Last edit by: JY1024
The current version of this thread can be found here:
FAQ: What's a Systemwide Upgrade / SWU / eVIP / VIP? (Master thread)
FAQ: What's a Systemwide Upgrade / SWU / eVIP / VIP? (Master thread)
ARCHIVE: SWU / VIP / eVIP Systemwide Upgrade questions
#3031
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 40
SWU and Mileage upgrades both come out of C inventory, so it doesn't matter, as far as the system's concerned, they're basically the same thing and work in the same way.
There is one difference (which doesn't apply to you yet), There is sometimes hidden inventory available just to EXPs, even when C=0 and everyone else would normally get waitlisted.
Edit: There is one more difference that might affect you, now that I think about it. As a gold or platinum member, miles + co-pay has priority over (plats and golds using) SWUs once the flight goes to the airport upgrade list.
There is one difference (which doesn't apply to you yet), There is sometimes hidden inventory available just to EXPs, even when C=0 and everyone else would normally get waitlisted.
Edit: There is one more difference that might affect you, now that I think about it. As a gold or platinum member, miles + co-pay has priority over (plats and golds using) SWUs once the flight goes to the airport upgrade list.
#3032
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
"...regardless of paid, published fare to the next class of service." N fare is included. Also says "C" fare class must be available to move up to the J cabin.
It also links to https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/e...s/upgrades.jsp, which is worth the time to read.
tom911 and others have chimed in; your chance of getting four SWUs is not high, given buying, trading for, etc. for them can put your upgrade and even account at risk.
Good luck with your flights.
#3033
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
posted in wrong forum. please delete.
Last edited by brewdog11; Apr 23, 2015 at 10:36 am Reason: moving post
#3034
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SNA
Posts: 18,241
Hubby is new to AA (via US Air) but I manage travel. As a CP, he got 8 upgrades. As he continues to fly, he seems to get upgraded without using the certificates -- same as US Air. I'm doubtful we will travel internationally anytime soon. I've read on AA and searched the forums but I don't understand the value other than giving them to someone who isn't travelling with him or on his record. Example -- he and son were upgraded on Saturday from SFO to ATL without using the upgrade certificate. For what it's worth, ATL is the airport we use most.
The major international benefits are SWU's and lounge access.
If you don't fly internationally you don't reap the international benefits. If you don't fly domestically you don't reap those.
#3035
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
A friendly reminder that AA instruments (upgrades / SWU, miles / awards, etc.)are NOT to be offered for barter, trade, sale or requested on FlyerTalk - at all, anywhere.
/Moderatorj
/Moderatorj
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 24, 2015 at 8:35 am
#3036
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Formerly PHL suburbs, now Tucson
Programs: Formerly US CP & AA EXP, now Gold
Posts: 150
It also links to https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/e...s/upgrades.jsp, which is worth the time to read.
Thanks,
David
#3037
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,384
You need to have SWUs in your account for them to show. Even if you are EXP, they won't show if your balance is 0.
#3038
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
#3039
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Formerly PHL suburbs, now Tucson
Programs: Formerly US CP & AA EXP, now Gold
Posts: 150
Again, thanks.
David
#3040
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: UK/USA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 830
SWU Question
If you're confirmed C using an SWU and flight is cancelled - must AA keep you in C when re-booked or original Y booking code/original ticket?
Thanks
Thanks
#3041
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
We'll likely merge this into the extant thread in the "Combined Ailine and Programs" forum, as SWUs are issued to all AAdvantage members, including prior US Dividend Miles elites. /Moderator
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 28, 2015 at 3:45 pm Reason: Darn autocorrect
#3042
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
#3043
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: JFK/LGA
Programs: AA EXP/5 MM, BA Blue Bayou, HH LT Diamond
Posts: 5,828
#3045
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: PSP
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, United
Posts: 1,081
It means that if you purchase a J ticket it is upgradeable to F with a SWU.