I use KVS to check for R class availability on CO. I just tried to use it and the R bucket is gone. It was there this morning, but it isn't anymore. The tool is going to Amadeus to get the availability.

Did anyone else notice this?

I am experiencing the same problem.

However, it may be a temporary system problem because I see X0 for some flights when continental.com is selling X seats.

I have seen this before...it was temporary in that instance.

Unfortunately, I really don't have a way of telling what CO may be up to (or if they are just doing some maintenenace). But I do hope that Bonehead's theory is correct ...

If the R class doesn't re-appear in a few days, then it would probably be safe to assume that someone at CO wasn't too ecstatic about you guys seeing R availability ...

I just pm'ed KVS to confirm that the glitch is temporary. I am only seeing up to 4 in first class buckets and no R bucket.

My Aug 31 - Sept 4 RT EWR-FLL shows only A4 D4 Z4 in the KVS Tool --- but in reality there are 13 (of 14) FC seats available out of EWR and 22 (out of 24) FC seats out of FLL (or visa versa). That may be a "good" sign --- suggesting some temporary glitch --- I hope, I hope.

Yeah, having the same issue here. And so I randomly started searching flights and it seems that no matter the route or day, I get A4 D4 Z4, or some combination of that. In no case am I showing more than 4 first class seats. So hopefully it is a temporary glitch! R availability is the main reason I use the KVS Tool.

I hate to say but I do not think it is an oddball glitch. I use KVS but also Amadeus proofessional GDS and CO now only shows availability of up to 4 in each premium bucket regardless of the Amadeus version. Many carriers show only up to 4 seats per bucket so it's not odd.

I just hope our friends at KVS can crack into the R class bucket again....I am sure it's present invisible status is not unintentional.

FWIW, I still see plenty of A9s on CO flights, using ExpertFlyer. EF has never provided access to R inventory, so I imagine it's using a different GDS than KVS.

Indeed, Sabre (which EF uses) continues to show a max of 9 in all classes:

[KVS Availability Tool 2.2.4/Platinum - Sabre: ITN/US-AX1]

Just so that everyone understands, the airline has an ability to set the max. number of seats they are willing to show in availability displays. It can be either 9, 7, or 4.

CO also has an ability to hide any class it choses from being shown in a particular place [like the Tool] .

Uh, just throwing out a thought, but could the unavailability have anything to do with the fare class coding changes that are going on? I'm told that fare classes are scheduled to change and atleast some classes are being blocked or delayed or on hold until after Aug 7th especially on mileage reward codes.

But if they are changing their codes, and atleast for sure are changing the reward codes for standard reward bucket (M to GN for elite members), couldn't CO also be changing the coding for the R class seats which is a mileage upgrade available seat and if so then maybe that's the reason it is not available right now?

We know there's a web site change coming, and a sneak preview was to be available 7/19, but there also will be fare code class changes or so I've heard. Or as other's said, they are playing with their system in prep for the new web site change and it's a glitch. I'm picturing a lot of work being done in prep for the 7/23 web site change. Just throwing out another idea.

Presumably, if CO hides it from your tool, then they are also hiding it from all "real" travel agents?
I guess it's possible CO wants to take complete control of the mileage upgrade process.

For those of you who monitor this on a regular basis, is there any rhyme or reason to when CO usually releases R seats? Just curious....

There is definately something odd going on with Amadeus. My flight this afternoon (CO228) is showing A4D4Z4 on Amadeus, but A2D2Z2 on Sabre and Galileo.