Lima Upgrade Changes – Eff. Jun. 1, 2010
May 10, 2010, 2:53 pm
#16
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP, AS MVPG
Posts: 226
[QUOTE=kuwaito;13933282]As as result, i think we will see many flights to LIM going with an empty BF cabin. QUOTE]
A few years back, Lima was a BusinessFirst desitination, and then they changed it to an EUA deestination. Now it's back to BF. When it was a BF destination a few years ago, the front cabin was empty all the time. CO must think the dynamics have changed on this route in recent years??
A few years back, Lima was a BusinessFirst desitination, and then they changed it to an EUA deestination. Now it's back to BF. When it was a BF destination a few years ago, the front cabin was empty all the time. CO must think the dynamics have changed on this route in recent years??
May 10, 2010, 3:01 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: CO Plat
Posts: 149
The only change in the dynamics that I can forsee is that a few (really just a few) will pay for the upgrades with cash and miles. But again, I can forsee many (by not saying most of the flight) to go with an empty BF cabin. Is CO weighing a few (again a very few) dollars and miles collected more than what they were providing to its elite members who frequently fly on this route?
May 10, 2010, 3:09 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast
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Thanks for letting us know!
May 10, 2010, 3:36 pm
#19
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
As for LIM having been a BF destination "a few years back" it must be more than 5, likely many more. For a long time now the LIM route has been a gem for elites. The flight is longer than EWR-UK/Ireland and was EUA-able. They cannot improve the service enough to take away the value of losing that benefit.
I wonder if they'll realize fewer upgrades and start over-selling Y and throw OpUps at elites if they are not selling out up front. Sortof the same effect but with the folks willing to upgrade in advance actually paying for it rather than just using the miles.
May 10, 2010, 3:42 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MSP
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 63
Nooooooooo.
That is my main route when I go to South America.
That is my main route when I go to South America.
May 10, 2010, 3:55 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat
Posts: 11,500
Received this in my inbox: (have a flight to Lima in mid-June that I booked in February)
New Upgrade Policy for Continental Flights Between the U.S. and Lima
Effective June 1, 2010.
Beginning in June, we will be changing our upgrade policy for Continental flights between the U.S. and Lima. Our front cabin service will be similar to our BusinessFirst product and will continue to offer sleeper seats and a variety of dining and entertainment options.*
Flights booked for travel on or after June 1, 2010, between the U.S. and Lima, will no longer be eligible for complimentary Elite upgrades and service fees for OnePass upgrade rewards will correspond with our current policy for upgrading to BusinessFirst. With this policy change, flights between the U.S. and Lima will match the same OnePass upgrade policies and service fees as our longer flights, such as those between the U.S. and Europe, since they are comparable in both flight duration and onboard product. Flights operated by Copa Airlines between Panama and Lima are not included in this policy change and will continue to be eligible for complimentary Elite upgrades.
We have noticed that you have an upcoming Continental flight between the U.S. and Lima. Since this reservation was made before today, we will ensure your complimentary upgrade request is honored in accordance with the upgrade policies in effect when you booked your flight. This will happen automatically and will not require any action on your part.
Thanks for choosing Continental and we hope you enjoy your flight.
*Sleeper seats and entertainment may vary by aircraft. Concierge service and some onboard amenities will not be offered.
Effective June 1, 2010.
Beginning in June, we will be changing our upgrade policy for Continental flights between the U.S. and Lima. Our front cabin service will be similar to our BusinessFirst product and will continue to offer sleeper seats and a variety of dining and entertainment options.*
Flights booked for travel on or after June 1, 2010, between the U.S. and Lima, will no longer be eligible for complimentary Elite upgrades and service fees for OnePass upgrade rewards will correspond with our current policy for upgrading to BusinessFirst. With this policy change, flights between the U.S. and Lima will match the same OnePass upgrade policies and service fees as our longer flights, such as those between the U.S. and Europe, since they are comparable in both flight duration and onboard product. Flights operated by Copa Airlines between Panama and Lima are not included in this policy change and will continue to be eligible for complimentary Elite upgrades.
We have noticed that you have an upcoming Continental flight between the U.S. and Lima. Since this reservation was made before today, we will ensure your complimentary upgrade request is honored in accordance with the upgrade policies in effect when you booked your flight. This will happen automatically and will not require any action on your part.
Thanks for choosing Continental and we hope you enjoy your flight.
*Sleeper seats and entertainment may vary by aircraft. Concierge service and some onboard amenities will not be offered.
May 10, 2010, 3:57 pm
#22
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: CO Plat
Posts: 149
i guess it's official now
May 10, 2010, 3:57 pm
#23
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
*Sleeper seats and entertainment may vary by aircraft. Concierge service and some onboard amenities will not be offered.
