Bingo. It sucks. And Avianca sucks even more, so you're kind of hosed when it comes to options.

I tend to go via MIA. In the winter, it sometimes gets a 787. Additionally, the stage length is shorter than 5-6 hours on a 319.

Horrible thought.

Well, I do have SWUs I can use for SWO-DFW-BOG and back. Or maybe I will call and upgrade with cash or a mileage instrument (will evaluate once booked -- Unfortunately, the agency that'd be sending me only books Main cabin fares, but maybe I can convince them to send me on a daylight BOG-MIA-DFW-SWO flight back to avoid a horrid 1AM departing 5 hour long redeye on a A319)

It'd be a sorry use for an upgrade instrument, but the only thing worse than 5 hours on a A319 is 5 hours in the back of a A319.

In the middle of the night!

It's a terrible situation. No reason why those routes can't qualify for FL access (they did until a couple of years ago). The good new is that C inventory is usually plentiful. If you don't want to use a SWU you can always use miles + copay, it's only 15,000 + 150.

This. It's much cheaper than the usual international miles + copay. Unless you have SWUs expiring or no potential use, then don't waste them on this.

Ouch. Hope you enjoyed Rome, despite getting there in Y!

Just learned something new.. MEX qualifies for an upgrade. Had no idea. I have LAX-MEX coming up and need to book it very soon. Do you all recommend going to DFW first or better straight from LAX? As far as chances to get upgraded of course.

All of Mexico and Central America is eligible for upgrades!

Thats cool. Had no idea. My 22 year run of only F & J is coming to an end. I am running out of miles (and money to spend on F & J). Flew F/J for free for 4 years in HS and now 18 years of either a company buying it, me buying it or more recently playing the credit card/points game. Going to be flying Y very soon on some upcoming flights unless I score an upgrade which as a Plat I am not banking on (very sad).

9/11 - PIT to SEA
First AS flight as PPro (49k rolling pts) at check-in was 3/24 on upgrade list, ended up first loser. 1/22 remaining at boarding

Two questions on a BE ticket... They cant be cancelled or just cant be changed? Just confused if can use them as Trip credits if I cancel like a normal Y, J or F ticket or not. I put a $89 BE ticket for MIA-LAX on a 772.

I am on a cheap fare in DL F on the same day but its god awful early in the morning with a basic nothing special meal service. I was hoping to see if I get the upgrade on AA by the night before and then cancel DL if I get it. I just was hoping the $89 wouldnt go to waste if there is no upgrade and I stay w/ DL.

Also, do I have to call in to make sure I am in line to get the possible comp upgrade? Just wasnt sure since its a BE ticket.

BE tickets cannot be cancelled or changed, they are use it or lose it.

For anyone with status this is the major difference between BE and regular economy.

And you don't need to call to confirm you're on the waitlist, for anyone with status this is done automatically when you book, you can pull up your reservation at aa.com and verify.

Thanks.. I dont get your 2nd sentence.. What is the major difference between BE & regular economy for status holders? If BE is use it or lose it and economy are you can cancel at any time and get a flight credit then what is the difference for status members vs non status?

Status members on BE tickets still get their upgrade benefits, baggage benefits, priority boarding, and can select seats at any time just like usual.

Non status members on BE tickets obviously don't have any upgrade benefits, no bags, group 9 boarding, and no seat assignments until check-in (unless they pay).

For a status member the only real differences between BE and regular economy are no changes/cancellations and less miles/LP earning.