Which has Priority - EUA or Mileage Upgrade?
Mar 26, 2002 | 10:34 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL PM, BA Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 188
Which has Priority - EUA or Mileage Upgrade?
I'm looking at some transcon flights within 2-3 weeks and noticed how, as usual, A9 D7 F0.
I have no problems using mileage for an upgrade (My miles are worthless everywhere else!). Since they usually don't release seats until a week out (Generally hitting the Plat's EUA window), which upgrade would have priority if I'm put on a waitlist?
Gold/Silver elites upgrading with miles...or a platinum that gets upgrade with EUA?
Thanks!
I have no problems using mileage for an upgrade (My miles are worthless everywhere else!). Since they usually don't release seats until a week out (Generally hitting the Plat's EUA window), which upgrade would have priority if I'm put on a waitlist?
Gold/Silver elites upgrading with miles...or a platinum that gets upgrade with EUA?
Thanks!
Mar 26, 2002 | 10:44 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K/*G
Posts: 2,397
Miles have priority, but make sure to call when you see availability in F.
Mar 26, 2002 | 12:00 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
"Since they usually don't release seats until a week out (Generally hitting the Plat's EUA window)"
How about more like they release seats 3 hours before flight time, that seems to be the norm these days
How about more like they release seats 3 hours before flight time, that seems to be the norm these days
Mar 26, 2002 | 12:10 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,085
Actually to throw another data point into the equation, I just used miles to upgrade a pretty popular transco route (thru IAH - peak travel times, too) and 3/4 segments were F9 at time of booking (6 weeks out). The last one cleared last night at the exact 30 day mark. FWIW.
I think your problem is that now you're looking only 2 weeks out and by that time CO has traditionally taken away the F seats.
[This message has been edited by jetsetter777 (edited 03-26-2002).]
I think your problem is that now you're looking only 2 weeks out and by that time CO has traditionally taken away the F seats.
[This message has been edited by jetsetter777 (edited 03-26-2002).]
Mar 27, 2002 | 12:37 pm
#5
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NY, NY, USA
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, UA*S, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 2,001
Actually, in the event that the seats are dumped to F during the EUA-able window, miles have priority only in the event that you notice this conversion has happened, and you call CO immediately to process your upgrade. Your U/G generally will NOT clear. I am speaking from experience on over 25 segments attempted to upgrade w/ miles. On many of these, I was assured that my WL segment will be processed when an F seat becomes available. But only after losing out on two separate trans-con reservations, I noticed the trend.
So, my advice is to keep checking for F seats during the EUA process, and when one becomes available, call CO immediately.
So, my advice is to keep checking for F seats during the EUA process, and when one becomes available, call CO immediately.
Mar 27, 2002 | 12:50 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Homosassa, FL & Ringwood, NJ -UA-G(Lifetime); SPG-Plat (Lifetime)
Posts: 6,122
I agree with RChavez. I have personally witnessed several very heated arguments at gate areas where customers "who have spent 120,000 miles" for an upgrade are left standing while elites are given seats. This is particularly likely to happen on domestic segments to gateways for international flights, such as IAH to EWR. Those who used miles and who got into first class were the ones that scremed the loudest. Its best to call CO immediately after the A to F dump and before the final EUA wins.
Mar 27, 2002 | 6:18 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: FlyingBlue (Platinum); AA (Executive Plat); BAEC (Silver), SPG (Platinum); Hilton (Diamond)
Posts: 712
Just a little more insight - this is because the EUA system runs via computer where as the waitlist requires user intervention. i.e. if no agent happens to look at availability after seats are dumped into F and before EUA runs, EUA will go ahead and pull the seats at the designated time. It sucks but you have ot alert an agent to process your waitlist request before the EUA process it's list.
A great enhancement of having two upgrade lists.
A great enhancement of having two upgrade lists.
Mar 28, 2002 | 10:19 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL PM, BA Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 188
Thanks for the info everyone. Its nice to know when the Airline won't give you a reliable answer, at least we can turn to Flyertalk for one.
I was afraid this was the case. In the past I've had the same problems.
I guess I'll be checking during the day hoping someone cancels their seat, or in the evening when the A/F wizard does its magic.
Since I've heard the A to F conversion takes hours to do, and its computerized, I can't happen to imagine this huge warehouse filled with one mainframe from the 1970s doing all the work. Or maybe they have hamsters running around a wheel to the power the thing? I wish they could teach them to look at the "wait list" while they're doing that conversion.
Thanks
I was afraid this was the case. In the past I've had the same problems.
I guess I'll be checking during the day hoping someone cancels their seat, or in the evening when the A/F wizard does its magic.
Since I've heard the A to F conversion takes hours to do, and its computerized, I can't happen to imagine this huge warehouse filled with one mainframe from the 1970s doing all the work. Or maybe they have hamsters running around a wheel to the power the thing? I wish they could teach them to look at the "wait list" while they're doing that conversion.
Thanks
Mar 28, 2002 | 11:07 am
#9
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NY, NY, USA
Programs: AA EXP, BA Gold, UA*S, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 2,001
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AndrewNYC:
Since I've heard the A to F conversion takes hours to do, and its computerized, I can't happen to imagine this huge warehouse filled with one mainframe from the 1970s doing all the work. Or maybe they have hamsters running around a wheel to the power the thing? I wish they could teach them to look at the "wait list" while they're doing that conversion.
</font>
Since I've heard the A to F conversion takes hours to do, and its computerized, I can't happen to imagine this huge warehouse filled with one mainframe from the 1970s doing all the work. Or maybe they have hamsters running around a wheel to the power the thing? I wish they could teach them to look at the "wait list" while they're doing that conversion.
</font>
It's funny though, there are quite a few software vendors that sell products to implement this very thing. Maybe I should call up Lanyon Corp and ask for some glossies on their products, and then forward them onto CO's CTO!
Mar 28, 2002 | 11:35 am
#10
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: SoCal. HH Diamond... AA Plat, CO Silver.
Posts: 1,928
as an aside, I have also been told by HP staff that this program takes a really long time to run...
rather than delay the process, they will actually start it *early* so that it finishes...
HP Plats get their upgrades 3-days out, I've been receiving mine in the afternoon 4-days prior to departure...
rather than delay the process, they will actually start it *early* so that it finishes...
HP Plats get their upgrades 3-days out, I've been receiving mine in the afternoon 4-days prior to departure...
Mar 28, 2002 | 11:39 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: New York, NY
Programs: DL PM, BA Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 188
I've also received upgrades earlier, but on NWA. Maybe HP and NWA are starting the processs "earlier", but CO isn't. *shrug*