At least they had the decency to not call it an "enhancement" while they took away a benefit.
May 10, 2010, 4:02 pm
#24
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Santa Fe
Programs: UA 1K, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 108
i've got a trip...
i'm on the phone with them now to figure out if i'm getting my 20k miles back.
May 10, 2010, 5:15 pm
#25
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,657
I can't think of a reason to go to Lima, yet.
That said - I would not mind so much if this is marketed simmilar to Business First Service, available to the rest of South America, EZE, GIG, with simmilar amenities, flat beds, amenity kits, etc.
That said - I would not mind so much if this is marketed simmilar to Business First Service, available to the rest of South America, EZE, GIG, with simmilar amenities, flat beds, amenity kits, etc.
Last edited by meFIRST; May 10, 2010 at 5:21 pm
May 10, 2010, 5:15 pm
#26
Company Representative, United Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 2,176
Hi kuwaito, LIM has always been on the margin for us, and you're right, it's been a considered BusinessFirst market before. We had our reasons for removing that designation way back when, and now the market dynamics have changed once again. Suffice to say, we wouldn't be making this change if we didn't think there'd be a meaningful difference to our performance on these routes. Competitively speaking, I hope you'll agree we still offer one of the most generous Elite upgrade policies between the U.S. and Latin America.
May 10, 2010, 5:34 pm
#27
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,657
To clarify, we'll honor the upgrade for reservations made on or before May 10, 2010. Still not counting on a rush, DiverDave. Then again, this is FlyerTalk.
Not exactly, sbm12 and EWR764. The service on New York/Newark - Lima will be upgraded to include a similar modified BusinessFirst service as our Hawaii BusinessFirst service. Printed menus and ice cream sundaes will be the notable adds on this route. The product on the Houston - Lima service will not change, at least not for now, but it's still a BusinessFirst seat (and by Jun, a >20% chance of a flat-bed seat), expanded catering, and a 3,000+ mile journey.
Hi kuwaito, LIM has always been on the margin for us, and you're right, it's been a considered BusinessFirst market before. We had our reasons for removing that designation way back when, and now the market dynamics have changed once again. Suffice to say, we wouldn't be making this change if we didn't think there'd be a meaningful difference to our performance on these routes. Competitively speaking, I hope you'll agree we still offer one of the most generous Elite upgrade policies between the U.S. and Latin America.
Not exactly, sbm12 and EWR764. The service on New York/Newark - Lima will be upgraded to include a similar modified BusinessFirst service as our Hawaii BusinessFirst service. Printed menus and ice cream sundaes will be the notable adds on this route. The product on the Houston - Lima service will not change, at least not for now, but it's still a BusinessFirst seat (and by Jun, a >20% chance of a flat-bed seat), expanded catering, and a 3,000+ mile journey.
Hi kuwaito, LIM has always been on the margin for us, and you're right, it's been a considered BusinessFirst market before. We had our reasons for removing that designation way back when, and now the market dynamics have changed once again. Suffice to say, we wouldn't be making this change if we didn't think there'd be a meaningful difference to our performance on these routes. Competitively speaking, I hope you'll agree we still offer one of the most generous Elite upgrade policies between the U.S. and Latin America.
Does anyone know if AA allows stickers on MIA-LIM?
May 10, 2010, 5:52 pm
#28
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Huntsville, AL
Programs: DL DM 1.929MM, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, IHG Platinum, Avis CHM, Marriott Titanium (lifetime gold)
Posts: 7,859
May 10, 2010, 6:42 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,450
Not exactly, sbm12 and EWR764. The service on New York/Newark - Lima will be upgraded to include a similar modified BusinessFirst service as our Hawaii BusinessFirst service. Printed menus and ice cream sundaes will be the notable adds on this route. The product on the Houston - Lima service will not change, at least not for now, but it's still a BusinessFirst seat (and by Jun, a >20% chance of a flat-bed seat), expanded catering, and a 3,000+ mile journey.
I suppose if market conditions are the driver then business travel to LIM must be on the upswing. Good news for CO. Again, I'm ambivalent about the change, but it's certainly a benefit cut to Elites.
May 10, 2010, 7:26 pm
#30
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Not exactly, sbm12 and EWR764. The service on New York/Newark - Lima will be upgraded to include a similar modified BusinessFirst service as our Hawaii BusinessFirst service. Printed menus and ice cream sundaes will be the notable adds on this route. The product on the Houston - Lima service will not change, at least not for now, but it's still a BusinessFirst seat (and by Jun, a >20% chance of a flat-bed seat), expanded catering, and a 3,000+ mile journey.
I'm still calling this one crappy.