New to Using RUCs
 

So I got RUCs for the first time this year with Platinum and apparently I'm doing something incorrectly when trying to redeem them.

This morning I called the Medallion desk and asked to have them apply one of my RUCs on my flight from ATL->PHX (27th on upgrade list) about an hour and a half before my flight. I was told to re-check in and I'd be at the top of the Upgrade list. I get to my gate and I'm not even on the upgrade list. Was wondering if it got coded wrong or something?

Gate agent was trying to tell me they do it differently this year so I don't know if he was confused or I don't understand how RUCs work?

I would call again. Perhaps the agent made a mistake, or at the very least they can verify it's correct.

Let us know how it works out. I haven't used any RUCs yet, but I'm curious if I should blow it now for a trip in 3 weeks, or wait it out and do what you're doing on DoD.

This definitely sounds like agent confusion and/or miscoding. I have the DL phone agents stay on the line as I check back in and view the upgrade list. As a PM you may not have been #1, but should have definitely on the list higher than before. I've had mixed success with GAs knowing how to apply RUCs...

DoD seems to work just fine if coded properly, requested at least T-2, not on an elite heavy route at peak times, etc. In the rare case you can use them in advance that's of course ideal - was able to snag LAX-BOS on a V fare and then use my RUC to confirm into first at booking. This worked out well as a colleague (DM on H fare) who waited for DoD was 3/40 for 1 seat *with* the RUC applied.

Definitely a good idea. IME agents knowing how to apply RUC's has gotten better but last year it was a real hit or miss. I always stay on the line with the agent until I see my new rank on the UG list.

Officially the terms and conditions on RUCs say they have to be requested 60 minutes before the flight. I have no idea if that is somehow enforced by the system but that could have been part of the problem. Certainly in the future I would recommend trying to put in the request a bit earlier, both because of the official cutoff time and just to give yourself time to call back if it doesn't seem to go through.

It looks like one of my RUCs is closed now too after not getting upgraded :confused:. I'll call tomorrow to see what the heck happened when I have some free time.