Originally Posted by flying_geek

It is (pretty much) true for EXP. Whenever there is PE space available for upgrades (IE, they would sell upgrades) EXPs are entitled to get them for free.

1, There is no automated process to put EXPs on an upgrade list. So you have to ask. It is NOT necessarily a gate thing either. You can ask at check-in, and if there are upgrades available for sale - you will get one for free. Sometimes, if you haven't already upgraded a segment - you might get a prompt at OLCI, sometimes later.
Categorically - when there was space and I asked - I got a free upgrade.
2, Because it is a manual process, if there is no immediate space available for sale, things can go off track at the gate. The agent is supposed to upgrade if you asked, but may "forget" and "accidentally" clear employees into PE etc

People say they sometimes get free PE if an SWU failed - true - but has nothing to do with SWU - having the SWU replaces the "asking" part only. You can even ask at check-in, get your free PE upgrade and a SWU to J applied at the gate. There has to be space, and you have to ask.

I rather frequently buy MUC-CLT-FLL-CLT-MUC and pretty much always buy outbound in Y and return in J (discounted fare classes of course) - Not once when there was space in PE did I not get the upgrade (when asked) at check-in. Sometimes I get a free offer when checking in at the app.

Originally Posted by Warriorconcept

Are these originating USA? I bought the $230 mistake fare for January and was wondering if I would have an option to upgrade at check in or if I should keep an eye out for points booking. Didn't realize I couldn't buy up to economy like with United 🥲

Originally Posted by aj_potc

The offer was in the app, not during check-in (although I've seen it offered there as well).

The direction of the flight doesn't matter. The upgrades tend to be offered as long as there are seats free. Whether you are okay with the asking price is a different question. You can check back and find different prices as the flight gets closer. Sometimes cheaper, sometimes more expensive.

Originally Posted by npretnar

Your luck on this might be specific to the generosity of the MUC out-station GAs, plus the fact that you're a frequent flyer on this route.

Have you tried this on any other routes originating in any other stations?

Originally Posted by flying_geek

MUC-CLT is a 6-7 times a year thing for me - I have nothing comparable from other airports. However I did do MAD-MIA and LHR-MIA (each once) last year where each I got a free y->PE upgrade

Originally Posted by PDXPremier

Would this still apply as EXP on an economy award ticket?

Originally Posted by PDXPremier

Would this still apply as EXP on an economy award ticket?

Originally Posted by flying_geek

It is (pretty much) true for EXP. Whenever there is PE space available for upgrades (IE, they would sell upgrades) EXPs are entitled to get them for free.

1, There is no automated process to put EXPs on an upgrade list. So you have to ask. It is NOT necessarily a gate thing either. You can ask at check-in, and if there are upgrades available for sale - you will get one for free. Sometimes, if you haven't already upgraded a segment - you might get a prompt at OLCI, sometimes later.
Categorically - when there was space and I asked - I got a free upgrade.
2, Because it is a manual process, if there is no immediate space available for sale, things can go off track at the gate. The agent is supposed to upgrade if you asked, but may "forget" and "accidentally" clear employees into PE etc

People say they sometimes get free PE if an SWU failed - true - but has nothing to do with SWU - having the SWU replaces the "asking" part only. You can even ask at check-in, get your free PE upgrade and a SWU to J applied at the gate. There has to be space, and you have to ask.

I rather frequently buy MUC-CLT-FLL-CLT-MUC and pretty much always buy outbound in Y and return in J (discounted fare classes of course) - Not once when there was space in PE did I not get the upgrade (when asked) at check-in. Sometimes I get a free offer when checking in at the app.

Originally Posted by craig_2029

Pretty sure it's automated now a days

From a flight back in November

Originally Posted by flying_geek

EXP can get free upgrade to PE

Originally Posted by ChurnieEls

Its sold out in both premium cabins if they're zero'd out, which they are in this case.

Originally Posted by salut0

Well, that may be true for this LHR-PHL flight on Thursday but my basic economy LHR-JFK at the start of September looks like this on EF right now, and I still am not being offered any paid upgrade solicitations. Why is that? It’s an 001 plated ticket, with the return flight an AA coded BA operated JFK-LHR leg. Might that be what’s preventing AA from showing me any upgrade offers on the outbound?

F5 A5 C7 J7 R7 D7 I0 W7 P0 Y7 B7 H7K7 M7 L7 G7 V7 S7 N7 Q7 O7

Originally Posted by salut0

Not seeing any paid upgrade offers on the AA app for an upcoming transatlantic flight I have booked in Basic Economy. Any idea why? Is it just because the flight is zeroed out in PE and J classes? I do see some free seats on the seat map

EF shows:

AA 729

LHR 06/27/24 9:45 AM
PHL 06/27/24 12:40 PM

789
Daily
95% / 10m

C0 J0 R0 D0 I0 W0 P0 Y7 B7 H7 K7 M7L7 G4 V7 S6 N5 Q5 O5