Upgrade seating algorithm is horrible.
Dec 23, 2024 | 1:59 am
#16
Join Date: Aug 2019
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, BonVoy Titanium, IHG Diamond, Hilton Diamond, RR VIP
Posts: 1,032
Ever since the latest push for buy ups (early 2024?), complimentary upgrades in advance have been drastically reduced in most popular routes. On Friday 12/20 there were still 6 F seats for sale/upsell BOS-CLT at T-1hr. 7 of us were upgraded around T-50 with no option to change seats. This is the new AA upgrade system, like it or not.
Dec 23, 2024 | 8:01 am
#17
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: ORD-JFK-EZE-MAD
Programs: AA LT PLT 4mm / Free Agent / GE / Secret Handshake
Posts: 868
The point is that even 1990s-era tech could add very simple coding to seat companions together and to take preferences so that I quit getting 4D when I want 1A, and so that people who don't want the bulkhead quit getting 1A instead of me. It would be so simple and avoid so much customer angst.
Dec 23, 2024 | 8:55 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott LT Plat | Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 13,291
companions are listed together, so it's not like anyone else is unfairly impacted.
Dec 23, 2024 | 1:11 pm
#21
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: NYC, SLC, LAX
Programs: AA EXP, UA Plat
Posts: 4,014
If AA wants to allow pax to further tune their seating preferences, they could easily add settings in profiles to do so. Basic stuff.
Dec 23, 2024 | 2:58 pm
#22
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Madison WI
Programs: AA EXP, LT Plt, 2.9MM, Lifetime AC, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz Precs Crcl
Posts: 2,828
Simple Solution
Want a particular FC seat? But it when it is open. Even that's not a sure thing, and yes, for many years as an EXP I played the upgrade game, won, and did it in time to get a desired seat. But those days are gone - apparently even for CK (reading some of the groaning in that thread on various issues). AA is different now, I guess we all have to adjust, like it or not. I know I did. YMMV
Dec 23, 2024 | 7:13 pm
#23
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Silver, Hertz Five Star
Posts: 7,493
There are two types of upgrades. Those done in advance and those that clear off the airport list just before boarding. In the first, if you two are on the same PNR or one is listed as the companion of the other, then the algorithm really should try to seat you together if possible, as it will always upgrade either both of you or neither of you. I don't know whether it seats you together consistently or at all. I seem to recall it does not. I believe your saved seat preference will trump any attempt to seat you together. However, if it's an advance upgrade there are likely seats still open so you can reposition yourselves after you've been upgraded. That's what I do.
With the airport list, they are normally pulled off one by one and there will be no attempt made to seat two together, even if possible. Usually it's a moot point, as there is unlikely any pairs open that close to boarding.
Still, I have to say the OP and companion were handled in the stupidest way possible given the open seats. I wonder if the GA or the T-40 automation did it.
With the airport list, they are normally pulled off one by one and there will be no attempt made to seat two together, even if possible. Usually it's a moot point, as there is unlikely any pairs open that close to boarding.
Still, I have to say the OP and companion were handled in the stupidest way possible given the open seats. I wonder if the GA or the T-40 automation did it.
