Best strategy for getting upgraded on flight to London
Jun 20, 2022, 1:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2022
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 3
Best strategy for getting upgraded on flight to London
I'm a platinum pro AA member and looking to book two seats from DFW to London in October, with hopes of getting upgraded. Should I book Premium Economy or just go with the cheapest seats? Does it matter which I paid for in determining my upgrade?
Any advice is appreciated!
Any advice is appreciated!
Jun 20, 2022, 1:35 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,386
I'm a platinum pro AA member and looking to book two seats from DFW to London in October, with hopes of getting upgraded. Should I book Premium Economy or just go with the cheapest seats? Does it matter which I paid for in determining my upgrade?
Any advice is appreciated!
Any advice is appreciated!
But in the reality-based world, you will need to use either miles and likely a copay, or SWUs gifted by someone, to get upgraded subject to availability and priority. It will make no difference whether you buy the cheapest seats or PE.
Jun 20, 2022, 1:56 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Dallas, Texas
Programs: AA Exp. Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum.
Posts: 1,186
When you are on an upgrade wait list for milage upgrades the order is based on currently elite status and a rolling 12 month addition of loyalty points.
Jun 20, 2022, 2:07 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
You are not going to get complimentary upgrades, although I've heard that dressing well and telling the GA/FA that it's your birthday/honeymoon/anniversary often does the trick.
Jun 20, 2022, 2:16 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,004
I'm a platinum pro AA member and looking to book two seats from DFW to London in October, with hopes of getting upgraded. Should I book Premium Economy or just go with the cheapest seats? Does it matter which I paid for in determining my upgrade?
Any advice is appreciated!
Any advice is appreciated!
Jun 20, 2022, 2:36 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I'm a platinum pro AA member and looking to book two seats from DFW to London in October, with hopes of getting upgraded. Should I book Premium Economy or just go with the cheapest seats? Does it matter which I paid for in determining my upgrade?
Any advice is appreciated!
Any advice is appreciated!
Jun 20, 2022, 2:48 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2022
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 3
That's what I have on hold right now - it's about a $700 difference per ticket for PE, but I just have no idea how easily upgrades are to be had right now.
Jun 20, 2022, 2:58 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,004
Jun 20, 2022, 3:05 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 52
Suggesting you connect at JFK and trying to use upgrade instrument on AA 104 might be a bit much. But you’ve got pretty good shot at getting the upgrade on that leg.
Jun 20, 2022, 3:05 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,465
The very first random date I picked in October (Oct. 12) has 3 upgrades available on the late evening DFW-LHR nonstop, for example. If you book a flight with upgrade space available then you can confirm it immediately after booking, no waitlisting.
ETA: Looking further in October, the late DFW-LHR nonstop has upgrade space (C) available on Oct. 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26. Book away...
Last edited by JJeffrey; Jun 20, 2022 at 3:30 pm
Jun 20, 2022, 3:26 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SNA
Posts: 928
Of course, the honeymoon/anniversary approach works from any class of service!
Jun 20, 2022, 3:32 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,465
No, a SWU or miles/copay still goes from either economy or PE to business. You do not need to buy PE in order to upgrade to business.