Due to the opening of a new business office in the West Palm Beach area, it will become necessary for me to make this trip at least 2-3 times a month. I couldn't find anything regarding this route on the search function. How is EUA for us lowly Silver's on this route? I know not to even bother trying with the infamous LAX or SFO routes, but I'd like to know if this route has any promise. Right now, my first trip is 06-09 Nov (odd dates, but that's how it worked out). Right now its A4 D4 F4 in both directions, so things are looking good. Any input would be appreciated!

as a platinum, i have had the toughest time upgrading to south florida.

i have heard west palm beach (pbi) is particularly tough. plenty of 757 service, however (not the crappy planes they fly to miami).

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 09-17-2003).]

My two flights are 753's w/ 24 FC seats, which I am sure will help. Also, my trip also falls on a Teacher's Convention weekend in NJ, a 4 day weekend when the whole state has no school; the seemingly entire population of school kids goes to Florida that weekend. I have a feeling there might be a lot of one-time leisure flyers on those flights. As for the future, I don't know, but for the time being, I think I might have a good chance.

Ahhh.. my route.

I fly this route and back 3-4 times a month. I also usually fly once a month to FLL instead to releive the boredom of PBI. :-)

As a Gold I have been upgraded close on 100% on EUA. When I was silver I got the upgrade maybe 75% of the time, though often at the gate. You should do okay most of the time.

Upgrades are always easier to/from FLL. Some pluses with FLL (although the distance to drive to your ultimate destination is longer):

* new terminal which is shared by CO, NW and JB (PBI terminal is a mess)
* designated elite security lines at FLL. Security lines at PBI can be a nightmare
* easier upgrades from FLL and more flight options in case of irregular ops
* staff is more pleasant...there is one agent at PBI who is so mean she made all the other passengers standing with me in the elite line shake in their shoes...and she has a reputation.
* FLL has a nice new Pres. Club

One more plus on FLL's side is that there is free Wi-Fi in the terminal. The only problem is you can't normally pick it up from inside the PC.

On the negative side, there isn't a gas station near the car rental returns (that I've found). Make sure you gas up before you get near the airport.

Oh, I nearly forgot - you get the internationally configured 757 with the BF seats on the EWR-FLL route. Much more comfortable thatn the regular ones on the PBI route.

You're right in the fact that the PBI terminal is totally disorganized - it drives me crazy sometimes, especially the security lines as you mentioned. I also think I know the grouchy agent you're speaking of. I had tried to checkin online for a reservation once and it told me I needed to check in with an agent (turns out I needed extra security screening because it was a one-way...ugh). When I was in the elite line for checkin, she barked at me to use the machine, and when I explained to her that I couldn't do it when I tried to online, she told me to use the machine anyway. I didn't feel like arguing with her, so I tried it...the same result. When I pointed this out to her, you would have sworn I cursed her and her family or something. She made a big deal about having to do it manually, muttering under her breath the whole time. And then, take a guess who was the GA for the my flight? Her! And when I tried to do elite early boarding, she actually pulled me aside to wait with the others because "I didn't deserve to board early for all the hassle I gave her." I was ready to explode, but I didn't for fear or her labeling me a security threat or something. I asked for her name, and she said that "she didn't have one". Normally, I find CO to be great, but this one agent failed to impress me, to say the least. I called 1-800-WE CARE LESS to complain, which actually went against its name for a change. I found a Harry and David gift basket at my front steps a week later. Way to go on the Customer Service end, they just need to get rid of her!!!

[This message has been edited by Cory6188 (edited 09-17-2003).]

I know her. I thought she was going to strangle me when I asked her to waive a change fee one day. You'd do well to steer clear of her in future.

Cory6188 ~ I fly out of P.B.I. on Continental to go wherever...I always fly into EWR and on the return portion, I fly back to EWR and then to PBI. I did the Silver promo (thank you flyertalk people!) and booked the three last trips in V class. The first two trips I received e-mails stating my EUA had been processed. The third time, no email. When I checked in on-line it asked if I wanted to be placed on an upgrade waitlist. I clicked "yes". When I got to the gate, I said to the GA "just wanted to be sure our names are on the upgrage waitlist". She said "why would you get an upgrade? I said "Well, we are silver e-lite and when I checked in on-line it asked if I wanted to be added to the list". She said it won't do it if there are two people on the reservation, even if both are elite. (I recalled reading that on these boards, I had forgotten about it!) So she split the reservations and said she'd call us. Once we boarded the FA came to our seat and moved us up front. On our way back, in EWR, we had both been automatically upgraded once again. That makes three out of three. I think if you are willing to book your ticket in a "V" or "B" fare, your chances of being upgraded will increase. Also check-in online early or at the airport! Book the 757-200's!! Good luck!