CGNC

Looking for some thoughts, especially for those who've used GUCs on KLM recently. I'm flying tomorrow JFK-AMS-EBB, with JFK-AMS on DL currently having Z space, but not AMS-EBB. My return is EBB-AMS-ORD. AMS-ORD is available in Z, but flight is booked as KLM and not DL codeshare as it is on the outbound.

I have one GUC expiring soon. Do I use it on JFK-AMS with the hope that KL will a) have a seat open up on the continuing portion and b) be willing to process the upgrade for me at AMS (probably at gate as it is a tight connection) or try to use it on the way back, hoping EBB can get me a seat on both segments (assuming a seat opens up on the first leg)?

Mr. Tickets

Are you booked KL or DL JFK/AMS? If booked DL will need "O" upgrade space. The flight AMS/EBB only has to "business" seats available, so I would think that
leg will not likely have space available in business by flight time. (It will sell out).

Grouchy

To OP, the seats that currently are avalaible (only 2) , KL might open more on the DoD but they also might (or not) sell out fast. GUC need to be cleared at the KLM ticket desk or KLM lounge, cut off time T-45min.
AMS-JFK; think there is a reasonable chance you will clear that leg when using a GUC:

KL 537 1 AMS
10/22/16 10:45 EBB
10/22/16 22:20 332
Sa
NA / NA J4 C4 D4 I4 Z4 Y9 B9 M9 U8 K7 H0 L0 Q0 T0 E0 N0 R0 V0 G0 X0

KL 535 1 AMS
10/23/16 10:45 EBB
10/23/16 22:20 332
Su,W
NA / NA J2 C2 D0 I0 Z0 Y9 B9 M9 U9 K7 H6 L4 Q1 T0 E0 N0 R0 V0 G0 X0

DL 46 0 JFK
10/22/16 16:26 AMS
10/23/16 6:00 76W
Unavailable
85% / 24m J4 C4 D3 I1 Z0 W0 Y8 B8 M7 S7 H6 Q5 K4 L1 U0 T0 X0 V0 E0

DL 48 0 JFK
10/22/16 20:00 AMS
10/23/16 9:30 333
Unavailable
77% / 30m J8 C7 D7 I6 Z3 W0 Y9 B9 M9 S9 H9 Q9 K9 L9 U0 T0 X0 V0 E0

2nd Issue: If you apply the GUC at JFK and don't tell them you plan to use tit also for the EBB leg, Delta might close your GUC by the time you arrive at AMS.

MSPeconomist

OP/RP is instrument supported upgrade space on DL flights.

O is D1 award space.

CGNC

Thanks, everyone. So the DL agent said that I could be waitlisted for the KL flights, which, unless this is new, I didn't think was a possibility. Anyone have experience with that?

CGNC

Thank you, Grouchy! Yes, the second issue you raise is the one I'm most interested in, as I'd hate to get to AMS, a seat be open, and not be able to take it because of a closed GUC. Have you been able to ask them to hold open for you in the past?

Mr. Tickets

Yes, sorry, I left off the "P".

flyerCO

It'll be marked closed as soon as the ticket is reissued so that can board JFK-AMS in J. KLM agents know that a closed GUC can be extended to cover other flights covered by the fare component. In fact they seem more knowledgeable then most DL agents.

CGNC

Got it--I'm learning!

So on the way there I'm looking at flights that have J8 and J2 availability and on the return (a week out), at least for the moment, I see J1 and J5.

I feel its always nice to upgrade on the return given the longer flights but wonder if I should make an exception given availability?

Grouchy

Please be aware that: yes you are waitlisted but YOU have to call Delta and ask if there has space opened on KLM (& it won't go to the gate-> clear with a KLM lounge or ticket desk agent on the DoD)

flyerCO

Since discount J nowadays isn't too bad a lot of times I upgrade by paying. However when I do use a GUC or rare case mileage, I prefer getting upgraded going rather than coming. It's a night flight going, and sleeping is important to not be off schedule when you arrive. OTOH, coming back is a day flight where it's better to be awake. Regardless if there's no upgrade space, there's no upgrade.

Mr. Tickets

Yes, but he is departing tomorrow. Last minute J will be expensive, doesn't go much for his current situation

CGNC

Just a follow-up--ended up using this on the outbound. Cleared JFK-AMS with no problem, but despite being told by the SkyClub agent at JFK that I was on the list for the AMS-EBB leg, once I arrived, all seats were gone. I spoke with an agent who said they have no such list and they cannot process GUC's at the gate--only at ticketing desks, etc. My AMS-JFK leg ended up arriving quite late so there wasn't much to be done.

Perhaps my only words of wisdom from the experience would be to use GUCs ex-AMS only if you have a decent layover and can get to a ticketing counter or lounge!

Father-of-3

I have a similar challenge with GUCs. I'm looking at ATL-MAA (Chennai) on 11/12 and DEL-ATL on 11/20. I've tried every routing that I can think of and I've called Delta 11 times today but nothing seems to have the seat inventory.

Grouchy - what tool are you able to use to see the inventory?

And I've been told that on KLM or Air France it has to be booking initially into business that I cannot be waitlisted on their metal. Seems like there is some confusion on that. At this point I'd be willing to pay a travel agent to solve this all for me. I wish they still existed.

MSPeconomist

There's a London based travel agent, also participating in FT, who seems to do a lot of this but I don't know whether their expertise extends beyond the BA FF program.