Just back from NASCAR's Busch race in Dallas/Ft Worth. Used 20K miles for SFO-IAH-DFW and back. Happy to report another good overall experience with CO. Although this lowly Silver had no possibility to upgrade on an award ticket [I had the gumption to ask ] I was well accomodated. Made a last minute change to an earlier flight the day before departure. No problem, no fee and bulkhead window. Same story coming home from the race. No problem, no fee and bulkhead window. Both changes handled by the Elite line. This time the plane was a 752, so I had mega leg room next to the exit door in seat 7A. Even used my CO headphones to listen to the classical channel. How nice is it to actually still be able to enjoy some in-flight music?!?! The more I fly CO, the better I like them. That said, they can be pricey and Jungle Jets are no fun. Today I shall tip my cap to Gordo.

[This message has been edited by afrugal1 (edited 03-30-2003).]

NW elites are allowed to upgrade on award tickets. It's actually kinda silly to try and claim that an airline is better served by an empty seat in F than by a happy, loyal customer.

does American upgrade elites for free on coach award tickets?


[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 03-30-2003).]

FWIW: that courtesy is extended only to Platinum and Gold members, not silver ones.

Someone more familiar with the AA program should answer, but I don't think American claims to offer unlimited, free upgrades - I think you have to "pay" with stickers or miles or something in all cases.

Then again, with MRTC, one is not as desperate to escape from AA coach.

Oh. Then I stand corrected in this specific instance, thanks.


[This message has been edited by NJDavid (edited 03-30-2003).]

note: it's just "this specific instance."

How did you manage that? You mean you redeemed just 20,000 OnePass miles for a coach ticket? I thought domestic awards were enhanced to 25,000 OnePass miles.


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"We will not cut benefits from OnePass, our industry-leading frequent flyer program, because we remain committed to rewarding our most loyal customers."

-- Gordon Bethune (Continental's CEO) two weeks before significantly cutting benefits of the OnePass program

Could have booked last year before the "price" went up...

American doesn't upgrade elites domestically for free at all.

However, American does allow international upgrades with miles from any published fare, and has significantly better standard level inventory availbility. So it depends on what type of traveling you do and how important domestic F is to you.

Steve

Not correct. If an elite (i.e., EXP, Platinum, or Gold) is travelling on a Y or B fare domestically, the upgrade is complimentary (no stickers).

10-4, TransWorldOne. I try to plan out my racing travel schedule well in advance. This award was booked prior to enhancement.