more flexibility in upgrade ability. Though even that has been reduced in the last year. |
Originally Posted by trpltongue
(Post 31016653)
Thanks all for the insight. It’s pretty disappointing that it’s so difficult to upgrade the group. I have been spoiled by the QA frequent traveler program which tend to offer a bit more flexibility in upgrade ability. Though even that has been reduced in the last year. |
Originally Posted by skunker
(Post 31017622)
I assume you mean QR for Qatar Airways, right? How do they do domestic upgrades? ;)
In any event, if I were OP, I would book now when there is availability. The status that will ultimately matter is the status at the time you fly, not at the time you book. And as others have said, you can only upgrade 1 companion (using 500 mile stickers) anyways. |
Originally Posted by skunker
(Post 31017622)
I assume you mean QR for Qatar Airways, right? How do they do domestic upgrades? ;)
Originally Posted by flyingeph12
(Post 31017679)
I actually thought OP meant Qantas (although, of course, QF is the correct code).
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/sear...8003584&query= Sample https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/qata...-children.html QF are not generous with upgrades |
Originally Posted by cova
(Post 31012351)
No chance. Award upgrades for EXP for 2 (or even 1) are at the bottom of the EXP upgrade list. You would have to split the reservation but then might split all 4. Unless you are traveling late on a Saturday night - no way. As an EXP for several years, upgrades for EXP are almost non-existent, unless your are traveling at real off peak times. And I have seem as many of 20 EXPs on a flight (told that) on a peak flight - and non-upgraded.
AA reduced the price of F and sells the seats. Sometimes F came be a small difference more. Upgrade Priority Change to Status, Upgrade Type, Rolling 12 Month EQD as of 20 May 2017 As of May 20, 2017 upgrade prioritization is:
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Originally Posted by trpltongue
(Post 31016653)
Thanks all for the insight. It’s pretty disappointing that it’s so difficult to upgrade the group. I have been spoiled by the QA frequent traveler program which tend to offer a bit more flexibility in upgrade ability. Though even that has been reduced in the last year. |
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