Yeah, same thing happened to me the last time I used a BXP3. Ugh... terrible training for something that is so rudimentary.

​​​​​​Good to know, thanks. Unfortunately all C space has disappeared and flight is now J0. Really frustrating.

I did ask them why they couldn't do it since the space was available for mileage / swu and they didn't have an answer for me.

New to the upgrade game here so be gentle, please! :D....I have amassed a surfeit of Business Extra points over the last 18 months and with business class fares at almost $3000 per person I'm looking at burning a few on some BXP1s on a JFK-LAX-JFK trip next month for the wife and I.

Am on the 5.15pm JFK-LAX on a Friday, not holding a huge amount of hope on that one, but coming back on a Tuesday LAX-JFK at 3.00pm I am a little more hopeful for something coming through.

I haven't really used Expertflyer much but see there are award alerts and it'll email me if C space opens up. Does anyone know how often the EF sweep is? I have set the alert for one seat, if that opens up can I call and split the PNR and upgrade one person? I assume I'd need to call in to reservations first and then call Meeting Services?

I read somewhere that C space doesn't really open up until 24hrs beforehand on the premium transcons. Does that sound somewhat accurate?

Any other pointers on recent Y-J with BXP1s on the premium transcons? Was hoping to use them on J-F but the fares are more than double what I paid the last few times I flew this route :(

Thanks!

1. the $659 business fares are still out there, just primarily at odd times or weekends ($559 has been Saturdays only for a while), and always only on advance purchase. Google Flights is useful for finding them. Keep in mind that you can use same-day flight change to get on another flight in the same fare bucket (for business class) and then use a BXP1 to get to F. unfortunately the $859 fares are generally gone -- if the $659 is unavailable then it seems to be $1100-1300 or higher.

2. I'd say C might pop up more in the 36-48 hour range. EF is pretty reliable at this.

3. You mention calling both AA and Meeting Services. You'd only have to do this if you need to upfare to get out of B/N/O/Q/S (call AA to avoid the $200 change fee, which technically they could still charge you but in my and others' experience they don't) and then call Meeting Services to apply the BXP1. If your ticket is already in an eligible fare class (i.e. not B/N/O/Q/S) then you'd only need to make one phone call, to Meeting Services. Note their limited hours and there's nothing you can do if C goes away when they're closed.

4. I don't see the benefit to splitting the PNR in advance and I wouldn't necessarily waitlist the BXP1. People have all kinds of trouble (read upthread) getting Meeting Services to clear them. I'd rather wait until C is available and then call to apply the BXP1, and if only one is available, split it then.

Are awards only ex-USA? or can I book an award Europe-USA-Europe? This information is not clear online.

You can most definitely book an award from any region to any region, doesn't have to be ex-USA.

Same thing just happened to be on a BXP1. I got an EF alert for C space on a BOS-LAX premium transcon. I also checked the AA website to confirm that it was available.

When I called, the Meeting Services agent said that it wasn't available, and sort of patronizingly explained that they don't release them early because they want to sell the seats. I said I realize that, but the AA website is showing that there is space available, and that it is available for SWUs, and it pulls from the same inventory. He made some stuff up about how with SWUs and Miles + CoPay, you're giving something up, so they don't necessarily make the same space available.

I thanked him, hung up, called back, and got an agent who was able to see it immediately and apply the BXP1. Always, always, always, HUCA.

Glad you were able to get yours applied. I called three or four times and got nowhere, by that time the C space had disappeared. What an annoying process.

After an especially frustrating call trying to use one of mine, I asked the agent what the point of the program is if I can't use the rewards I've earned-got no answer.

Going for great!