Where is the SWU available? (Are SWU usable / useful?)
Oct 11, 2022, 7:54 am
#226
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,024
I'll have no choice but to waitlist SWU's for UK trips next year. This time last year I had booked two flights this year with C space available. Those days as we know are gone.
We should have a dedicated thread on waitlisted SWU's and luck in capturing them. What I do see consistently is C space opening up T-24 to T-48 on LHR flights just by checking any given flight on EF.
We should have a dedicated thread on waitlisted SWU's and luck in capturing them. What I do see consistently is C space opening up T-24 to T-48 on LHR flights just by checking any given flight on EF.
Oct 11, 2022, 8:04 am
#227
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, BAEC Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 320
Anyone have any luck lately using a SWU on the HNL-DFW route? Thinking about using one to wait-list a 777 flight in March and although the J cabin looks wide open now, I realize it's supposedly one of the tougher upgrades in the system and wondered if I had much of a chance.
Oct 11, 2022, 8:14 am
#228
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,252
I guess that's the nuance - how C and R open up in the days leading up to the flight. I realize that I would be behind higher elites upgrading with similar instruments. What anecdotal evidence/experiences have you seen - in particular on the wide body Hawaiian routes, when it comes to seeing comp upgrades clear vs. instrument upgrades that are waitlisted?
Oct 11, 2022, 9:09 pm
#229
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
In April I was flying DFW-HNL booked in main cabin as an EXP. I was number 2 in the list for a comp (R) upgrade. I had my friend whose parents work for AA look up the upgrade list- he told me no. 1 was a Concierge Key. Right before boarding I saw I was now number 3. I called my friend and he told me that an EXP checked in with an SWU waitlisted. The CK and the SWU EXP got the two remaining seats. I got the only available PE seat. Luckily I'd drunk many champagnes in the Flagship Lounge ahead of boarding so I passed out in PE for most of the flight, but still a sour taste in my mouth. All I can say is good luck. This route is notorious for being unpredictable and the upgrade availability (if any exists at all in the first place) doesn't fall into place until mere minutes before boarding.
Oct 12, 2022, 2:55 pm
#230
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: DCA/IAD/WAS
Programs: MAR AMB, WOH Explorist, AA EXP, UA 2P
Posts: 2,138
Smattering of C released today around second weekend of April (Easter) to/from LHR (at least matching what works for me and confirmed). Always figured they would clear, but glad to see the naysayers wrong again about clearing before the gate.
Plus I got $230 in trip credit!
Plus I got $230 in trip credit!
Oct 12, 2022, 5:10 pm
#231
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP, BAEC Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 320
PDXPremier, tbh, unless you can clear outright before December (which is more or less impossible), I'd try to find another flight you can apply the SWU. If you're an Alaska elite member 75k, your SWU would be prioritized after every CK, EXP, PP using an SWU or just trying their luck for a complementary upgrade. When EXPs (even CKs) have trouble on this route, you might want to try to find something else that has a better chance of clearing (or can clear outright).
Oct 25, 2022, 11:35 pm
#233
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
PDXPremier, tbh, unless you can clear outright before December (which is more or less impossible), I'd try to find another flight you can apply the SWU. If you're an Alaska elite member 75k, your SWU would be prioritized after every CK, EXP, PP using an SWU or just trying their luck for a complementary upgrade. When EXPs (even CKs) have trouble on this route, you might want to try to find something else that has a better chance of clearing (or can clear outright).
Jan 10, 2023, 12:22 pm
#236
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Programs: Hilton Diamond, American Executive Platinum, Delta Gold Medallion
Posts: 47
I got excited about the SWU availability on the LAX-LHR route until I realized I am traveling in late June....Went to the AA site and non available. I did check in Feb and there are plenty available. I am actually flying JFK-LHR but I would certainly fly from LAX for a SWU upgrade 
Jul 17, 2023, 12:53 pm
#237
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
Transcon DCA-PHL-SEA trip next week. By chance, checked fares to see if the price had dropped. #1 price had dropped #2 1 SWU available on both legs.
Noice!!!!
Pity we're reduced to using it on domestic flights, but better touse it for that rather than have it disappear into the bit bin next year...
Noice!!!!
Pity we're reduced to using it on domestic flights, but better touse it for that rather than have it disappear into the bit bin next year...
Oct 10, 2023, 1:09 pm
#239
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CHS
Programs: Lots
Posts: 1,012
Oct 10, 2023, 1:16 pm
#240
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
because there is more confirmable C space out there now to/from Europe for this fall and winter than I've seen in a long time.First random day I checked in January (17th), C space available now on:
DFW - LHR, FRA
CLT - MAD, LHR, MUC
JFK - LHR, MXP, BCN, CDG
PHL - LHR, ZRH, AMS, DUB
BOS, RDU, ORD, PHX, LAX - LHR
Just to name a few.