EXPs: when was the last time you missed an upgrade?
Jul 20, 2021, 9:28 am
#136
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
I noted in another thread I'm seeing upfare offers while I'm in the EXP upgrade window. I'm assuming all paxs on that flight seated in Y may see the same offer if they have mobile downloaded or check their reservation on desktop. I'm assuming if the offer is half way decent some paxs to get out of the hell that Y has become take the offer. I can either take such offer or roll the dice. Or in other words "no upgrade for you EXP."
Jul 20, 2021, 11:30 am
#137
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Palm Beach/ New England
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, DL GM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,382
I noted in another thread I'm seeing upfare offers while I'm in the EXP upgrade window. I'm assuming all paxs on that flight seated in Y may see the same offer if they have mobile downloaded or check their reservation on desktop. I'm assuming if the offer is half way decent some paxs to get out of the hell that Y has become take the offer. I can either take such offer or roll the dice. Or in other words "no upgrade for you EXP."
Is it possible that AA is "adjusting" F fares close to flight to allow for cheap upfares to high-value coach pax?
Jul 20, 2021, 12:33 pm
#138
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
I'm hearing reports from nonstatus friends that (very cheap) upgrades are being offered for sale. Two alone this week from PBI to ASE (via DFW), which struck me as unlikely as PBI-DFW is usually a long elite upgrade waitlist segment (16 seat cabin where 3 or 4 clear at most from a list of 20+). DFW-ASE also has a long elite upgrade list usually. Most recently a friend flew in to Aspen Saturday on a roughly $1200 coach ticket (she said F was $2000 when she ticketed), and she was given a $70 upgrade offer plus they refunded her the extra $$$ she had paid for MCE, so it was almost free.
Is it possible that AA is "adjusting" F fares close to flight to allow for cheap upfares to high-value coach pax?
Is it possible that AA is "adjusting" F fares close to flight to allow for cheap upfares to high-value coach pax?
Jul 20, 2021, 3:02 pm
#139
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: MCO-TPA
Programs: AA EXP, UA, B6, DL, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, Hilton, National
Posts: 197
Ding, ding we have a winner. AA (and other airlines) are conditioning their elites that complimentary upgrades are going away. You will pay something to sit up, front such as PLTs and GOLDs do now. If AA knows they can sell those seats, even for modest amounts, AA is leaving money on the table when it hands that seat to you and me for free.
Oct 27, 2021, 2:24 pm
#140
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Last Thursday I missed the 10 AM RDU-DCA E75. I was #1 and my fiancé at #2 for one seat. We elected to not split. Shocking to miss this flight but then again with paid F at $49 over Y enough people seem to have bought it.
First missed upgrade since July 18.
First missed upgrade since July 18.
Oct 27, 2021, 6:34 pm
#141
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,070
Missed one this past week on LAX-DEN, the kicker was I was next on the list and they closed the door with an open seat. Good thing alcohol and food for purchase are available in Y, oh wAAit.
Oct 29, 2021, 12:51 pm
#142
Join Date: Jan 2000
Programs: UA 1k, AA EXPLT, NZ GE, VA PLT Hyatt Diam, Marr Plat, HH Diam
Posts: 3,445
Ding, ding we have a winner. AA (and other airlines) are conditioning their elites that complimentary upgrades are going away. You will pay something to sit up, front such as PLTs and GOLDs do now. If AA knows they can sell those seats, even for modest amounts, AA is leaving money on the table when it hands that seat to you and me for free.
Oct 31, 2021, 2:50 pm
#145
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Austin
Programs: 1K MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, AA Exec. Plat
Posts: 403
I remain on the upgrade list about 1 out of 3 flights as an Exec. Plat. Twice this past month the gate agent has allowed two F seats to go unoccupied. These were functional seats, not purchased by others as explained to me by the flight attendants.
Oct 31, 2021, 2:59 pm
#147
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,247
Ding, ding we have a winner. AA (and other airlines) are conditioning their elites that complimentary upgrades are going away. You will pay something to sit up, front such as PLTs and GOLDs do now. If AA knows they can sell those seats, even for modest amounts, AA is leaving money on the table when it hands that seat to you and me for free.
Oct 31, 2021, 3:13 pm
#148
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,777
Read a DL investor presentation 3 or so years ago in which the carrier said that currently (then) they were “monetizing” dom F only 25% or so (ie, paid F or paid UPG into F) while within several years (now?) they were intending that to increase to 80% or more. So, yes. The days of comp upgrades are coming to end.
Oct 31, 2021, 3:16 pm
#149
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,777
But AS 75K or BA Gold are looking like better OWE anchors. In the latter case, free AAdmirals Club access too.