Ex Plat -> Buying Basic Economy -> Using SWU
Mar 7, 2024, 9:30 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 596
Ex Plat -> Buying Basic Economy -> Using SWU
I know this has been discussed but I've struggled to find details in search.
Short question is, as an EP, buying a domestic ticket with immediately confirmable upgrade space via SWU, which of the "bad elements" of buying basic economy still apply after I complete that transaction?
I know most of the stuff won't matter, like I'll be able to check bags and of course I'll be sitting in a domestic F seat. But what carries over? Is the ticket still impossible to change or refund for flight credit? Or does any of that stuff drop off because it's been upgraded (or because I'm EP)?
I've never considered BE in my life but on this one the price difference to main cabin is substantial, and I have the extra SWUs so I'm considering it for the first time.
Short question is, as an EP, buying a domestic ticket with immediately confirmable upgrade space via SWU, which of the "bad elements" of buying basic economy still apply after I complete that transaction?
I know most of the stuff won't matter, like I'll be able to check bags and of course I'll be sitting in a domestic F seat. But what carries over? Is the ticket still impossible to change or refund for flight credit? Or does any of that stuff drop off because it's been upgraded (or because I'm EP)?
I've never considered BE in my life but on this one the price difference to main cabin is substantial, and I have the extra SWUs so I'm considering it for the first time.
Mar 7, 2024, 9:37 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
Lower mileage earning and the inability to change/cancel are the only drawbacks to purchasing BE as an AA elite. Whether you upgrade with a SWU is irrelevant in that sense.
Mar 7, 2024, 12:47 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP / LT PLT / 3MM, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 35,399
I know this has been discussed but I've struggled to find details in search.
Short question is, as an EP, buying a domestic ticket with immediately confirmable upgrade space via SWU, which of the "bad elements" of buying basic economy still apply after I complete that transaction?
I know most of the stuff won't matter, like I'll be able to check bags and of course I'll be sitting in a domestic F seat. But what carries over? Is the ticket still impossible to change or refund for flight credit? Or does any of that stuff drop off because it's been upgraded (or because I'm EP)?
I've never considered BE in my life but on this one the price difference to main cabin is substantial, and I have the extra SWUs so I'm considering it for the first time.
Short question is, as an EP, buying a domestic ticket with immediately confirmable upgrade space via SWU, which of the "bad elements" of buying basic economy still apply after I complete that transaction?
I know most of the stuff won't matter, like I'll be able to check bags and of course I'll be sitting in a domestic F seat. But what carries over? Is the ticket still impossible to change or refund for flight credit? Or does any of that stuff drop off because it's been upgraded (or because I'm EP)?
I've never considered BE in my life but on this one the price difference to main cabin is substantial, and I have the extra SWUs so I'm considering it for the first time.
With a BE fare, you need to give the system a couple of hours to recognize your elite status and then change your fare code. B-coded fares cannot be upgraded, even with agent intervention.
As @JJeffrey pointed out, none of the restrictions that applied when you purchased the ticket will change or be relaxed.