Will I get a Complimentary Upgrade from Y to W on tomorrow's flight as an EXP?
Nov 22, 2022, 11:34 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,510
Will I get a Complimentary Upgrade from Y to W on tomorrow's flight as an EXP?
Waitlisted to J for two of us for tomorrow's PHL-CDG flight and, unfortunately, it is showing:
I believe I have seen a post or two awhile ago somewhere on FT that the AAngels/GA's sometimes will upgrade an EXP to Premium Economy if the SWUs don't clear.
PE is fairly empty but I am not going to burn an SWU on a 7hr flight to sit in it.
What do y'all think? Any tips for me on how or where to ask tomorrow?
(This is the first time in history where I haven't cleared an SWU so Y is going to be a very new experience for me internationally.)
I believe I have seen a post or two awhile ago somewhere on FT that the AAngels/GA's sometimes will upgrade an EXP to Premium Economy if the SWUs don't clear.
PE is fairly empty but I am not going to burn an SWU on a 7hr flight to sit in it.
What do y'all think? Any tips for me on how or where to ask tomorrow?
(This is the first time in history where I haven't cleared an SWU so Y is going to be a very new experience for me internationally.)
Last edited by 355F1; Nov 23, 2022 at 12:20 pm
Nov 22, 2022, 12:07 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Maybe, maybe not. Very limited data points, still seems to be completely YMMV. Not much you can do other than ask in the Admirals Club and again at the gate if you don't get anywhere with the AC. Definitely report back on how it goes.
Premium Economy Upgrade Request for EXP & CK [$0 for a limited time]
Premium Economy Upgrade Request for EXP & CK [$0 for a limited time]
Nov 22, 2022, 12:11 pm
#3
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PP, DL PM
Posts: 2,086
I read the memo about complimentary Y to W upgrades a while ago when it was posted by Gary or JonNYC, and I believe you have to be listed for an upgrade with a SWU (i.e. VIP1 or VIP2) to be eligible (so it sounds like you would be). You should also check in the app if you are being offered a LFBU to W for $0.
If you can get the first row of MCE, Y is pretty good on a PHL to Europe flight. 10JKL on the 788 are blocked until day of departure -- I was able to grab them at T-12. Remember they have snacks in the galley -- I ate a lot of shortbread cookies.
If you can get the first row of MCE, Y is pretty good on a PHL to Europe flight. 10JKL on the 788 are blocked until day of departure -- I was able to grab them at T-12. Remember they have snacks in the galley -- I ate a lot of shortbread cookies.
Nov 22, 2022, 12:26 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,510
I read the memo about complimentary Y to W upgrades a while ago when it was posted by Gary or JonNYC, and I believe you have to be listed for an upgrade with a SWU (i.e. VIP1 or VIP2) to be eligible (so it sounds like you would be). You should also check in the app if you are being offered a LFBU to W for $0.
If you can get the first row of MCE, Y is pretty good on a PHL to Europe flight. 10JKL on the 788 are blocked until day of departure -- I was able to grab them at T-12. Remember they have snacks in the galley -- I ate a lot of shortbread cookies.
If you can get the first row of MCE, Y is pretty good on a PHL to Europe flight. 10JKL on the 788 are blocked until day of departure -- I was able to grab them at T-12. Remember they have snacks in the galley -- I ate a lot of shortbread cookies.
No upgrade offers within the app before, or during, check-in.
Thank you for your post!
I have flown PHX-OGG a few times in Y and its about a 6.5hr flight so I know I won't die in Y.
Nov 22, 2022, 1:22 pm
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
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But the upgrade offers won't appear if you're already waitlisted for a SWU or miles/copay upgrade. I know the $0 upgrade offer to PE was mentioned in the thread I linked to but I'm honestly not sure how that works.
Nov 22, 2022, 1:33 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,510
Nov 22, 2022, 1:37 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: RDU <|> MMX
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Nov 22, 2022, 5:45 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: All Over
Programs: DL Gold, AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hilton Dia, Hyatt Glob, CC Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 574
Sometimes you need to get pushy with a gate agent to upgrade to W if J if full and you're on the upgrade list. A few months ago in ORD, she swore up and down they can't upgrade to W, I kept pushing, and after she read the entire policy on the AA intranet and saw my VIP2 entry on the upgrade list, she moved me to premium economy, by that point nearly the entire plane was boarded.
Nov 23, 2022, 8:14 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,510
We are #1/2 of 5 on the Waitlist for 0 seats. LoL.
Nov 23, 2022, 9:37 am
#10
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Location: RDU <|> MMX
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Nov 23, 2022, 10:24 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,510
Nov 23, 2022, 12:10 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2000
Programs: UA 1k, AA EXPLT, NZ GE, VA PLT Hyatt Diam, Marr Plat, HH Diam
Posts: 3,445
I’ve been advised by a few AA agents that the official policy is that ONLY the EXP gets a DoD UPG from Y to PY and that companions don’t. Assume that agents have some discretion on this, so don’t shoot the messenger (ie., me). This sort of silliness is one of several reasons I’m leaving AA.
“When traveling in a reservation that has a mix of status members checking in together, the other customers are ineligible to receive day of departure upgrades ((formerly known as LFBU). In this case, we see you've got Exec Plat status, whereas XXX has Gold status. We do see there's two spaces in Prem Econ available for confirmed changes, and it'll cost 65,000 miles per passenger, with the same taxes of $5.60. Your current award cost 20,000 miles per passenger, so there'll be a difference of 45,000 miles per passenger. What do you think?”
“When traveling in a reservation that has a mix of status members checking in together, the other customers are ineligible to receive day of departure upgrades ((formerly known as LFBU). In this case, we see you've got Exec Plat status, whereas XXX has Gold status. We do see there's two spaces in Prem Econ available for confirmed changes, and it'll cost 65,000 miles per passenger, with the same taxes of $5.60. Your current award cost 20,000 miles per passenger, so there'll be a difference of 45,000 miles per passenger. What do you think?”