Is this a good use of an EVIP?
 

Flying JFK-DEL in paid J in a couple weeks. Normally we are required to fly Premium Economy unless the J prices are not to much more expensive. I have two SWUs to use this year and am not sure if I should use one to go from J to F on 773. Its nearly a 15hr flight but I might be better served to save it for a W to J move in the future.

All that said, the last few years, I have lost a bunch of SWU to expiration....

I think it is a good use of a SWU. I’d consider saving them IF you had some W flights booked. If you don’t, and don’t want to run the risk of losing the SWUs to expiration, I’d use them to upgrade to F. Even given the marginal delta in service level between J and F.

This will also get you into the Chelsea Lounge at JFK.

A more general question: where does the term “EVIP” come from? Is it the same as an SWU?

It's an old term I guess. I think may be how they are referred to in Sabre?.

Yes without question.

Thanks! Nothing else booked yet but I do have a SCL, LHR, and SYD flights before the end of the year. I feel like the W-J availability is more of a challenge than J-F so I may use it so I don't lose it...

Do you think there is a big difference in the hard product? I would get pajamas i guess...

Depends on what you value. The J seats are more private, but that's about it. Other than that factor, I consider the F seat superior. And, IF you get a good crew, service is far more personal and attentive. Personally, I'm sorry to see the product going away. Of course, YMMV.

Thanks!

I can confirm from several agents that a SWU comes across as a 'VIP' designation somewhere in the PNR

AA FC is a joke which is why AA is pulling it. A better seat maybe better food, maybe, but I never lost one.

eVIP is AA pre-merger I believe. I use to have lots a paper ones in the old days when you got 8 . The best use of an eVIP / SWU imho is flying thru USA from 2 other continents . ie SYD-LAX-JFK-EZE or LHR-JFK-LAX-TYO .

A historical note on VIP certificate from FT around 2000
VIP2's are systemwide upgrade certificates for Executive Platinums. They're not capacity controlled, so if there's a seat in the next class of service, it's all yours.

Those were the good old days.