BA ticket - how to upgrade on an AA A321 Transcon from J to F
 

Hello Folks,

just wondering how to upgrade to F on an AA A321 Transcon - I always wanted to try the service and the "solo" seat in F. Route is JFK-LAX
I am currently ticketed in J (BA paper) - do you think this is something I can try once at the airport at JFK? Of course I am talking about a paid upgrade.

Any idea about how much those upgrades sell for?

Thank you!

Well, the food isnt exactly the same. However its not vastly different.

The F seat is similar to the 77W J seat, but a bit tighter and the cushioning is definitely cheaper and not very comfortable. There was one instance I was in F, and J was quite empty so asked if I could take a nap in an empty J seat as I find that more comfortable for sleeping.

But the above notes are correct--AA has difficulties managing if on BA ticket and even if on my BA FF number instead of my AA lifetime sapphire number--it just really screws things up for them.

You of course can ask, but I'd expect the response to be a full ticket exchange which day of travel will be quite high, so in advance I'd give them a call to see what the current cost would be to upgrade with a new ticket because yes, AA do not upgrade to F on the transcons. I think a few years back they may have even stopped allowing us to use a system-wide upgrade from J to F (similar to gold upgrade certs). But its been a few years since I've been an AA emerald, so just dont try anymore!

Depending what fare you're on, you can either call BA and upfare (if it is a through BA fare from, say, London, it may be a lot, but if it is a standalone JFK-LAX fare then it might not be that much of a difference). Alternatively, you can do it at the airport. AA will have no problem processing an airport upgrade as it won't require re-faring. F cabins are often full on this route though despite AA elites not having complimentary access to them.

Of course, AA operationally upgrades passengers to F when J/Y are oversold. But you're right that one should not count on that.

Thank you very much for all your replies - I will try at the airport then :-)

On a separate note: I have heard there might be a chance for asking a Concierge Key transfer to the airplane or pick-up at the aircraft door on arrival? Could you explain what this would mean and confirm whether this can be requested? I will be landing on BA metal and flying onward on AA.

Thanks!

Thank you KARFA, I will report back!

agreed with Krisz. I was a CK off and on but this was before they added other perks like transfers or pre-boarding. that said, weirdly the last half dozen transcons i've had with AA have yielded personal attention, car to gate at JFK, pre-boarding etc etc. i just chalked it up to random, non-busy days for AA if they were looking after a BA GGL (no CCR anymore) pax. basically, i don't expect anything, so i'm pleasantly surprised by all!

but no upgrades from J to F lol! (not that i want it)

I just had a return ticket in J.. outbound was LHR LAX und return was LAX JFK LHR... why so ever the LAX JFK leg was in F - and i must say for me this felt def. different!
The flagship first dining in LAX is super exclusive.. nothing compared to the standard flagship.. very friendly and attentive staff and just super exclusive.. 4 people in the whole lounge.
and of course this 1 -1 config is more exclusive.. so also when you sit down.. it is more exclusive - specially when u travel by yourself.. the onboard service was .. lets say AA.. but nicer than the one JFK to LAX in in J..

still no escorting or special service despite being GGL + CCR and booked on F.. and transferring to that LHR flight..
I agree to that hit or miss theory and dont think you have to be super important.. I had 6 domestic AA flights last months.. and got one CK boarding treatment at JFK on a very late flight to MCO booked in Y.
nothing on the return. nothing in LAX to LAS or SAT to LAX or LAX JFK even in F.. :-)

and... I slept very well in that seat, too :-) if that feeling of exclusiveness is worth money over J ? I dont know.

I got upgraded J to F on the JFK-LAX transcon last July. Very welcome surprise but agree the J seat is more comfortable (though I prefer privacy). I think storms had meant a couple of cancellations. Having gorged myself on meat and potatoes on the previous flights I neglected to try the Wagyu beef, opting instead for a cauliflower steak - I regret it to this day.

You will only get a T7 to T8 transfer if the Concorde Team prevail on AA to do it, so essentially Revenue and Prem. I guess 4 Baftas and 1 Oscar will also suffice. AA don't work out of T7 normally. In the other had a T8 to T8 transfer nay get the CK team involved, even for bog-standard GGLers.