SWU Strategy
Feb 3, 2024, 2:12 am
#46
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Airport Lounges (Usually in ORD and LHR)
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, UA 1K, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,559
Feb 3, 2024, 5:26 pm
#48
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 152
Could someone explain the exact benefit of ExpertFlyer search for C availability?
If I search with ExpertFlyer and it says 7 C seats available and then I go to AA booking and the SWU option is not listed for the flight, does it mean AA has just not assigned a SWU for that flight? Is ExperFlyer just showing what possibly could have room but not necessarily a SWU?
I keep finding flights to Europe with lots of C availability but no SWU option. I am just trying to find random flights to find somewhere in the last quarter of the year.
If I search with ExpertFlyer and it says 7 C seats available and then I go to AA booking and the SWU option is not listed for the flight, does it mean AA has just not assigned a SWU for that flight? Is ExperFlyer just showing what possibly could have room but not necessarily a SWU?
I keep finding flights to Europe with lots of C availability but no SWU option. I am just trying to find random flights to find somewhere in the last quarter of the year.
Feb 3, 2024, 5:30 pm
#49
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,238
Could someone explain the exact benefit of ExpertFlyer search for C availability?
If I search with ExpertFlyer and it says 7 C seats available and then I go to AA booking and the SWU option is not listed for the flight, does it mean AA has just not assigned a SWU for that flight? Is ExperFlyer just showing what possibly could have room but not necessarily a SWU?
I keep finding flights to Europe with lots of C availability but no SWU option. I am just trying to find random flights to find somewhere in the last quarter of the year.
If I search with ExpertFlyer and it says 7 C seats available and then I go to AA booking and the SWU option is not listed for the flight, does it mean AA has just not assigned a SWU for that flight? Is ExperFlyer just showing what possibly could have room but not necessarily a SWU?
I keep finding flights to Europe with lots of C availability but no SWU option. I am just trying to find random flights to find somewhere in the last quarter of the year.
Feb 3, 2024, 5:42 pm
#50
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 152
Feb 4, 2024, 9:25 am
#54
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP 3.8MM AC; UA Silver; Hyatt Globalist; Honors Diamond; Bonvoy LT TTM
Posts: 343
What has been the historical clearance for DFW-HNL/OGG (to and from) mid-week (Tue or Wed) in September? I believe that's considered shoulder season for Hawaii. WIth the 788 only having 20 seats, i'm a nervous wreck, lol.
Feb 4, 2024, 11:18 am
#55
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,182
No, upgraded flights earn per the original booking. Moreover, since applying a SWU requires an AA marketed and operated flight, this will mean earning by fare (rather than a percentage of distance) in the vast majority of cases. With fare-based earning, there is no additional class bonus. Finally, paid C (listed in the earning chart) is completely different from upgrade C.
Feb 5, 2024, 9:06 am
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,526
If I fly let’s say jfk-lhr-Ist and use a SWU on the transatlantic on AA metal can I upgrade the BA operated lhr-Ist leg ? I think you can as long as the Ba leg is available as a saver reward correct?
Feb 5, 2024, 9:11 am
#57
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SFO/DFW
Programs: AA-EP, A3*G, UA*S
Posts: 296
Yes as long as there is award you can ring up EP or message AA on social media to get the second segment upgraded & reticketed. Just got to babysit your SWU balance to make sure they don't take a second SWU as they did for me (but it was easyto redeposit).
Feb 5, 2024, 9:13 am
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,794
Feb 5, 2024, 9:18 am
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,526